HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Arts Commission - Meeting Date: 9/22/2016CITY OF GLENDALE
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
GLE_ND'AL-_E_P_I.JBLr.QJLrBRARY
LIBRARY BOARDROOM - SECOND FLOOR
5959 WEST BROWN STREET
THI.JRSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
6:00PM
The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:l lpm by Chairperson Carrie
Richards. Vice Chair Eva Ndavu and Commissioners, Bernadette Bolognini
(arrived at 6:20pm), Mark Fast, Thomas Cole and Helen Fokszanskyj-Conti
(anived at 6:l6pm) were in attendance.
Representing city staff: Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Arts & Culture Program Manager;
Mike Beck, Chief Librarian
Special Guest attending: Elaine Adamczyk, Interim City of Glendale Community
Services Director; Jon Froke, City of Glendale Planning Director; Randy Huggins,
City of Glendale Economic Development Specialist; Jean Moreno, City of
Glendale Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects Executive Officer; Brian Maticic,
Executive Director of Brelby Theatre Company
Approval of Minutes - June 23. 2016
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner Fast to APPROVE the Arts
Commission meeting minutes from the June 23r2016 meeting. Commissioner
Cole SECONDED the MOTION, which carried unanimously.
Business From the Floor
At this time the Commission will hear comments from the public. There were no
comments.
Loyalty Oath of office -Commission member Helen Fokszanskyj-Conti
This item was moved to the next Arts Commission Meeting on October 27 ,2016.
I)owntown Mesa Arts Presence
Mr. David Crummey, Cofounder of RAll-mesa: Retail, Arts, Innovation &
Livability, along with Mr. Robert Schultz, Assistant Director of Arts & Culture for
the City of Mesan provided a presentation about the arts in Mesa and the active role
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of the community, small business and corporate support, which have helped spur
the latest growth in the arts eco-ngllly_in"the do.wntown area.
Mr. Schultz presented information about the Mesa Arts Center. He noted that the
$95 million facility, completed in 2005, is the largest comprehensive arts campus
in the state and the Southwest. He said this helped propel the city's reputation in
the community as well as the value of an in the city.
He discussed some of the Mesa Arts Center performing arts lineup using local
artists preforming mix of dance, music, poetry and theatrical performances.
Additionally, he talked about Mesa Arts Center's architecture and how it sets a
vibrant tone, contrasts with its surroundings which makes it stand out.
He noted that the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is equally impressive, with its
collection of more than 500 works in diverse media, exhibition spaces dedicated to
showing works by local artists, and shows featuring edgy, nationally renowned
artists. He added that exhibitions are always free. This venue also boosts the
city's arts and culture standing in the city.
Mr. Crummey also presented information on RAILmesa. He said this was started
as a registered neighborhood goup that advocates for increased citizen
participation in developing housing, transit and the creation ofjobs along the
Mesa's Light Rail Conidor. He explained that RAIL began in20l2 with a group
of residents, business owners, and elected oflicials interested about the future of
Mesa's downtown and light rail corridor. He added that he believes RAIL is retail,
arts, innovation and livability that will bring great growth and vitality to the city.
They are focusing on the retail experience to be an enjoyable walkable
neighborhood destination feel. Since Downtown is for everyone, their plan is for
the community where people of all backgrounds and life-stages feel welcome, can
safely and conveniently walk, bicycle, take transit or drive where they need to go.
Another development that is due to shong local momentum for the arts is the new
concept of Artspace a live and work project. Mr. Schultz stated that based on the
strength of the market survey results, Artspacen in collaboration with local partners,
has moved forward with plans to develop a new, affordable live and work facility
for artists and arts oriented businesses. The Mesa Artspace Lofts, located at 155
South Hibbert in downtown Mesa, will include up to 50 units of live and work
space for artists and their families. The project is a transit oriented development
site located one block from the new light rail conidor, major arts and culture assets
and other downtown amenities.
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Downtown Glendale Arts Incubator Concept
Jean Moreno, City of Glendale Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects Executive
Officer presented information on the exploration of a concept to reuse an existing
city-owned building in the downtown area for the creation of an Arts Incubator
project. She noted that this site was currently being examined to see how viable it
would be for this endeavor. She explained the site was the vacant Vincent De Paul
building. The building if accepted, will need much work done to get it up to
standard. She indicated that this was a great opportunity that may bring great
growth and vitality to the city using the arts as a vehicle to spur growth in the arts
economy in the downtown area.
Staff asked for feedback regarding whether the Arts Commission would be willing
to consider a future request for funding capital improvements to this city-owned
building upon the outcome of the continued research and analysis.
Chairperson Richards expressed her support for this concept, however, would like
to explore other sites that become available as well. Everyone agreed.
The Commissioners agreed to move forward with exploring this concept further.
Centerline District Arts and Cultural Initiative - Applicant Presentation
Ms. Vahabzadeh stated the Centerline Arts and Cultural Initiative is a new
application-based funding opportunity. She explained that as qualifring
applications are received, the applicants are invited to present their proposals
before the Glendale Ans Commission for funding consideration.
Brian Maticic, Executive Director of Brelby Theatre Company presented his
proposal to the Arts Commission for funding consideration.
Mr. Maticic presented his proposal of presenting the classic story, William
Shakespeare's Macbeth with perfonnances to be held at Murphy Park, Downtown.
His proposal included four performances.
Commissioner Bolognini inquired if he was thinking of having food vendors at the
performances. Mr. Maticic replied that it was short notice to include that element
at this point. She asked if they had already considered how they were going to
market this project. Mr. Maticic said he was already working on it. Ms.
Vahabzadeh commented that if approved, the city's marketing department will also
be supporting it.
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A MOTION was MADE by Vice Chair Ndavu to Approve The Brelby
Theatre Company's proposal for funding. Commissioner Bolognini
SECONDED the MOTION. which carried unanimously.
Staff Updates
Gallerv Glendale Update
Ms. Vahabzadeh noted that as most already know, the Gallery Glendale project at
Westgate is in dormancy until such time that another suitable space at Westgate
may become available.
Commissioner Cole commented there was not a lot of foot traffrc at the Saint
Vincent De Paul building like at Westgate, which was troubling. He suggesled
looking at other vacant spaces around the downtown area.
Summer Ans Camp
Ms. Vahabzadeh stated that the Summer Arts Camp was a great success. She
noted that attendance was high and the feedback was very positive. Artist, Christy
Fuetz did an exceptional job as the arts instructor presenting five one-week camps
at each of the Glendale Community Centers.
Commission Comments
The Commissioners welcomed new Commissioner Helen Fokszanskyj-Conti who
will be sworn in at next month's meeting.
Adiournment
Chairperson Richards asked for a motion to adjourn.
A MOTION was MADE by Commissioner Fast to ADJOURN the meeting
Commissioner Cole SECONDED the MOTION, which carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm
The next meeting of the Glendale Arts Commission will be held on Thursday,
October 27,2016 @ 6:00p.m.n at the Large Meeting Room, first floor, Glendale
Public Library, 5959 West Brown Street, Glendale, Arizona.
Respectfully submitted,