HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ARTAB_08.17.2010 subcommMinutes of Meeting of the
Arts & Culture Center Study Subcommittee
of the Arts and Culture Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Present: Charles Aguillon, Philip Baker, Kaki Bassi, Karen Lange, Steve Proesel, Dar Richardson,
Mandy Solin, Paul Gaffney (Southwestern University), Mickie Ross (Williamson
Museum), Judy Ommen (Georgetown Art Works)
Absent: Bob Horick Georgetown Symphony Society), Bob Kostka (Palace Theatre, alternate —
Doug Smith)
Staff Present: Eric Lashley, Library Director; Judy Fabry, Library Administrative Assistant
Chair Charles Aguillon called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m.
A. Introduction of subcommittee members - Charles Aguillon. Each member introduced him- or
herself.
B. Consideration of and possible action on
1. Brainstorming ideas for activities in a cultural arts center (e.g., theater space, galleries,
studios). Eric Lashley spoke before the brainstorming began to express his hope that the
committee would follow the agenda and approach studying the feasibility of establishing
an Arts Center in Georgetown one step at a time. He emphasized that without Council
support, which means an item on the Council agenda and four votes in favor of any
proposal, nothing will happen. He also stated that Paul Brandenburg is working on a
facilities plan that will not be implemented until after the proposed bond election in May
2011, when voters will be asked to approve funding to build a new public safety complex.
If that referendum does not pass, Eric has been advised that the police will expand into
the Old Library and will remain in their current building, too, which would remove two
buildings from the list of possible locations for an Arts Center.
Eric pointed out that the goal of the subcommittee is to determine whether an Arts Center
is in the best interests of the community. He inquired whether committee members
believe the proposed timeline (attached and made a part of these minutes) is realistic.
Charles said he thinks it is reasonable to finish by January. Steve Proesel was less certain
about that and stated that it takes time to talk with people from existing arts centers to
learn how they got started. Steve also said he wants to decide what sections will be in the
final report before the study moves forward —and that Paul Brandenburg should approve
that format in advance of the study. (Steve Proesel left the meeting at 4:55 p.m.)
Dar suggested setting up a "straw man" to aim for —a broad outline that could be drawn
up before next month. Then arguments could be structured to support the outline. Dar
also suggested that personal visits to other arts centers should be part of the study, to ask
about lessons learned and what methodology people used to establish their center.
Mandy asked what Council's priorities are. Do they want visitors to town or are they
more interested in pleasing residents? Dar suggested that Council should be asked what
they want. Eric suggested that that could happen in the public forums that have been
proposed for October.
Brainstorming for possible uses of an Arts Center:
Performing /rehearsal space
Office space (with staff) for arts organizations
Studio space
Workshops
Gift shop and gallery
Special events for "members"
Concert hall
Black box theater
Printmaking
Pottery
Photography
2. Drafting a vision /mission statement for the proposed facility. Paul Gaffney suggested the
committee needs to look at what the community already has and what needs are unmet.
He said that an institution may fulfill all or some of three functions: product, service, and
facility. Existing examples in the community are the Library, the Recreation Center, the
Visitors Center, and the Community Center. Each fulfills different community needs and
functions on a different financial model. Eric handed out a sheet containing sample mission
statements from other Texas arts centers (attached and made a part of these minutes).
3. Developing a working name for the facility. Judy Ommen suggested that "cultural" has a
negative connotation for many people. Philip agreed with her. Paul Gaffney disagreed and
argued that "culture" includes many types of art that are not considered "fine arts ", such
as quilting and weaving, and institutions such as museums and organizations, such as the
Williamson Museum and the Georgetown Heritage Society. Including "cultural" in a title
would expand the range of activities that could take place there.
Before the meeting adjourned, Eric asked for direction to staff about work that needs to be done
before the next meeting. The consensus was that the committee would like to survey the members of
Council to establish what their priorities are. Eric said he and Judy would work on some survey
questions to send to committee members for their review.
Charles adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Fabry, Acting Secretary Charles Aguillon, Chair
Arts and Culture Center Subcommittee Timeline
Au2ust
a. Brainstorm ideas for activities in a cultural arts center (theater space, galleries,
studios)
b. Start drafting a vision/mission statement
c. Develop a name for the facility
d. List arts centers to research
c. Draft survey questions for existing arts centers
September
a. Finalize Proposed Mission Statement
b. Finalize proposed name
c. Analyze survey results
October
a. Organize public forums — share survey results and have public comment or add to
list of activities
b. Get feedback on mission statement and name of facility
November
a. Analyze different facility options —Old Library, Police Station, and other
locations in the downtown
b. Research costs associated with accomplishing activities wish list
c. Research cost recovery and economic impact of a cultural arts center
December
a. Tie up loose ends
b. Draft final report and recommendations
January
a. Final draft approved by subcommittee and Arts and Culture Board and submitted
to City Manager
Sample Mission Statements
Torpedo Factory — "The Association's mission is to make the Torpedo Factory, the
waterfront and all of Alexandria an irresistible destination for art buyers, art lovers, local
citizens and tourists from around the region, the U.S., and abroad."
ArtSpace — "New Community's ArtSpace engages youth and adults in workshops and
community -based arts projects that help transform and empower individuals and the
neighborhood. ArtSpace is a multicultural gathering place for practicing artists and
beginners to develop the creativity that abides within every person and place. ArtSpace
provides an affordable avenue for artists to express themselves, share and gather skills,
create economic opportunities and find fellowship with each other while adding
significant value to the renewal of the Shaw neighborhood."
Central Texas Cultural Activities Center — "The mission of the Cultural Activities
Center is to enhance the quality of life in Bell County by stimulating interest and
promoting participation in the arts. This mission encompasses three roles for the
organization: to present professional, visual and performing arts events for the
community; to produce, present and promote community level arts activities and events,
and to provide arts education opportunities for citizens, especially children."
- Irving Arts Center - "The Irving Arts Center Galleries are for the exhibition, promotion
and exposure of the visual arts to the citizens of Irving and surrounding communities.
Exhibits in the Irving Arts Center Galleries shall encourage creativity, participation,
inspiration and an increased awareness of the visual arts in visitors. Each year exhibits in
the areas of painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, graphics, illustration, fiber
arts and other creative or visual arts will be presented to the public. In addition, special
collections, touring shows, scientific and educational exhibitions and demonstrations will
be promoted for the education and participation of the public."
McKinney Performing Arts Center —"The McKinney Performing Arts Center at the
Historic Collin County Courthouse located in Downtown McKinney Commercial
Historic District is dedicated to providing the community a unique and professional
venue in which cultural, artistic and educational opportunities may be nurtured in a
supportive environment."
Creative Arts Center of Dallas — "Our Mission: To provide a nurturing environment for
people to discover, develop and express their artistic visions.
Our Vision: CAC, a place where community arises as we transform the ordinary into the
extraordinary through creative experiences."