HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.18.19 BAC Minutes CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING
MINUTES
Name of Board/Commission: Boulder Arts Commission
Date of Meeting: September 18,2019 at the Main Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton,303-441-3206
Commission members present: Mark Villarreal,Erica Joos,Bruce Borowsky(note:.1oos arrived at 6:10 PM)
Commission members absent: Kathleen McCormick,Devin Hughes
Panel members present: Sarah Braverman,Katharine Reece,Leah Brenner Clack
Panel members absent: Bel in Yucelen _
Library staff present:
Matt Chasansky,Office of Arts&Culture Manager
Lauren Click,Coordinator,Grants
Mary Haan,Coordinator,Programs for Artists
Mandy Vink,Coordinator,Public Art
David Farnan,Director
Celia Seaton,Administrative Specialist
City staff present:
None
Members of the public present: Marla Schulz(The Spark),Stephanie Swartz,Madalene,and Heather(Phoenix Asylum),
Dianela Acosta Boulder Opera Company),and Elaine Schnabel Boulder Chorale)
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Call to order and approval of agenda [0:00:08 Audio min.]
The meeting was called to order. Villarreal:due to commission attendance,the meeting began with discussion item C under
Item 5 was moved ahead of other items that require a vote. There was nodding approval for this adjustment.
Agenda Item 2: Review of Minutes 10:22:05 Audio min.]
Item 2A,Approval/Review of August 2019 Meeting Minutes
Villarreal asked the commission for changes or addendums regarding these minutes. Seaton noted that changes sent in by
McCormick and Borowsky have been incorporated. Villarreal requested inclusion of his assurance that Cindy Brandle's
appeal won't factor into future grant decisions as well as Borowsky's observation of the appeal process. Joos moved to
approve the August minutes as amended,Borowsky seconded,and the motion was unanimously approved.
Agenda Item 3: Public comment [0.01.09 Audio min.]
Madalene spoke,representing Phoenix Asylum(a unique industrial"gallery makerspace in east Boulder existing for over a
decade). She created space for"messy projects"spanning variety of media -e.g.,glass,concrete,fabric. Phoenix Asylum
is fully self-supported by rent model. Generally,there are 15-25 artists at a time renting space on stints from 3 months
onwards. The organization serves many artists' needs,particularly those of low income. Currently in a building facing
redevelopment,so"top of mind"issue concerns future relocation amidst the dearth of available rental space in Boulder.
Villarreal welcomed the group to keep apprised of community news by continuing to attend Arts Commission meetings.
Agenda Item 4: Public Art Program 10.23.55 Audio min.]
A. ACTION:Relocation of Dragonfly Giraffe by John King to the Growing Gardens site on Jefferson Street and
multi-use trail behind North Boulder Rec Center,3170 Broadway—Vink noted next steps as finalizing
conservation and contract,obtaining permits and contractors,and installation.
Joos moved to approve that this process was properly conducted and recommended the relocation of John King's
Dragonfly Giraffe to Growing Gardens advance to the City Manager for final approval. Borowsky seconded,and
the motion was approved unanimously.
In response to Borowsky's query,Vink explained that a press release will announce the relocation once a more
accurate timeline is established. Villarreal,noting a project to add an east-facing door for the Municipal Building,
wondered whether there will be a public art component. Vink noted that as soon as the final budget is approved,it
will indeed qualify for public art.
Agenda Item 5: Grant Program 10.29.19 Audio min.]
A. ACTION: Special Facilities Grant Capital Project Approval-The Spark. At the August meeting,commission
approved the Special Facilities Grant for Spark's application,which includes a capital improvement project. As
staff neglected to request the additional approval for capital projects that is required by City Code(Section 14-1
"Arts Grant Program"B.R.C. 2017).
Joos moved that The Spark-Performing and Creative Arts' capital construction project"The Spark Bathroom
Construction"be approved for the Special Facilities Grant of$20,000. Borowsky seconded; the motion was
approved unanimously.
B. ACTION: Unspent Grant Funds—Field Trip Fund Supplementary Transfer—Joos moved that$539 from the
sponsorship fund be moved to the cultural field trips fund. Borowsky seconded,all were in favor,and the motion
passed unanimously.
C. DISCUSSION: 2020 Grant Cycle Blueprint
• Staff Presentation on Proposed Changes and Discussion with Panelists,and Commission Discussion—
program progressing well;commission awarded 114 grants including 30 general operating support
awards in 2019. Every year,commission reviews the program for improvement. Staff consulted with
applicants(those awarded grants as well as those who were unsuccessful)over the past few months.
This input,along with commission/panel feedback and staff observation,informed potential adjustments
to the grants program to reduce the possibility of the following issues:
o Unexpected biases in the scoring process due to viewing other's rankings,similar issues in
rescoring process
o Competitive culture between organizations
o Inequitable distribution of Professional Development Scholarships
o Unvetted project proposals that include an Arts in Public Places component,leading to
unfeasible completion.
Click indicated 2020 Cultural Grants Funding Structure options(seeap cket).
Villarreal advocated to City Council for an increase of commissioners from the current 5 to 7 (due to
learning curve and retaining knowledge and increasing perspectives). Borowsky:"[generally,]bigger
[groups he has served with] were less effective,"than smaller. Villarreal read comments from Yucelin,
advising against continuing the 3-minute presentation model(see handouts . Clack agreed that the 3-
minute presentation portion was unfavorably received—high pressure and less effective than the written
response process,although she does value the face-to-face contact. Reece doesn't favor public
rescoring. Reece noted her willingness to serve as a panelist again.
Grant Program Structure—based on 2019 levels staff suggested that commission 1)reconsider quantity
for CU Boulder scholarships(either one full scholarship or 3 at$2,000 each),2)reconsider quantity for
Community Projects for Individuals,and 3)reinstate an admin line for commission ticket fund and
contingency($1,000). Joos would rather the funds for the ticket fund go to Professional Development
or some other grant funding. Villarreal would like to"dial down"to where the money would be most
beneficial. Time factors in more than finances for commissioners trying to get to events. Suggestion of
debriefing upcoming events at the meeting to assist commissioners with committing to attendance.
Staff recommends continuing to engage with the Human Relations Committee(HRC)to partner on their
grant programs. Joos suggested an advisory meeting with HRC to gain perspective of funding need.
Farnan noted the public dismay resulting from the shift of funding away from Indigenous People's Day.
Staff requested the$250,000 funding this ear's Special Facilities Grant as ongoing in 2020.
Regarding process improvements,staff recommended blind scoring in both rounds and making the
second round written. Borowsky:as someone who has applied for grants,the current process is not
working,"especially relative to rescoring and public answering of questions." Farnan explained that the
rescoring process was intended as a measure of transparency. Reece favors retaining this step but
shifting it be a written process—also prefers blind rescoring. Borowsky voiced his appreciation of the
face-to-face contact meeting the applicants. He suggested an initial proposal encompassing first broad
strokes,with subsequent request for more detailed applications(perhaps 3-min presentations). He
suggested incorporating non-public meetings. Borowsky doesn't favor the concept of rescoring. Joos
favors written process;she suggested seeking other opportunities for contact with the artistic community
in a non-competitive environment. Reece noted that rescoring allows for a learning curve on both sides
of the table. Villarreal favors rescoring because it provides opportunity for explanation.
Villarreal gathered valuable input during his ongoing discussions with Boulder International Film
Festival,Boulder Philharmonic,Jaipur Literature,Local Theater,Boulder Opera,and Open Studios.
"Scores of 5 are not a good score"—and as no commissioner comments are required,it can be difficult
for applicants to figure out how to raise it. Commission must consider explaining themselves at a lower
threshold. Three-minute presentation characterized as a"cage-match to the death"—all wish this
discontinued. Onerous application process especially for amounts under$10,000. Regarding character
count,Villarreal suggested emphasizing that applicants need not reach character maximum to respond.
Better communication needed to clarify that receiving monies for rental assistance,professional
development,cultural field trips,office relocation funds etc.,will not weigh against other grant
decisions. Villarreal relayed an inequity felt by organizations who do not incorporate ticket sales: no
way to increase organization's budget and potentially move into another tier of funding. Villarreal
responds that there are fewer of these larger grants,"the grass is not always greener." Stressed that
criticism from the arts community shapes the future efficacy of the Arts Commission—he doesn't want
anybody to be"intimidated"away from useful input.
Discussion of improved training for commission/panel,rescoring cap(to reign in enormous shifts-"in
three minutes score can change 25%"),report shortening,and sending comments to applicants
individually(versus one shared document).
Villarreal: dance got short end of the stick this year for grants. He referenced Le Salon des Refuses of
1863 ("exhibition of rejects"-works excluded by the jury of the official Paris Salon by such masters as
Manet,Whistler,and Cezanne). Villarreal suggested equity grants to make up for the neglected
disciplines from this year(despite qualifying for funding,not enough monies to distribute to all). Would
like to explore potential inequity,whether or not something can be done. Borowsky noted his similar
observation. Farnan clarified that commission's charge does not require an equal distribution across
media-lie noted the mix of discipline represented by the commission members.
Staff suggested limiting Professional Development applications to one per person annually and adding a
checkbox to applications regarding public art. Staff recommend continuing with administrative approvals
for Professional Development Grants in 2020;commission appeared favorable.
Regarding GOS Liaisons,staff presented options(e.g.,liaison positions only for commissioners with no
required reports,commission/staff host open hours around town, ticket fund reinstated with liaisons
trying to attend an event annually for each,or keeping as is). Villarreal"not big on reporting,"would
like to additionally serve as liaison with local theater organizations.
Reece:volunteer opportunities that have a large time commitment require economic privilege.
Suggested providing a stipend panelist position. Farnan: legalities must be researched.
Click noted next steps as reviewing language with CAO,panel applications and interviews on October
16"',and Grant Information Sessions planned for November 10'and December I It".
• Public Hearing—Schnabel went through the process last time;she felt the onus heavy on the applicants
to answer exactly what was asked in the way it was asked during the presentation portion,and"then the
scoring went crazy... after these oral arguments." In favor of blind scoring and the written process.
Schulz wondered about the bias of charisma factoring into requirement of meeting with people from the
organizations. Acosta noted small company size and the difficulty sending an ambassador to attend a
meeting and discuss,"seems like a bit much to expect for the smaller grants." Schulz relayed her
confusion as an applicant around what portion of the$250,000 Special Facilities Grant to apply. Schulz
wondered where to direct feedback. Click welcomed input or noted that it can be sent to commission.
Villarreal clarified that if sent to commission,email becomes public record;not so if sent to staff.
D. DISCUSSION:
• Application and Process for Selecting the 2020 Grants Panel Members- Staff will post the approved
application online. Commission requested that staff be sure to publicize this application widely to ensure
a diverse applicant pool.
Agenda Item 6: Matters from Commissioners 11.47.32 Audio min.]
Villarreal still awaiting resolution around Todd Reed's check to Boulder Metalsmithing—Click will reach out.
Villarreal desires receiving more details about the current1projected Public Art projects and Vink's workload.
Agenda Item 7: Matters from Staff 11.55.40 Audio min.]
A. Questions About the Manager's Memo
B. 2020 Budget—Faman announced first reading with opportunity for public comment on October I". Much can
shift between the first and second reading.
C. Boulder Arts Week Click presented on Boulder's only large-scale,inclusive celebration of arts/cultural offerings
(see handouts). 2019: over 300 events with over 16,000 attendees. "Business champions"made successful cross-
promotional partnerships. Next year's Boulder Arts Week set for March 27-April 4,2020. Continued featured
and inclusive events,banners on Pearl(climate change theme);new/improved for 2020: custom cocktails and
coffee stencils,partnership with Art Sticks,more visuals,and highlighting artists.
D. October Retreat Details—October meeting is set at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art(BMoCA)on
October 16'x'from 1-7 PM—Three Leaf Catering special performative gift procured by Click. More details
forthcoming with agenda to be discussed with commission well in advance.
Agenda Item 8: Adjournment [2.06.20 Audio min.]
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time,the meeting was adjourned.
Date,time,and location of next meeting:
The next Boulder Arts Commission meeting will be replaced by the annual retreat,held from 1-7 PM at the
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art,on Wednesday,October 16,2019.
APPROVED BY: ATT `1'
1� �� - - -
Board Chair Board Secretary
10 / 1b11019
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