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Home My WebLink About2024-02-20 ACAC Minutes Arts and Culture Advisory Committee February 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Pipe Room - 6th Floor City Hall City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407 Present: M. Lam, Chair B. Reid, Member A. Girard, Member C. Nwene, Member I. Stefanescu, Member E. Wainaina, Member Councillor D. Schnider, Member Staff: K. Varin, Committee Administrator E. Rumble, Coordinator, Arts & Creative Industry B. Egan, Film & Music Officer J. Dueck, Director, Culture & Entertainment _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement 1.1 Acceptance of agenda Workplan approval added. Moved to approve agenda as amended, M. Lam, seconded, B. Reid. 1.2 Approval of January minutes Moved to approve January 2024 minutes, I. Stefanescu, seconded, B. Reid 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None. 3. Delegations 3.1Welcome to Jeremy Dueck, Director, Culture & Entertainment, Economic Development 1 J. Dueck and members made short introductions. 4. Discussion Items 4.1Workplan approval I. Stefanescu suggested to add the review of the Artist in Residence program including renumeration to this year’s workplan. Staff noted that the program is already under review by them and PAWG, and recommended that once completed, it will be presented to ACAC for comment. E. Wainaina inquired about adding the continuation of discussion and updates around the access, equity & inclusion toolkit. The chair suggested that there may be a chance to embed suggestions from the toolkit into the Culture Plan. Action: ACAC chair will revise the workplan as needed and present to members again for approval. 4.2 Terms of Reference review: staff & committee This was an initial discussion, and exchange of suggestions and questions to begin the process of review of the committee's Terms of Reference. Staff encouraged members to think about the committee mandate and to identify what currently resonates and what doesn’t. Members provided these initial comments and questions: How relevant are advisory committees? Change language around “community arts” Look for examples of user-friendly language in other committee Terms of Reference outside of our municipality (refer to Clerks) Acknowledge accessibility, diversity and culture; terms should point towards a better balance Expand on the term “advocacy”: provide a more wholesome definition Expand on the term of “advice and recommendations”: defining what reporting back on recommendations looks like; what was the impact if any? The “Responsibilities” section should be re-worked Can time, dates and residence requirements be adjusted? (refer to Clerks) Need more clarity and transparency around the Nominating Committee Having a workplan is important 2 Creating a summary document of items discussed, outcomes and suggested priorities moving forward, would be useful to create at the end of each term; the report could also list suggested ongoing/standing items to continue into a new term Are cross appointments useful and relevant: sitting on DAC is not, EDAC and PAWG yes Action: For the March meeting, committee administrator K. Varin, will invite staff from Clerks to assist with questions around revisions and share best practices. The review process will continue. 4.3 Vice chair & Public Art Working Group position opening: Margaret Lam, chair, ACAC Moved that Annabelle Girard is the ACAC vice chair, I. Stefancesu, seconded, E. Wainaina. Moved that Brenda Reid is the ACAC representative on PAWG, M. Lam, seconded, I. Stefanescu. 5. Information Items 5.1 Standing items city updates: staff The revised 1% Public Art Policy was passed by Council on Monday, February 19, as a consent item. E. Rumble will proceed in starting the working group to identify upcoming call opportunities. Staff will introduce new calls to ACAC as they occur. B. Egan shared his current five priorities: 1) Conrad Centre The city asset is a 300-350 seat capacity performing centre. The city is looking at the best way to activate and use the space. The first step is to gather public input on what they would like to see. B. Egan is developing the engagement strategy. 2) Audience Development B. Egan is working alongside research partners in the UK to establish best practices on attracting and cultivating audience attendance in the live music/entertainment sector. 3) Music Industry Development 3 The support for local musicians needs improvement. B. Egan is working with teachers fromtwo high schools - Forest Heights and Eastwood -to continue to grow the specialist major program. This program provides hands on experience and introductions to occupations with the music industry. Another program is the Youth Music Initiative, which provides networking opportunities and access resources. Action:forward members the link for the Film Lab. 4) Film Lobbying Looking at lobbying for tax rebates for film in southwestern Ontario. 5) Local Film Development Working with Conestoga College to support developing their film program to launch in 2025. Also working with two local videographer companies, the Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) and Charlies Festival to support youth film development. In progress is also the creation of a week long film camp for underserved youth. J. Dueck indicated that once finalized, he will share with the committee, the mission and values of his Culture and Entertainment position. 5.2 Downtown Advisory Committee: Annabelle Girard No meeting was held. 5.3 Economic Development Advisory Committee: Margaret Lam, Jeffrey Paquette Business survey plans were shared with members for input. 5.4 Public Art Working Group: Karoline Varin No meeting was held. 5.5 Council report: Councillor Dave Schneider Councillor attended the opening of the exhibition concluding the residency of 2022 city of Kitchener, Artist in Residence, Bangishimo. It was very well attended by the public. Staff is developing a plan for the management of the Huron Natural Area, and as such is seeking input from citizens through a survey on Engage Kitchener: . The plan will include creating a vision https://www.engagewr.ca/ourplanforhuron for the area and a plan to protect Indigenous rights and interests amongst other needs. 4 One of the key topics of discussion with Council has been addressing the lack of affordable housing. Currently staff is preparing a report to take to Council on a bi- law that would permit up to four dwelling units on specific lots. You can learn . more on: https://www.engagewr.ca/enablingfourunits Staff is reviewing community input provided to guide the creation of The Bramm Yards masterplan. All advice and recommendations from citizens is highly appreciated. 5.6 Member updates 6.Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. 5