HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-2010
City of Auburn Arts Commission, City Hall Room 3
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Present: Leslie Moore, Debby Deal, David Sader, Linda.Elliott, Rat Judd, Donna Smart, Nancy Colson,
Greg Watson Visual/Public Art Coordinator Maija McKnight, Special Events and Marketing Manager Julie
Brewer Excused: Kristen Brock, Cary Davidson, Councilmember Rich Wagner Guests: Councilmember
Virginia Haugen
I. Call to Order, Approval of Minutes, Introductions and Approval of Minutes: Chair Leslie Moore
called the meeting to order at 4:33 pm. Ms. Moore called for approval of the January and February
minutes. Commissioner Linda Elliott moved the January minutes 6e approved as submitted:
Commissioner Patricia Judd seconded the motion. Motion approved. Commissiooer Debby Deal
moved the February minutes be approved as submitted. Commissioner Linda Elliott seconded the
motion. Motion approved.
11. BRAVO Performing Arts Series 2011
Sfaff Julie Brewer provided a handout that was an overview the BRAVO Performing Arts Series from
2006 through the present including' information on performancesscheduled, tickets sold, average
attendance for the season as well as package subscription numbers. Commissioner Nancy Colson
noted that she believed this current year was below average attendance because the season did not
begin in the Fall. Multiple comments were shared regarding the importance of beginning the season
in'Falf and ttiat this past year, thece was a great amount of confusion amongst the public.
Commissioner Nancy Colson made a motion that it is the Comm.issiods recommendation to staff that
the BRAVO PerForming Arts Series follow the traditional arts season and performances be scheduled
between Fall and Spring. Linda Elliot Seconded the motion. Discussion continued.
Commissioner Tanya Rottle noted, that some ofthe performances had a smaller audiences and that
a sma.ller venue would be appropriate to create a more dynamic atmosphere that would be conducive
to the type of performance. Maija McKnight noted that prior to 2007 several of the BRAVO
~ performances were held at the smaller school distcict venues.
Donna Smart observed that BRAVO audiences are increasingly'an older audience and that ttie '
Auburn Avenue has been successful at attracting younger audiences, and perhaps working to tie
these together would build audiences for both locations.
Chair Leslie Moore called for a Vote on the standing motion. Motion approved.
Commissioner David Sader noted that the number of performances have decreased incrementally
over the last years and suggested that potentially a minimum: baseline be determined as a goal for
programming decisions. Commissioner Rottle made the motion that it is the Commission's
recommendation to staff that the: BRAVO Series include no fewer than 5 performances.
Commissioner Sader seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Staff Maija McKnight reiterated the idea of various locations and introduced the concept of variable
ticket pricing. Discussion continued to what other local arts agencies do in terms of ticketing in ~
relation to City of Auburn's commitment to affordable pricing. Commissioner Linda Elliott noted that
having different prices is a good way to leverage subscriptions and it is important not to undervalue
the presentations offered while still offering affordable pricing. Discussion continued on marketing
ideas and strategies and well as the need to represent our multicultural community.
III. Grants Overview
Maija McKnight provided handouts that provided a summary of FY09 Arts Grants received as well as
expected Arts Grants for FY10. Tfie City as a Local Arts.Agency (LAA) receives a yearly."sustained
support" grant from 4Culture (Cultural Development Authority, of King County). The primary purpose of this program is to provide support to arts-related projects and programs within the City of Auburn to
encourage the development and stability of local arts programs, as well-as offer opportunities..for'local
artists. The Auburn Arts Commission allocates funding support it receives from 4Gulture to
community arts organizations and special projects through its Arts Project SupportProgram. Funding
can be used to support City organized programs projects as well. Maija McKn.ight noted that the 25tn
Anniversary Events (ArtRageous: Artists in Action Art Fair, Walk the Talk: Public Art Panel) were
supported by this funding.
IV. Committee Report
Performing Arts
Commissioner Sader noted that the committee had discussed the logistics of being able to
accommodate shorter notice performances (1 month prior) to take advantage of emerging artists that.
are doing a circuit tour. CommissionerSader is looking into making connections with, local 6ooking
agencies and radio stations for the Auburn Avenue Theater to be a potential stopPing point for these
artists to perform. Commissioner Moore inquired.to-whether a shorter time frame would 6e adequate
to market such opportunities. Discussion followed.
Public Art
Commissioner Rottle reported that the Public Art Committee has been working with artist Bruce
Meyers to define and develop his proposal for the Climbing Wall Gate as part of the Les Gove
Gymnasium. An. initial concept drawing was shared.and the commission will be provided ~the
opportunity for comment once the proposal has been further developed.
Visual Art
Commissioner Debby Deal reported that the Visual Art Committee continues to explore how the City
can support and adVocate for local businesses to di5play artwork., A number.of issues in relation to
risk and pofential liability have surfaced and furtfier discussion and research is needed prior to taKing
additional steps. Discussion eontinued.
Commissioner Deal announced that this year's ArtRageous: Artists in Action Art Fair will occur on
Saturday, August 7. The committee will be working to formulate this year's content over the next few
committee meetings.
Arts Education
Commissioner ponna Smart noted that the Arts Education Committee meeting was cancelled last
month in order to meet with staff to discuss, re-focus and determine the direction ofthe committee.
Staff is working to connect with various school district employees to receive input, information and ,
feedback on various ideas and potential initiatives.
V. Other/New Business
Staff Maija McKnighf welcomed.the newest member of the Arts Commission, Greg Watson.
Pacific Ballroom Dance. has expressed interest in presenting at an upcoming Commission meeting in .
order.to inform Gommissioners about their non-profit arts organization.
Upcoming Meetings:
Visual Art Committee: Wednesday, March 17, 4pm, Parks, Arts & Recreation Building
Next Commission Meeting: Tuesday, April 6, 4:30-6 pm in City Hall, Room 3
There being no, further business, the meeting adjoumed at 6:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Majia McKnight -
.
Appro n the 0 day of by the City of Auburn Arts Commission
~ '
Leslie o re, Chair
Maija ig , Arts o rdin