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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Arts Commission - Meeting Date: 11/29/2012 MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE ARTS COMMISSION WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT 6770 N. SUNRISE BLVD.—SUITE E 107 GLENDALE,ARIZONA THURSDAY,NOVEMEBER 29,2012 6:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m.by Chairperson Carol Ladd. Commission members, Joann Lee, Elizabeth Medina,Jessica Koory and Anne Owens were in attendance. Representing city staff was Mojgan Vahabzadeh,Public Arts Coordinator. APPROVAL OF THE 1VIEETING MINUTES A MOTION was MADE by Commission member Lee to APPROVE the minutes of the September 27,2012 meeting with a name correction to read Manny Burruel instead of Manual Burruel. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commission member Owens and carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS At this time the Commission will hear comments from the public; however, the Commission may not discuss or consider items not appearing on the agenda unless an actual emergency exists. There were no public comments. Glendale/Westgate Partnership—Tour of space at Westgate Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Public Arts Coordinator, introduced the item. She noted that as discussed at the September 27 meeting of the Arts Commission, city staff has collaborated on a unique partnership with New Westgate, LLC, for temporary lease at Westgate. This is a unique opportunity to pilot a new concept that will provide area residents and patrons to Westgate with programs and services through the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Depai tment. The gallery space will be used to shovkase works from the municipal art collection and other arts organizations, and will also serve as potential space for artists-in-residence. The Commissioners toured the proposed donated space, Suite E-107, and explored concepts for programming and services. The proposed plans for the space are scheduled to begin in early April 2013. Ms. Vahabzadeh stated this new concept was slated to start in January; however, the target date will now be in April. She explained the date change was actually to their benefit since it gave more time to plan and prepare. The original plan was to have a gallery space with some of the municipal art collection on display. Another idea is to open it up to artist to work out of the space with the Arts Commission receiving a percentage of sales. She acknowledged this would be a great opportunity for artists, residents and the city. In addition, as part of the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Depaitinent, an added opportunity would be to open it up to special interest classes in music and art. The space is approximately 2,500 square feet with the average lease being $90,000 annually. The city will receive the space free of charge,which includes electricity with the only requirement being by contract that they have the space open every Friday and Saturday between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. One of the first goals is to start recruiting a core group of volunteers to help man the facility as soon as possible. She added that staff from Parks and Recreation will also be involved in programming for this project. The first program on the agenda will begin with a sampling of the municipal arts collection and other arts related activities for Fridays and Saturdays. Commissioner Koory inquired as to the parking situation. Ms. Vahabzadeh stated that currently there were no specific parking requirements. However, they might be able to work with management on parking for the people who will be working there. Chairperson Ladd was glad they have the additional time to plan and brainstorm on new ideas for the space. She said this was all very exciting and the space was very accommodating. Ms. Vahabzadeh agreed. She explained a major benefit was also having Westgate cross promotion since they would also be promoting everything on their end. Commissioner Koory asked where they planned to display the municipal artwork. Ms. Vahabzadeh stated they would be hung on the walls and there was potential for use of art display panels. Chairperson Ladd inquired if they would be rotating the artwork after a few months. Ms. Vahabzadeh replied yes. She said eventually the goal was to have rotating exhibits from area arts organizations and schools. Ms. Vahabzadeh noted there was great potential and many opportunities in this program and would like everyone to start brainstorming and recruiting in order to make this project a success. STAFF REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE Influx Cycle 3 Multi-city Initiative Update Ms. Vahabzadeh updated the Commission on the Influx Program. She stated 87 applicants had applied for this program. Unfortunately,the three locations for this project downtown fell through. The merchants decided not to move forward with this project. The artists selected for Glendale will now use the Westgate Gallery space for their temporary window displays beginning in April. Commissioner Koory said the downtown area was a great location for these projects and hopes the merchants reconsider their thinking in the future. 2 • Jazz and Blues Festival Update Ms. Vahabzadeh reported that.the Jazz and Blues Festival is cancelled this year because of city budget issues. It is unknown if it will be on the plan for next year. Public Safety Memorial Ms Vahabzadeh reported that as Arts Commissioners were notified by a October 25, 2012 memo, direction has been given by city officials to move forward to rotate the Public Safety statue about 160 degrees. The intent is to strike a balance in the monument, equally depicting fire and police figures. Maintenance/Repair Ms. Vahabzadeh reported on this item. She said the 15 bronze sculptures around the city have been cleaned and polished. The last vandalized Circles of Time piece has been repaired. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Medina asked if Ms. Vahabzadeh job was secure, noting that it had been an issue earlier. Ms. Vahabzadeh replied that everything had turned out well and was thankful. She noted that Eric Strunk, Executive Director, Parks,Recreation & Library Services had taken several cuts off the table including her position after further consideration. Commissioner Koory asked if any new Commissioners were slated to be appointed to the Arts Commission. Ms. Vahabzadeh replied she was not aware at this time. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Glendale Arts Commission will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. Fruit Packing Shed, Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 59th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION was MADE by Commission member Koory to ADJOURN the meeting. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commission member Medina and carried unanimously. As there were no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Mojgan Vaha.,4 d•Public Arts Arts Coordinator 3