HomeMy WebLinkAbout9. September 19, 2023 ACAC Minutes
ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee met at city hall on July 18, 2023, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT: All members present, except C. Altinkas, A. McWebb, and I. Bhattacharjee; M. Melo & E.
Wainaina joined virtually.
STAFF: E. Rumble, Coordinator, Arts & Creative Industries
Bob Egan, Film & Music Officer, Arts & Creative Industries
K. Varin, Program Administrator, Arts & Creative Industries
GUESTS: none
1. Acceptance of agenda Carried
2. Approval of minutes Carried
3. Appointment of temporary chair for October meeting
Originally deferred, but I. Stefanescu – who was absent during this item - accepted at the end of
the meeting.
4. Honouring Chandrika Anjaria
Sadly, Chandrika passed away in August. Committee members signed a condolences card. The
names of members who were absent and joined virtually will be added by staff.
5. Declaration of conflict of interest
None
DELEGATION/PRESENTATIONS:
6. None
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
7. Motion to Council – artist fees survey results: all members
K. Varin informed members that although the survey was emailed to targeted staff twice, no
responses were received. Members discussed options and alternatives, including a new survey in
a different format or a recommendation to Council for a city-wide study to possibly garner
responses. This discussion led to potentially considering a narrowing of scope, to consider
recommending that:
Granting bodies that redistribute funding from City of Kitchener should have a
requirement/recommendation for fund recipient to pay artists based on professional pay
rates by their disciplines. Staff noted that this would not be a practical requirement for some
community-led initiatives that have other benefits to involvement.
Committee members make recommendations specific to the engagement and
compensation of visual artists in particular spaces, such as the Berlin Tower gallery.
This discussion is to be continued.
8. Accessibility in public art: E. Wainaina
Deferred to October meeting.
Action: chair and staff to circulate support materials prepared by E. Wainaina ahead of the
October meeting.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
9. Standing items city updates: B. Egan, E. Rumble, K. Varin
September 2023 - ACAC Minutes 1
ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 CITY OF KITCHENER
B. Egan is working with community partners to launch two music projects: a music technology
course offered through a wellbeing organization to youth that experience challenges learning in
a traditional school setting, and an open mic hip hop program. This program would include
professional development for local hip hop artists. He is also exploring the potential of initiating
a local festival next year using the super crawl in Hamilton as a template.
The Arts and Creative Industries team is excited to meet the new Director of Culture and
Entertainment once this person is hired. This person will guide the overall strategic direction of
three business units within the Economic Development team: Special Events, Arts and
Creative Industries, and the Centralized Service Provider for City-owned performing arts and
entertainment venues. The application call has closed, and interviews have begun.
The 44 Gaukel Creative Space budget issue paper asking for more operational funds is in the
system to be reviewed.
E. Rumble presented to Council the report asking for support of the public art proposal for the
KPL Southwest. It was received favourably. Next step will be entering into a legal agreement
with the artist group.
Several public art calls resulting from the 1% public art policy will be presented to ACAC and
PAWG soon, including one for the new Schlegel Park.
E. Rumble continues to work on updates to the 1% public art policy document, with input from
staff in affected divisions resulting in raising awareness of its existence.
K. Varin informed that the call for new committee members has closed, and any applications
will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee. The Public Art Working Group is seeking new
members. ACAC members are encouraged to share this opportunity.
10. Downtown Action and Advisory Committee: A. Girard
The committee is in the process of establishing their goals and plans. E. Robson presented
updates on the Culture Plan.
11. Economic Development Advisory Committee: M. Lam
No meeting.
12. Public Art Working Group: E. Rumble
E. Rumble updated on further revisions of the public art policy and on upcoming public art
calls.
13. Council report: Councillor D. Schnider
Council heard about the new position of Director of Culture and Entertainment as well as the
KPL Southwest art selection.
14. Member updates: none.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
th
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, October 17 at 4 p.m., city hall, Pipe Room, 6 floor.
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