HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-18 ACAC Minutes
ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
MAY 18, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER
The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee met virtually onMay 18,2021, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT:All members present, except M. Blunt, M.A. Brotianand D. Seale
STAFF:E. Robson, Manager, Arts & Creative Industries
B.Egan,Film, Music & Interactive Media Officer, Arts & Creative Industries
K. Varin, Program Assistant, Arts & Creative Industries
GUESTS:M. Schneider, CEO, Waterloo Region Tourism
1.Acceptance of agenda
Accepted.
Mover:C. AnjariaCarried
2.Declaration of conflict of interest
None
3.Houskeeping:
Thechair reviewed the virtual meeting protocol with members.
4.Delegation
None
PRESENTATIONS:
5.Film, Music & Interactive Media updates:B.Egan
B. Egan outlined the two key goals for growing the filmindustry for the municipality: to
attract film production to the city and to build a location data base for the municipality.
Realizing these goals will entailbuilding strong relationships specificallywith location
scouts and identifying high value locations. To better attract film production to the region,
he plans to work with property owners to build new sound stages and with professionals to
create a video tour to showcase these uniquelocations.In music, the goal is to change the
focus from some of the passiveevents of the past, toa hands-on support ofcontemporary
talent that is emerging. Mr. Egan outlined the Create & Connect granting stream and the
Music for Good program, which supports diverse, young artists. He is working on
developing the infrastructure to help local musicians develop their careers, and on building
a directory of localmusicians.
6.Pandemic impact and events updates:M.Schneider
The tourism and entertainment industries in Waterloo Region have been vastly affected by
the pandemic. When the pandemic started, the office shifted to appeal to residents, rather
than attracting outside visitors. It created the Waterloo United campaign which continues.
One project of the campaign was partnering with local visual artists, BIA’s and restaurants
to paint patio tables to attract residents to dine locally. The Regional Relief Recovery Fund
was also created to support local businesses. The office is also working with the provincial
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ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
MAY 18, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER
and federal governments to advocate for support for region specific challenges as well as
local influencers to create content. Ms. Schneider also updated members on some of the
local yearly events such as Oktoberfest and the Blues and Jazz Festivals.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
7.Drafting workplan:members
Discussion moved to the June meeting.
ActionItem: Staff tosend the proposed workplan draft to members to review before the June
meeting.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
8.City updates:staff
The city plans to create an outdoor performance venue in the parking lot of the Kitchener
Marketin hopes of supporting the highdemandfor such a space in current times. Arts &
Creative staff is working with outside stakeholders and the Market to accommodatea
pandemic safe space for musical and theatre performancesthissummer and into fall.
9.Downtown Action and Advisory Committee:J. Paquette
J. Paquette could not attend the last meeting.
10.Economic Development Advisory Committee:I. Stefanescu
The discussion continued to centreon the recovery framework. Members took part in
smaller group discussions to consider questions and thinking outside of the box related to
recoveryplans.
11.Public Art Working Group:A. Girard
There was no meeting in May to update on.
12.Council report:Councilor D. Schnider
The city hired a new Director of Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives:Suzanne
Charles Watson. She will be starting in June and hiring more staff to assist in her role.
Members Updates
-J. Paquette noted that there seems to be an increased level of graffiti and tagging around the city.
Could ACAC have a discussion on possible solutions?
-I. Stefanescu is bringing a presentation to Council about the tax class and requested to share it
prior with ACAC
-Could the KW Community Foundation present to ACAC about the new granting stream with the
city?
Themeeting was adjourned at 5:40p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, June 15, 4:00 p.m.,Zoom.
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