HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts & Culture - 2017-07-18 Minutes
ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
JULY 18, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER
PRESENT: Sam Varteniuk
Lydia Workman
Aaron Francis
Pam Patel
Linda Zesner
Shirley Madill
REGRETS: Danielle Deveau
Judy Allred
Lori Thompson
Julie Soulis
Michelle Gnutzman
Dave Schnider
STAFF: Silvia Di Donato, Manager, Arts & Creative Industries
Emily Robson, Coordinator, Arts & Creative Industries
Jenn Grein, recording secretary
CALL TO ORDER: Sam Varteniuk in chair.
1.0 Acceptance of agenda: agenda accepted as circulated.
2.0 Declaration of conflict of interest: none.
Sam indicated he participated in bidding for the Creative Hub, not a conflict, however would
like it to be noted.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
3.0 Creative Hub update: Silvia Di Donato, Emily Robson
Two bids were received for the Creative Hub RFP, which closed in April 2017. While both
submissions were strong, neither met the financial requirements outlined in the RFP. Staff
took a report to Council in June, recommending that the RFP process be terminated. Silvia
indicated that staff is considering how the space on the first floor could be used in the short
term, and will be considering possible partnerships for the medium term. She advised this
should be finalized by council by the end of 2017.
Sale of the Legion building is in the final stages, with a report going forth to Council in
August. As per a previous Council decision, 50% of the proceeds from the sale will be
allocated to the Creative Hub.
Emily shared some of the short term plans for the space and would like to have input from
the committee on what further could be done in the space provided. The committee agreed
it may be beneficial to hold September meeting at the facility to tour and further consider.
Some ideas were discussed, but ultimately it would depend on how the Accelerator Centre
space is used and set up, as well as the location of the accessible entrance.
Staff to get quote from Facilities Management on adding accessibility for secondary area, as
well as cost for dividers vs. full walls, to the extent that it makes sense and can increases
the use of the space in the next number of years.
4.0 Joint meeting of regional arts and culture and public art planning: all
At June meeting there was significant interest in meeting as a larger Arts and Culture group
with the region and neighbouring cities to consider issues others are experiencing,
opportunities for collaboration, and determining interest in meeting on a more regular basis.
Emily was asked to connect with colleagues, and they have agreed this would be beneficial.
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ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
JULY 18, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER
They are also open to Kitchener hosting the next session in Sept/October. Emily would like
the committee to consider potential agenda items.
Committee members each provided thoughts on what this meeting could consist of. Some
ideas include:
o Would like to hear what other committees consider on their agendas and what they
are challenged with.
o What do other committees see as their biggest challenge? What do they feel they are
doing really well?
o Members cautioned about Kitchener hosting again, in that as host, we had a number
of members present and provided a significant amount of input to the conversation.
It would be beneficial to balance this out by visiting other locations.
o The Municipal Cultural Initiatives working group may be a helpful agenda item as
funding process will be started by the October meeting time.
o Would prefer not to have a single focus, and instead offer an opportunity for
everyone to provide an update on the business of being an arts and culture advisory
committee.
o Regional approach to music, media and film could also be discussed.
o There was some preference to keep discussion with the full group and not break out
into working groups. If moving into group work, a good facilitator would be
beneficial. Emily to follow up with Sam regarding this.
INFORMATION ITEMS
5.0 City Updates:
Emily met with ArtScape from Toronto. They have launched a program called the Creative
Launch Pad Series which recently completed its first year pilot. The Creative Launch Pad has
been developed with the assistance of a number of grants, which ultimately require 25% of
their offerings to take place outside the City of Toronto. The Creative Business Design
workshop is a one day workshop that may be suitable to host locally. Emily provided further
information on the program outline. She is seeking input on how this opportunity might fit
for the local arts community.
Committee members indicated it would be great to host this workshop for local artists. The
month of August is difficult to schedule due to vacations. September or October is
preferable, as is a weekend day.There is an opportunity for subsidy, and ultimately the
overall cost is fairly low for the city.
6.0 Downtown Action Advisory Committee: Aaron Francis
There is a new member on the Downtown Action Advisory Committee! He is the grandson of
Michael Fritch, of Fragrances. The Queen Street plans were brought for
consideration. Plans for Vogalsang Green are good, however with Queen as a major fire
route, there have been some concerns with the ability to implement items identified in the
plans as possibilities. Additional information was provided on financials for the project,
which will be found within current city budgets, as well as through sponsorships from local
businesses, sponsorship from the BIA and a portion for approval through council. Plans will
be going forth to Council for approval in August and continue on to the budget process to be
prioritized with other work of the organization.
7.0 Economic Development Advisory Committee:
Update to be provided at next meeting.
8.0 Public Art Working Group: Lydia Workman
Last meeting of this working group was cancelled. Update to be provided at next meeting.
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ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
JULY 18, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER
9.0 Council Report:
Update to be provided at next meeting.
10.0 all
In the past, Sam has worked with the Registry Theater and King East Neighbourhood
Association to host Porch Front Dances. With the assistance from some grants, they are
planning this event again for September 16-17, 2017. He shared a little about the plans thus
far advising most dancers have been lined up, and a painter will be following the procession.
Silvia offered to share the event on the City of Kitchener online calendar, which is also
shared through Explore Waterloo Region.
There will also be a group bike ride taking place on the same weekend.
Aaron has been working to receive acknowledgement that the University of Waterloo is
located on native lands. As a result, a plaque will be placed one day prior to Canada Day!
Pam is working on Impact 2017 and searching for space for one final show entitled
Entangled. Space does not need to be a theatre, but must be big open room with power. The
committee provided some suggestions for consideration.
Lydia will be in the Cambridge Arts Festival, which is coming up soon! She encouraged
everyone to come out.
11.0 Other Business: Emily Robson
new for the committee to meet at the September meeting.
The August meeting is cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT: The chair adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 19, 4:00 p.m., Conestoga Room
July 2017 - ACAC Minutes 3