Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts & Culture - 2008-01-15 ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, January 15, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENT: Jennifer Breithaupt, Len Carter, Councillor Kelly Galloway, Councillor John Gazzola, J.D. McGuire, Lawrence McNaught, Bill Poole, Cheryl York, Jamie Vasey, Carrie Kozlowski. GUESTS: Syed Anwar and Nabeel Rana, on behalf of the World Religions Conference REGRETS: Alison Burkett, Don Chapman, Paul Eichhorn, Sherryl Petricevic, Suzanne Ronald, Fitz Vanderpool. 1.0 CALL TO ORDER: Jennifer Breithaupt 1.1 Approval of Agenda A motion was made by Bill Poole to approve the agenda as circulated. Lawrence McNaught seconded the motion. All were in favour; the motion was carried. 1.2 Delegation: Two representatives of the World Religions Conference (Syed Anwar, Public Relations Manager, and Nabeel Rana, Chief Planning Officer) provided background on the organization, past conferences and planning for the 2008 event. Primary sponsor of the World Religions Conference (WRC) is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community . This community encourages interfaith dialogue, partnership and understanding. It seeks to establish peace between all religions, and follows the benevolent message of all world religions--peace, universal brotherhood, and submission to the will of God. It recognizes parallels between different religious groups. The WRC does not promote any one religion; it is a tool to encourage communication between diverse religions within the Canadian cultural context. There are 8 faith groups represented by the conference, but this is changeable. It is run by approximately 50 volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, plus about 50 volunteers from other religious groups. It has 18 – 20 partner organizations, including other faith groups, the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the University of Waterloo, and media organizations. The conference features speakers from different religious backgrounds and perspectives, music, dance, and food. Attendance is free, and the public is welcome to attend. Following the conference, abstracts of the speeches are published (hard copy and/or on-line). DVDs are also available. The conference typically attracts media attention and the participation of politicians and dignitaries. Attendance is growing, and the group hopes to secure a venue for 2008 to accommodate participants. The group has a web site, and actively promotes the event with media spots, banners, posters and flyers. In 2005, the event took place at the Centre in the Square. In 2006 and 2007, it was held at the Humanities Theatre at the University of Waterloo. The theme of the 2007 conference was “How Religion can Protect the Environment”. The conference originated in Brantford. In 2001 it expanded and moved to Kitchener-Waterloo. The organization is keen to follow the proper Grant Application procedure, and appreciates Staff’s assistance in understanding how to correctly complete the requirements. The WRC takes between 8 to 10 months to plan. The group is currently working on a venue and a date for the 2008 event, and hopes to have this established by the end of February. Then the group will pick a theme and put out a call for speakers. 1 January 2008 - ACAC Minutes ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, January 15, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER Possible venues for 2008 and approximate costs: Centre in the Square: $11,000 Humanities Theatre, University of Waterloo: $ 6,000 Waterloo Recreation Complex: $10,000 Rim Park: $10,000 Kitchener Memorial Auditorium: quotation required The Humanities Theatre location is small and lacks a luncheon facility. The group’s decision on location will depend on the funding it can secure and availability. Ideally, the group would prefer a venue that can hold 1,500 attendees, has food service space and room for an exhibition space for the literature and information from various religious groups. The Centre in the Square is the group’s first choice as it meets all of the group’s needs. The group is seeking $5,000 from the City of Kitchener for the 2008 event (It received $4,000 in 2007). The City of Waterloo has made a tentative commitment to provide some funding (Last year, Waterloo provided $750 in emergency assistance). The University of Waterloo used to provide a subsidized rental rate, but has cancelled this in-kind assistance. This is a cultural event promoting interfaith dialogue and is free and open to all members of the public. It is primarily funded by the involved faith groups. The WRC is interested in securing assistance with funding for facility rental only. The annual budget is $35,000 - $40,000. The group is not considering charging admission, as it has always been a free event, the partners support having a free event, and charging a fee to get in would make it less accessible to attendees of different economic backgrounds. Attendees are primarily from the Region (approximately 70%). Half of the attendees register beforehand, and half do not. Attendees have come from as far away as Hamilton, Ottawa, Detroit, Toronto, London, and New York. Attendance in recent years has been as follows: 2005: 1,300 (Held in the Centre in the Square) 2006: 800 (Humanities Theatre, smaller venue) 2007: 600 (Humanities Theatre, smaller venue) Note that these figures represent registered attendees. Up to 50% of attendees do not register, so these are conservative numbers. 2.0 BUSINESS ARISING 2.1 Approval of December 18, 2007 Minutes A motion was made by Len Carter to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2007 meeting. Bill Poole seconded the motion. All were in favour; the motion was carried. 2.2 Council Report: Councillor Kelly Galloway Council approved the $2,400 Millennium Choral Organization grant. Council approved the commission of the artwork by the 2007 Artist in Residence, Paul Roorda. 2 January 2008 - ACAC Minutes ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, January 15, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER The City’s 2008 budget will be considered at the February 4, 2008 Council meeting. The City must advance-plan for the additional Councillors in 2010. This addition will likely be treated as a one-time increase. Councillor Galloway noted that capital expenditures are pre-funded, but operating costs are not. The operating costs associated with the new fire hall impacted the 2007 City budget. Councillor Galloway noted that the approval process for grants under the purview of other Advisory Committees differs from the process applicants must go through for arts and culture related grants. Councillor Galloway requested that a review be undertaken to make sure that the process is consistent. 2.3 Public Art Working Group (PAWG) Report: Cheryl York, on behalf of Suzanne Ronald (absent) ACAC is asked to support PAWG’s recommendation for the acceptance of Ron Baird’s public art proposal, “Gathering Tree” for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. Under the City’s percent for art policy, $60,000 for public art was allocated for this project in 2002-2003. Of the $60,000 budget, $10,000 has been allocated for installation and maintenance, $50,000 is the artist’s budget. The City administered a one-stage competition. 13 submissions were received. Ron Baird’s proposal is for a kinetic sculpture with a maple leaf motif resembling a tree approximately 25’ in height. The sculpture will be low-maintenance and vandalism resistant. The stainless steel will have one polished surface to reflect light. The sculpture will be a landmark for visitors, and a spot to gather before and after events at the auditorium. The maple leaves touch on the ‘Memorial’ aspects of the building. It is desirable for the sculpture to be unveiled during the Memorial Cup in May 2008. The committee viewed a short presentation of Ron Baird’s work and a computer model of the sculpture. Motion: A motion was made by Bill Poole, seconded by Jamie Vasey, that ACAC support PAWG’s recommendation for acceptance of Ron Baird’s proposal for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex Public Art competition, ‘Gathering Tree’. All in favour, motion carried. Now that PAWG has recommended the acceptance of Ron Baird’s proposal and ACAC has expressed its support of the recommendation, the next step in the process to for a report to go to Council. The timeline for completion of the project is very tight (May 16, 2008). It may be possible for Council to review this report ahead of its next regularly scheduled meeting, to keep the process on track. The presentation of Ron Baird’s work and the computer model of the “Gathering Tree” should be shown to Council. ACTION: Cheryl York to investigate possibility of report going to a special meeting of Council(January 28, instead of February 4). ACTION: Cheryl York to express ACAC’s thanks to PAWG for the time and effort taken to arrive at their recommendation. 3 January 2008 - ACAC Minutes ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, January 15, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER 2.4 Update on Memorial Cup: Staff reported on behalf of absent members Suzanne Ronald and John Thompson of the Memorial Cup are exploring possibilities for the Contemporary Art Forum of Kitchener and Area (CAFKA) to provide digital artwork for the Memorial Cup event. New digital media equipment has recently been installed at the Aud which improves the opportunity. Alison Burkett has inquired of the KW Art Gallery if there may be an opportunity for the student art exhibit in May to involve the themes of the Memorial Cup (Memorial, or Beyond the Ordinary). The Special Events department will act as a resource, providing a list of buskers and entertainers. On Thursday, January 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the Don Cameron Room at the Auditorium, the Memorial Cup Committee will hold a planning meeting. John Thompson invited one or two ACAC representatives to attend to present ideas for collaboration. As Suzanne Ronald and Alison Burkett are working on action items related to the Memorial Cup, perhaps they would like to attend at ACAC representatives. ACTION: Staff to remind Suzanne Ronald and Alison Burkett of Memorial Cup meeting on Thursday, January 24 at 6:00 pm in case either one wishes to attend (done). 2.5 CulturePlan II (CP II) Update: Staff and Members Cheryl York is the Staff liaison of CPII Subcommittee # 6 group, “Data, Research, Networking, Marketing and Media”. Rick Haldenby, Judith Miller, Alison Burkett, and Cheryl Ewing are the other members. As part of its tasks, this group has reviewed related recommendations under CP II. Some of these recommendations fall outside the scope of this particular sub-committee. This group will consider the existing Arts Portal and how its functionality and usability can be improved so that it becomes an effective marketing tool. The group will also consider networking opportunities for artists. The group has future meetings planned and is eager to report its findings to the CP II Implementation Team as well as ACAC. ACTION: Jennifer Breithaupt to speak to Martin de Groot about reconvening the CP II Implementation Team so that ACAC and CP II can meet jointly and so that subcommittees can report to the CP II Implementation Team. Len Carter is a member of two CP II Subcommittees (#4, Intercultural Accessibility, and #5, Neighbourhood Arts), but no progress has been made beyond an initial meeting. Jennifer Breithaupt is a member of the Arts Cluster Development Subcommittee (#2), along with Ingrid Pregel, Bill Poole, Lawrence McNaught, Alf Bogusky, and Cheryl Ewing. This group is currently sharing information, and has identified a grant that could be used to help fund a mapping program. To qualify, the mapping to be undertaken must have a heritage component, and must be in Ontario. The deadline is April 15, 2008. Orillia, Hamilton, Prince Edward County, and Chatham Kent have received funding in the past. Jennifer Evers, of the Department of Canadian Heritage will assist in making an application for the grant, which is this subgroup’s next step. Subcommittee # 2 will start the process; then additional people will be involved as the work expands. The group envisions that Kitchener will lead this endeavour. Ingrid Pregel to contact the City of Waterloo and the Region to seek their involvement, also. 4 January 2008 - ACAC Minutes ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, January 15, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER ACTION: Staff to organize the reporting of all of the subcommittee’s work to ACAC at the same time. 3.0 NEW BUSINESS: 3.1Arts, Business, Creativity Conference: Cheryl York The Small Business Centre has received a grant to run a conference or workshop to offer artists business information about being a successful entrepreneur. This event, entitled “Arts, Business, Creativity: the ABCs of Success”, will take place on Saturday, April 19 from 9:00-4:00 p.m. This conference fits well with the CP II recommendations. There will be a small cost to attend. Lunch will be included, and the event will provide artists with networking opportunities with its closing reception. Speakers will be required. Possible topics could include writing a business plan, taxation, copyright issues, marketing and insurance. ACAC may be consulted to provide input about possible speakers. Ron Baird may be invited to speak about his experience with public art and the competition process. The Working Centre will participate, and this event may provide an opportunity to sell the Cultural Directory. Other possible contributors could include Isabel Cisterna, Ruther Abernethy (local artist), Virginia Eichhorn and Visual Art Ontario. Jennifer Breithaupt can offer input on speakers to discuss copyright issues. Ingrid Pregel might have contacts to speak about accounting or taxation issues. The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website could be a helpful resource. 4.0INFORMATION ITEMS 4.1 Status of Advisory Committee Review: Jennifer Breithaupt, J.D. McGuire. In December 2007, Jennifer Breithaupt attended a Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee Review. She noted that Advisory committees share some common concerns, including metrics and benchmarking, the revitalization of the downtown and the importance of arts and culture on the economy. J.D. McGuire attended an advisory committee review meeting in November 2007. The group will look at the various Advisory Committees’ Terms of Reference, versus what actually happens in practice. The group is scheduled to continue its review at a meeting in January 2008. The goal of this group is to ensure that all Advisory Committees operate with consistency. Len Carter has a proposal for an item to add to ACAC’s Terms of Reference, and will email it to Cheryl York for distribution to the committee. Staff met in January 2008 to discuss ACAC as part of the Advisory Committee Review. At the February 19, 2008 ACAC meeting, ACAC members, excluding staff, will partake in a focus group about the committee. ACAC must complete a Terms of Reference review before November 30, 2008. The City is also working on a Community Engagement strategy. 4.2 Youth Membership on ACAC Progress Report: Cheryl York Letters have been sent to the Public and Catholic School Boards regarding youth participation on ACAC. Responses were not received. According to the Terms of Reference, with confirmation from Clerk’s department, ACAC membership is at its full compliment. To add an additional member(s), a resolution would 5 January 2008 - ACAC Minutes ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, January 15, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER have to go to Council. A more considered approach could be to use our time together as a committee from now until November 30, 2008 to prepare for the addition of a youth member via the Terms of Reference review. Although the Terms of Reference currently require a youth member, this requirement was not followed when appointments were made. Targeted youth recruitment could be considered. Note that a youth component is not a requirement for all Advisory Committees. ACTION: J.D. McGuire to bring to the attention the topic of youth engagement and involvement at the next advisory committee meeting review he attends. In the mean time, if ACAC wishes to consult with youth on any matter, the committee has access to the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) through Councillor Galloway. The student guest (a Political Sciences student from Wilfrid Laurier University) at a previous ACAC meeting has been informed of the dates of future meetings in case she wishes to attend. Eastwood Collegiate is a pilot site for the High Skills Major in Arts and Culture. Perhaps students could be invited to assist or attend the Arts, Business, Creativity Conference on Saturday, April 19, 2008. ACTION: Cheryl York to speak to the Eastwood contact regarding our plans for the conference. Jennifer Breithaupt also offered to make contact with Eastwood. Lawrence McNaught updated the committee regarding coming events at the Registry Theatre. Jamie Vasey noted that Elizabeth May of the Green Party will be speaking at the University of Waterloo on Saturday, January 19, 2008. Bill Poole noted that the Prosperity Council’s “Creative Intersections” event has been postponed until June, 2008. Staff has requested that the organizers include ACAC on its contact list. 5.0FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS/COMMITTEE WORK PLAN: Jennifer Breithaupt 5.1 Advisory Committee Review: 1 hour focus group run by Shelley Adams prior to the February, 2008 meeting. 5.2Discuss Terms of Reference Review and addition of youth member: February 19, 2008 meeting. 5.3World Religions Conference Motion: February 19, 2008 meeting. 6.0ADJOURNMENT/NEXT MEETING A motion was made by Jamie Vasey, seconded by J.D. McGuire, to adjourn the January meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19 2008 in the Schmalz Room, nd 2 Floor, Kitchener City Hall, starting at 4:00 p.m. 6 January 2008 - ACAC Minutes