HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. February 21, 2023 ACAC Minutes
ARTS ANDCULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
FEBRUARY 21, 2023CITY OF KITCHENER
The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee met at city hallonFebruary 21, 2023, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT:All members present, except C. Altinkas,C. Anjaria, A. Girard, M. Melo,I. Stefanescu and
M. Waddell
STAFF:E. Rumble, Coordinator, Arts & Creative Industries
B. Egan, Film & Music Officer, Arts & Creative Industries
K. Varin, Program Assistant, Arts & Creative Industries
GUESTS:none
1.Acceptance of agenda
Carried
2.Declaration of conflict of interest
None
DELEGATION/PRESENTATIONS:
3.44 Gaukel Creative Hub update:E.Rumble
In the spring, staff will be taking a report to Council regarding the future of the 44 Gaukel Creative
Hub. E. Rumble talked in detail about the early start of operating the facility, highlighted some of
the tenant driven activities and successes, operational challenges, current uses and occupancy,
partnership with Arts Build Ontario (ABO)and present and future needs if the facility should
continue to successfully support its occupants. Staff asked members for input into what the
community and Council should be aware of when considering the future of this building. Members
shared:
Could renterscontribute a maintenance cost (or other fees) based on square footage of
their rentalspace-scalable fee option -to help offset some of the costs associated with the
building?
Could part of the buildingbe rented out to private sector at higher rental cost?
Could lighting be upgraded tosave on energy cost?
Important to present to Council the value to the community of operating the building against
operational expenses: ask what criteria arebeing considered in assessing the value of
operating a creative space? Who is represented in the space? Is the space meant to be a
purely revenue generating project or was the purpose to create a cultural space? What is
the value proposition/definition?
Since the building just became available for rent as pandemic restrictions took effect, would
Council consider a grace period?
Can subsidizedaccess to space be consider in the next model?
Have tenants been consulted on their experience as users of the space?
Highlight that the space supports sustainable artistic practices
Important to tell the early stories and the current success stories of the artists whose
practice the space supports
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
4.Chair and vice chair voting
February2023-ACAC Minutes 1
ARTS ANDCULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
FEBRUARY 21, 2023CITY OF KITCHENER
Three candidates volunteered for the position of chair. Members elected MargaretLam as chair.
Vice chair voting was postponedtill the April meeting. I. Bhattacharjeeadded her candidacy for the
vice chair position.
5.Sub Committee voting
Postponed.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
6.Standing items city updates: staff
Postponed.
7.Downtown Action and Advisory Committee:minutes to be shared.
8.Economic Development Advisory Committee:minutes to be shared.
9.Public Art Working Group: staff
Similarly, as with ACAC, E. Rumble updated members on 44 Gaukel eliciting feedback.
10.Council report: Councillor Dave Schnider
Council started a new term, thus is still undergoing orientation and learning. Councillors will
begin strategic planningwhich willincludeareas in arts and culture.
Themeeting was adjourned at 5:35p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 21at 4 p.m., virtual, Zoom.
February2023-ACAC Minutes 2