HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.17.21 BAC Packet
Boulder Arts Commission Meeting Agenda
March 17, 2021 6:00 P.M.
Online Video Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER
Approval of Agenda
2. MINUTES
Approval of the February 2021 Meeting Minutes
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
4. GUESTS
A. Public Art Permitting – Jacob Lindsey, Planning and Development Services Department (30 min)
B. The Dairy Arts Center Letter – Melissa Fathman, Executive Director of The Dairy (30 min)
5. GRANTS PROGRAM
A. Default of a Grant Report: Boulder Taiko, Rental Assistance (30 min)
B. General Operating Support 2021 Recertifications (15 min)
i. Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra
ii. Circle of Care Project
iii. Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts
iv. eTown
v. Museum of Boulder
vi. NoBo Art District
6. PUBLIC ART
A. Fire Station 3 Project Initiation (15 min)
7. MATTERS FROM COMMISSIONERS
A. Mark Villarreal: Appreciations – Kathleen (10 min)
B. April Commission Appointments – Kathleen (15 min)
8. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Questions about the Manager’s Memo
9. ADJOURNMENT
1
CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING
MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Boulder Arts Commission
Date of Meeting: February 17, 2021
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton
Commission members present: Mark Villarreal, Kathleen McCormick, Devin Hughes, Bruce Borowsky, Georgia Schmid
Commission members absent: none
Library staff present:
Matt Chasansky, Office of Arts & Culture Manager
Lauren Click, Coordinator, Grants
David Farnan, Director
Celia Seaton, Administrative Specialist
City staff present:
None
Members of the public present: Becky Ohlin, Ann Moss, Sarah Braverman, Amanda Berg Wilson, Kari Palazzari
Type of Meeting: Regular|Remote
Agenda Item 1: Call to order and approval of agenda [0:00:08 Audio min.]
The meeting was called to order. McCormick provided an introductory orientation around the virtual procedure, as this
meeting was held through Zoom videoconference. She asked the group for any other addendums to the agenda. Being
none, commission gave a nod of approval for the agenda as presented in the packet.
Agenda Item 2: Review of Minutes [0:01:58 Audio min.]
Item 2A, Approval/Review of January 2021 Meeting Minutes
McCormick asked the commission for changes or addendums regarding these minutes. McCormick had minor changes to
the minutes, sent along by email beforehand. Villarreal moved to approve the minutes as amended, Borowsky seconded,
and the motion was unanimously approved.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation [0:04:12 Audio min.]
None.
Agenda Item 4: Grant Program [0.04.35 Audio min.]
A. ACTION: Grant Report Approvals
1. Report: Special Facilities Grant 2019, eTown, The Source Youth Musical Engagement, $62,000
2. Report: Community Project Grant for Individuals 2020, And Art Space & Street Wise Boulder,
Street Wise Boulder 2020, $5,000
3. Adriana Paola Palacios Luna, Arte consciente, identidad, bienestar y justicia social, $2,996.08
McCormick enjoyed reading all reports. She felt impressed with eTown’s example of a youth project that
employed musician mentors, used professional facilities at eTown and pivoting to the virtual platform. And
Art Space and Streetwise went above and beyond, as did Luna’s project. Villarreal loved the “fantastic” film
documentation of eTown’s project. Streetwise had “remarkable” results, going above and beyond what is
required for a $5,000 grant: “excellent job.”
Borowsky made a motion to approve that the following grant reports be approved: eTown Special Facilities
Grant 2019, And Art Space & Street Wise Boulder Community Project Grant 2020, and Adriana Paola
Palacios Luna Arts Education Grant 2020. Hughes seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.
B. General Operating Support 2021 Recertifications
1. List of 30 reports contained in the 2021 GOS Recertification List for discussion (see commission
correspondence in packet for list of specific grant reports). Click explained that commission has the opportunity
after review to (a) recertify all grants, (b) recertify individual grants, (c) not recertify individual grants and cancel
2
the funding for this grant cycle, and/or (d) postpone recertification of individual grants pending the answers to
specific questions. The group stated individual recusals due to personal affiliation:
Schmid- Boulder Ballet
Villarreal- none
Hughes- Boulder Symphony
Borowsky- none
McCormick- Cantabile
Villarreal praised the new partnerships and adaptability of all, highlighting excellence of 3rd Law Dance, Boulder
Bach Festival, Motus, Sans Souci, Chautauqua, among others. He observes a “real robust web of online presence
that will outlive the pandemic.” He enjoyed reviewing the reports of these organizations who “continue to hold
themselves to a high standard despite the challenges.” Borowsky concurred: performance of a masked symphony
seems reflective of the innovation and specific response to being an artist in these times. McCormick, Schmid, and
Hughes were similarly impressed by the adaptability and pivot of these groups in response to the pandemic.
Schmid moved that all 2019 and 2020 General Operating Support Grant recipients in the following list be
recertified:
• 3rd Law Dance/Theater • Art Parts Creative Reuse Center
• Band of Toughs • Block 1750
• Boulder Bach Festival • Boulder Ballet
• Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company • Boulder International Film Festival
• Boulder International Fringe Festival • Boulder Metalsmithing Association
• Boulder MUSE • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
• Boulder Samba School • Boulder Symphony
• Cantabile Singers • Colorado Chautauqua Association
• Colorado MahlerFest • Dairy Arts Center
• EcoArts Connections • Frequent Flyers Productions, Inc.
• Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras • KGNU
• Local Theater Company • Mmmwhah! // Creativity Alive
• Motus Theater • Open Studios, Inc.
• Parlando School of Musical Arts • Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
• Studio Arts Boulder • The Catamounts, NFP
Borowsky seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 5: Matters from Commissioners [0.34.17 Audio min.]
A. Process for Approving Extensions of Grants – responding to commission’s request for a list of extension requests
in January meeting, staff indicated 32 extensions as enumerated in the packet. McCormick found this delay in
projects “concerning.” Though understandable due to the pandemic, she is aware of the investment of public funds
and corresponding responsibility.
Indeed, Click credited challenges of the pandemic for the unusually high number of extension requests this year.
Ultimately, staff wish to ensure that the organizations have support needed to finish the projects. Chasansky
recommended a joint communication from staff and commission to let applicants know that “we’re here to help,”
in this challenging time and to emphasize that the process to grant extensions or adapt to changes is in the interest
of the success of the project. He also noted the range of reasons for needing extension (e.g., scheduling conflicts,
pandemic limitations). Legal advice would be sought when discussing grants “in default,” as opposed to
“delinquent.” Delinquent projects are the current focus of discussion. Staff provided the following definitions:
• Delinquent: a grant recipient has missed their reporting deadline without communication with staff or an
approved extension request. It is assumed that, once we hear from them, we can work out a way to
resolve the issues and support completion of the project.
3
• Default: a grant recipient either a) informs us that they will not be able to complete the project. Or, b)
does not communicate with staff for a period of time that makes it practically impossible for the
completion of the project. In such cases, staff consults with the commission and the City Attorney’s
Office (CAO) to decide on a remedy.
Chasansky: Steps will be taken to provide more clear information about extension approvals to commissioners by
listing those updates in meeting packets with a very brief reason for the extension. During meetings,
commissioners are encouraged to ask questions about those approvals.
In situations where a grant recipient requests a second extension, staff will include a commissioner on the
response email with a message encouraging them, if warranted, to reach out for further support from
staff/commission (e.g., advice on additional resources, consultation on coordination and operation, or other forms
of advice and support). Should there be a third extension request, the grantee would be asked to attend the
following commission meeting to speak about the project’s progress and see if the commission and/or staff can
offer additional advice or support.
In all these cases, the practice will continue for staff to provide administrative approval only when the
extension is for a reasonable time period and the grant recipient can guarantee that the project will be completed as
per the application. All extraordinary circumstances above this will be brought to the commission for discussion.
Villarreal, as an opponent of micro-management, warned against “getting bogged down with a solution looking for
a problem.” He emphasized that it is “unacceptable” for a project to be delinquent due to zero communication
from organizations. He recommended staff plan for the default scenario by proactively consulting with the CAO.
He sees the current array of extension requests as valid and reasonable. He approved of the joint letter and the
third delay necessitating a visit to commission. Stressing the need for accountability when spending city money,
McCormick considered commissioner intervention in the second extension request. Hughes does not see a need for
commission response before the third request. He suggested requesting multiple contacts from the applicant to
guard against missed communications. Staff reminded that it is an applicant’s responsibility to make sure that the
grant administrator and the grant software are updated with the most current grantee information, though Click
often “exhausts all options” trying to make contact. Commission requested to view an example of the legal
contract that is circulated between the city and the applicant, to better understand the agreement.
Commission further discussed being involved in second or third request for extension. Villarreal trusts the
judgement of a single commissioner bringing anything controversial to the entire group for a third extension, and
otherwise providing a “rubber stamp” of approval. He stressed importance of remaining “nimble” and
“responsive,” only involving the entire commission if unusual circumstances exist, and “the wheels are coming
off” a project. He is “comfortable with the current level of scrutiny.” Schmid, cognizant of the responsibility of a
legally binding contract and taxpayer funding, recommended having a commissioner involved on the second
extension. She likewise saw no need to involve the entire commission unless warranted. Borowsky felt
comfortable with one commissioner along with Click responding to the second extension request. Commission
agreed with this staff recommendation to involve a commissioner (liaison to the organization) if a second request
for an extension is requested.
Click, with McCormick’s assistance, plans to draft joint letter from commission and staff will be drafted by Click
with McCormick’s assistance and reviewed by commission.
B. COVID Context for Grants Scoring and Approval – McCormick: Following up on new information about the
number of grantees that have asked for extensions because of COVID, the Arts Commission will discuss some new
considerations for grant scoring and approvals. Some questions to consider as the commission reviews and scores
grant applications include the following: Does the applicant have the resources and ability to complete this project,
given the challenges of COVID restrictions that may be in place through 2021 and beyond? Does this applicant
have an outstanding grant that has received one or more extensions due to COVID? What kind of flexibility and
resources could OAC/BAC offer to this applicant to help complete the project if COVID does require adjusting the
project or extending the timeline for completion?
4
APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Board Chair Board Secretary
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Date Date
McCormick invited commission input to encourage a proactive, rather than reactive, response to ensure that arts
grants from the city provide benefits to the community as close as possible to their original intent and within a
reasonable timeframe.
Schmid disliked the idea of granting another award to an applicant who has yet to complete an already extended
contract. McCormick noted that no current rule ensures against this outcome. Chasansky proposed crafting a
statement to inform the panelists that these considerations are being discussed before any scoring occurs.
Agenda Item 6: Matters from Staff [1.31.34 Audio min.]
A. ACTION: Update on Outdoor Venue for Performing Arts and Assignment of a Commissioner to
Participate – Chasansky updated on this collaboration with The Dairy which is poised to launch. It has evolved
since the last discussion into a sponsorship that Parks and Recreation will offer to everyone, with The Dairy as the
primary group taking advantage of that sponsorship. Any arts organization or artist can apply, provided that they
meet the terms of the permit. The project should meet the three goals of helping alleviate the burdens that have
resulted from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, to help employ artists and arts workers, and to bring the
community together in a safe environment in the Civic Area.
Part of the sponsorship involves a fund of $10,000 to provide stipends to assist arts organizations/artists with
audio/visual costs. Chasansky invited a commissioner to assist in reviewing the applications and to help decide
how to distribute the stipends. Hughes: sounds like an awesome program to engage the bandshell. He suggested
two arts commissioners sit in on the process (in case of recusal), volunteering himself. Schmid offered herself as a
second volunteer.
Borowsky suggested including a budget line item in the future for a small sound set-up that could serve as an
investment to assist performers.
Staff in the Office of Arts and Culture and Parks and Recreation will engage social media channels to promote this
exciting new opportunity.
B. Manager’s Memo: see packet. Chasansky welcomed questions. Parks and Recreation’s Master Plan update is
currently underway; Chasansky invited commission to respond with any input on the goals. A Race Equity Plan
was unanimously adopted by City Council last night; it will improve or replace the statement on the Office of Arts
and Culture’s statement on cultural equity.
Agenda Item 7: Adjournment [1.59.00 Audio min.]
Borowsky is “optimistic,” as Channel 8 indicated enthusiasm toward his idea to employ their assets to bring arts and cultural
organizations to the community, though stated current budget restriction. Borowsky is “optimistic.”
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 at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, on Zoom.
5
TO: Members of the Boulder Arts Commission
FROM: Matt Chasansky, City of Boulder Office of Arts + Culture
DATE: March 11, 2021
SUBJECT: Manager’s Update for the Boulder Arts Commission Meeting
on March 17, 2020
1. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic emergency orders, this meeting of the Arts Commission:
> Will ensure that participants can safely follow social distancing guidelines by convening the meeting online using
a video conference.
> Public observation and comment are available for this meeting. To join the video conference, members of the
community will be asked to make a request by email to rsvp@bouldercolorado.gov by Wednesday March 17, at
12:00 P.M.
2. Notes on the March Agenda
> 4A, Public Art Permitting – The permitting challenges for Public Art projects was included in the Arts
Commission’s annual letter to Council, with discussion among the Arts Commission and staff at the December
2020 meeting. City Council repeated the priority of solving these challenges at their retreat this January. Since
then, staff of several departments have been meeting to identify the problems and develop recommendations
for solutions. Jacob Lindsey, the new Planning and Development Services Director, will provide an update and
get feedback from Commissioners to guide next steps.
> 4B, The Dairy Arts Center Letter – In Attachment One please find a copy of the letter sent to the Arts
Commission by Melissa Fathman, Executive Director of The Dairy Arts Center. At the request of commissioner
Villarreal, Melissa will join the meeting to answer questions about the letter.
> 5A, Default of Grant Report: Boulder Taiko, Rental Assistance – The Rental Assistance Grant Report for Boulder
Taiko is in default of the agreement, requiring a remedy. In this case, the default was initiated by a missing
report not returned by the deadline. Staff has determined that there is no reason to believe that the project can
be completed as is described in the grant application.
In Attachment Two, please find copies of the original agreement and application.
Below is a timeline of actions:
February 5, 2019 – Grant awarded for the Colorado Taiko Summit 2019 to be held on September 14,
2019 at Unity Boulder
February 7, 2019 – Agreement signed
September 30, 2019 – Report reminder (from the grant software)
September 30, 2019 - Extension granted to April 2020
April 24, 2020 – Extension Granted to October 18, 2020
November 4, 2020 – Report reminder (from the grant software)
November 19, 2020 – Grant in default
February 18, 2021 – Report reminder (from Lauren via email and phone call)
February 22, 2021 – Response from Julia
6
The decision on what remedy will be required of the grant recipient is the responsibility of the Director of the
Library and Arts Department, David Farnan. David has requested the recommendation of the Arts Commission
on the action he will take, which may include:
Negotiation for a second extension on the grant until the program can be produced within a reasonable
period of time.
A blackout period during which the grant recipient may not apply for funding through the Arts
Commission grants program.
Return of the grant funds.
The grant recipient has been offered the chance to provide a written statement which, when received, will be
distributed to the Arts Commission before the meeting. And, they have been invited to attend the March
meeting to answer any questions. During the meeting staff will ask commission members for their
recommendations on the remedies above including, if it is recommended, how long should a blackout period
last?
> 5B, General Operating Support 2021 Recertifications – Staff will ask commissioners to vote on a motion to
recertify a second set of reports for the 2021 cycle of multi-year General Operating Support (GOS) grants. This
meets requirements of the city’s annual budget cycle and the requirements of the cultural grants ordinance
(Boulder Revised Code, Chapter 14-1). It is important to note that this action is not a second review of those
applications. Rather, in addition to the requirements of the law and budget process, it is the opportunity for
members of the Arts Commission to ensure that no crucial changes have occurred in the organizations that
might create a challenge in their ability to meet the requirements of the grant and the spirit of their application,
beyond changes made in order to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioners have the options to:
a. Recertify all grants,
b. Recertify individual grants,
c. Not recertify individual grants and cancel the funding for this grant cycle, and/or
d. Postpone recertification of individual grants pending the answers to specific questions
> 6A, Fire Station 3 Project Initiation – Funding for the relocation of Fire Station 3 was approved by voters as part
of the Community, Culture, and Safety Tax. The land acquisition is now complete and the project has moved on
to the design development step. This includes an opportunity for a public art project with a budget of $75,000
from the same Community, Culture, and Safety Tax fund. During the meeting, staff will ask the Arts Commission
for endorsement of the community selection panel and any advice on project initiation which can be brought to
the selection panel and technical review team for discussion. An orientation is scheduled for the last week of
March. A preview of the staff presentation is found in Attachment Three. For more information on the parent
project, visit https://bouldercolorado.gov/planning/fire-station-3-relocation-4
3. Commission Correspondence
In Attachment Four please find copies of email correspondence received by the Boulder Arts Commission during the
period between the publication of the February and March 2021 meeting packets.
4. Staff Updates
City Council has concluded interviews for applicants to open seats on the Arts Commission. They will make their
final appointments at their meeting on March 16, 2021.
Work continues in collaboration with several departments to improve the efficiency of permitting of public art.
7
Work continues in collaboration with other departments and partners in the community on COVID-19 response and
recovery. Staff members are currently serving on the Boulder Business Response and Recovery Alliance, the
Economic Recovery Team, and a state-wide team of arts and culture leaders. Specific impacts of the emergency on
programs are listed below.
> Grants and Programs for Organizations
Applications are now open for the 2021 grants cycle. Please refer anyone interested to the grants website:
https://boulderarts.org/2021-grants-program/. You should also feel free to connect them with Lauren for any
detailed questions.
In Attachment Five please find a current grants program budget.
The following Professional Development reports were approved prior to the meeting:
Julia Joun, Grant Writing and Management from TechSoup, Online, $250
The following Professional Development Grants were approved prior to the meeting:
James Marienthal, Music and Dance Performance Coaching and Development Private Consultation in
Boulder, CO, $500
Laura Mangus, Coaching on marketing and event production to ensure best CD and Book Release for
“Becoming Honey”, Online, $500
Merlyn Holmes, Speaker’s Playground: Coaching on public speaking and Zoom presentation skills with
Johanna Walker, Online, $500
Patti Bonnet, Annecy International Animation Film Festival in Annecy, France, $500
Savannah Ducharm, Berlin Drawing Room Online Workshop, Online, $500
Travis LaBerge, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion immersive training with Lori Pace, Online, $500
The following Rental Assistance grant reports were approved prior to the meeting:
Flatirons Food Film Festival, Boulder Public Library, Canyon Theater, $1,000
The following grant report extension requests were approved prior to the meeting:
Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), General Operating Support Grant, 2nd Request. Connected with liaison
commissioner Hughes. The director of JLF is also overseeing the Shambhala Center and they had
extensive damage to the building in the freeze.
2020 Boulder 90 Second Newbery Film Festival, Community Project Grant, $2,500, 2nd Request. Moving
funding to support live 2022 festival. Connected with commissioner Borowsky.
2020 Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, Arts Education Grant, SheBop Weekend Workshop,
$3,000, 2nd Request. Due to continuing COVID restrictions, moving the dates of the SheBop Weekend
workshop. Connected with commissioner Schmid.
Sponsorships have been awarded for the following:
Arts and Culture Relief Fund, $2,000.
Business of the Arts Workshops by Boulder County Arts Alliance, $5,000
> Public Art Program
8
The 2020-2022 Public Art Implementation Plan received final approval and is published on the public art
website: https://boulderarts.org/public-art/.
Public Art Commissioning Updates:
University Hill (ENVD 3300 Praxis): On hold. Staff is open to explore alternative funding or a rescaled
project. http://www.monthofmodern.com/community-livingroom/
North Broadway (Sharon Dowell): Preliminary Design. Dowell’s updated concepts were reviewed by the
Technical Review Committee on Feb 9. Anticipated parent project construction schedule: May 2021 – Aug
2022.
Urban Design - 30th and Colorado Underpass (Rosie Fivian and Ransom Beegles): Final Design. The parent
project has entered construction. Anticipated parent project construction schedule: Feb 2021 – Aug 2022
http://www.architectista.com/ http://www.rdesignstudios.com/
https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/30th-and-colorado-underpass
NoBo Library (Daily Tous Les Jours): Final Design. Technical review of the Final Design was conducted on Feb
3 and 10. Anticipated parent project construction schedule: May 2021 – July 2022.
www.dailytouslesjours.com;
Fire Station 3: Pre-selection. With close of Civic Area and Arapahoe Underpass, remaining CCSv2 funds have
been dedicated to Fire Station 3, as originally intended. https://bouldercolorado.gov/planning/fire-station-
3-relocation-4
Alpine Balsam Pavilion: Pre-project planning, delayed. Meeting scheduled for late March.
Valmont Park: Launch 2023
Transportation CIP Percent for Art: On Hold
Experiments in Public Art: On Hold
CAGID Garage Art Public Art Program: On Hold
Community-Initiated Projects Updates:
Tim Eggert Soundpiece: Permits have been submitted; contract negotiations underway.
Los Seis de Boulder: Permitting and Contracting underway. Permitting not approved due to boundary
conflicts. The work will be temporarily installed as part of BMoCA’s Inside Out exhibition while permanent
location is finalized. This creates an opportunity for additional programming and community engagement.
Rotary Club Donation: Permitting and Contracting negotiations underway. The Donors are finalizing
drawings, information for permit application; Goal to install late May / early Jun 2021.
Nobel Circle Donation: Pre-approval Process. Donors are fundraising phase; project development and
permitting requirements meeting in March.
Maintenance and Conservation:
An assessment of 2021 maintenance funds and needs are underway
A study and recommendation on accessible signage for public art is underway
Murals:
The 2021 Mural Artist Roster has closed. Staff will review and notify all applicants prior to publishing.
9
19th and Avocado: Street Wise Arts and the Transportation Department are working with Anthony Garcia Sr.
of Birdseed Collective to create a neighborhood street mural. This project was approved by the Standing
Selection Panel in Dec 2020 and is expected to be complete in Apr 2021.
https://www.birdseedcollective.org/
In Attachment Six please find a budget status for the five-year public art commissioning budget.
> Creative Neighborhoods
The last of the Creative Neighborhoods: COVID-19 Works Projects are now complete. Staff is developing a
project close-out survey for participants. Visit the Creative Neighborhoods: COVID-19 Work Projects to see
maps of the projects as well as short interviews with the artists, sorted by neighborhood.
Work is wrapping up for the close of the Creative Neighborhoods: Murals program. In collaboration with
Boulder B-Cycle, a self-guided map is underway to safely celebrate the completed projects.
> Programs for Artists
We continue to monitor the economic situation for professional artists during the pandemic. And we are
tracking resources that are available and communicating those to Boulder artists.
Staff is finalizing plans for the next few monthly Forums for Professional Artists which will continue after Boulder
Arts Week.
> Creative Workforce and NoBo Art District
Work continues in collaboration with other departments on the city’s Economic Recovery Team.
Staff has been in contact with the NoBo Art District regarding their plans for restarting the BID ballot process.
Discussions are ongoing with their board and membership.
> Venues
The Community Benefits initiative was discussed by City Council at the meeting on Mar 2. Council expressed
interest in the arts components of the proposed plan and requested further information about the ability of arts
organizations and artists to benefit from reduced rent as described in the staff recommendations. In support of
the Planning and Development Services Department, staff will be conducting the research to answer those
questions for Council’s next steps.
Staff has continued to monitor the impacts of the pandemic restrictions on venues. This includes monitoring the
changing situation for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). A plan to connect venues with information
about the application and process have been delayed: major changes to the program are required in the
America’s Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by the President just this week. Staff will continue to monitor any
new information and plans updates and information meetings for venue operators.
10
On Mar X, staff was joined by commissioner Hughes to discuss the Arts in the Park sponsorship program for the
Glenn Huntington Bandshell. Staff at Parks and Recreation are following up on decisions with the applicants.
They will be releasing final decisions when those next steps are complete. At the same time, Office of Arts and
Culture staff are supporting Parks and Recreation to help promote the events that receive the sponsorships.
Work continues with the Facilities and Parks & Recreation Departments to discuss new leases for the Dairy Arts
Center, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts, and Studio Arts/The Pottery Lab.
Work continues in anticipation of a future ballot item for the community to decide on the renewal of the
Community Culture and Safety Tax.
> Civic Dialog and Boulder Arts Week
Boulder Arts Week approaches: Mar 26 to Apr 3, 2021. Please share the site with any colleagues who may be
interested in attending or hosting an event during The Week.
Work continues to support Boulder Arts Online. A special thank you to Boulder County Arts Alliance for
partnering on the website and calendar.
Staff continues to support Denver Arts and Venues to present the next in a series of webinars about the role of
equity and racial justice in cultural nonprofits entitled ‘How to be an Anti-Racist Organization’ on Monday, Mar
22, 2021. Please contact Lauren at clickl@boulderlibrary.org for a link to register.
11
Attachment One
Letter from The Dairy Arts Center
12
13
Attachment Two
Boulder Taiko Agreement and Application
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Attachment Three
Fire Station Three Presentation Preview
28
29
From:Chasansky, Matthew
To:Bruce Borowsky; Devin Hughes; flynvartranch@comcast.net; Georgia Michelle; Kathleen McCormick
(fonthead1@gmail.com)
Cc:Click, Lauren; Vink, Mandy; Farnan, David; Seaton, Celia
Subject:February Packet Questions
Date:Tuesday, February 16, 2021 2:17:07 PM
Attachments:image002.png
Airworks 2 San Lazaro Concepts & Ideas Proposal - 2021 01 19.pdf
BAC - OASIS Extension Request 2 2021 01 21.pdf
Commissioners—
Below are questions we received, along with the staff responses. We can answer your further
questions during the meeting. Thanks!
—Matt
1.Manager’s Memo: 6A, Process for Approving Extensions of Grants: “So far, there has been only
one request which required further review by the Commission, which was done at the Jan.
2021 meeting.” In our review of the current grants extension requests, could we hear more
about the circumstances of some of the grant requests, including ECO-ARTS, and the two
delinquent grants?
Staff Response: attached is the latest extension request and project proposal from EcoArts
Connections. The extension was approved on January 25, 2021.
Regarding the two delinquent grants that were listed in the packet, Boulder Taiko and BRIAH
Dance: in both cases have been following our standard procedures for reporting deadlines of
Rental Assistance grants. In each case, the grant software automatically generated two
email reminders about the expiration of the reporting deadline. Lauren then followed up
with an email. Having received no response, the applicant was marked as delinquent and is
not able to apply for future grants until it is resolved. (In the case of project grants, we
would also hold their 20% milestone payment.) We will continue to reach out by phone and
email regularly. Since we have not yet had any response from these organizations, we do
not have any further details about the situations that are causing the delinquencies. The
Commission will be kept up to date in the staff updates section of the meeting packets as we
learn more and take action.
2.What kind of deadlines will OAC/BAC set for artists/organizations that have already had one
extension? two extensions? Some will be determined by seasonal events, but it seems logical
to discuss this if we are asking for accountability and want to see projects finished.
Attachment Four
Commission Correspondence
30
Staff response: the current practice is to review requests for extensions on the merits of the
situation. Staff then determines if the time horizon of the request is reasonable in the
circumstances. Or, if the Commission needs to review and give a recommendation. We
scrutinize each request carefully to make those decisions. And, hold organizations
accountable to the new deadline that we decide is reasonable. Of course, we can anticipate
requests that may be for so far into the future that we ask them for a different deadline.
However, that has not yet been the case: all requests have been justified and reasonable in
our judgment.
This currently is the procedure with all extension requests: first or second. Two possible
changes to the procedure are described in the packet.
It is quite on purpose that we do not have a firm criterion that limits the length of time that
they may request for an extension. First, there are many varied factors that might influence
how long of an extension can be considered “reasonable”. For instance, issues of
seasonality or the pandemic might warrant a longer time-horizon then, say, a scheduling
conflict. Second, we initially respond to requests from the position of being supportive. We
take very seriously the principle of doing what we can, including making these decisions, in
the interest of supporting the successful completion of the project as it was described in the
grant application.
Also, please keep in mind that this is only for extensions of reporting deadlines. Any change
in the scope of the project will automatically be sent to the full Commission.
There is no circumstance where we would not demand accountability to new deadlines, the
terms of the funding agreement, or the grant application that was approved by the
Commission.
For our discussion at the meeting, I think it will also be helpful to get on the same page for
definitions:
Delinquent: a grant recipient has missed their reporting deadline without communication with
staff or an approved extension request. It is assumed that, once we hear from them, we can
work out a way to resolve the issues and support completion of the project.
Default: a grant recipient either a) informs us that they will not be able to complete the project.
Or, b) does not communicate with staff for a period of time that makes it practically impossible
for the completion of the project. In such cases, staff consults with the Arts Commission and the
City Attorney’s Office to decide on a remedy.
31
Matt Chasansky
Manager,
Office of Arts and Culture
he/him/his
303-441-4113
chasanskym@boulderlibrary.org
boulderarts.org
Library & Arts Department
1001 Arapahoe Avenue | Boulder, CO 80302
bouldercolorado.gov
32
From:Click, Lauren
To:Kathleen McCormick (fonthead1@gmail.com); Mark Villarreal; bruce@boulderdigitalarts.com; Devin Patrick
Hughes; georgiamichelle@hotmail.com
Cc:Chasansky, Matthew; Seaton, Celia
Subject:GIA Webinar: Annual Research on Support for Arts and Culture
Date:Monday, February 22, 2021 8:47:03 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Hello Commission,
Please let me know if you’d like to join the below program at noon mtn time tomorrow, Tuesday February 23.
They will allow us to add you with our membership.
I’ll need to know today – pardon the late notice!
Cheers, Lauren
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
720-564-2355
Cultural Grants Program
Office of Arts + Culture
Library & Arts Department
1001 Arapahoe Avenue | Boulder, CO | 80302
www.boulderarts.org
Sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates on Boulder's rich arts and culture scene.
From: Grantmakers in the Arts <gia@giarts.org>
Sent: Friday, February 19, 2021 11:04 AM
To: Click, Lauren <ClickL@boulderlibrary.org>
Subject: GIA Webinar: Annual Research on Support for Arts and Culture
External Sender
Join us Tuesday, February 23! GIA logo
GIA’s Annual Research on Support for Arts and Culture
Tuesday, February 23, 2:00pm EDT / 11:00am PDT
Reina Mukai, data services manager, Global Projects & Partnerships, Candid.
Ryan Stubbs, senior director of research, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
Patricia Mullaney-Loss, research manager, National Assembly of State Arts
Agencies
33
Register Today!
In the upcoming Winter 2021 edition of the GIA Reader, the latest edition of GIA’s funder snapshot will include “Foundation
Grants to Arts and Culture, 2018,” based on the most recent completed year of Candid. data, and “Public Funding for the Arts,
2019,” prepared by the National Assembly of State Art Agencies (NASAA). How have things changed since the last GIA
funder snapshot in February 2020, and what can we look forward to for 2021?
Join us on February 23 to hear from Reina Mukai, data services manager of Candid., Ryan Stubbs, research director for
NASAA, and Patricia Mullaney-Loss, research associate for NASAA. They will share a summary of key findings and insights
into what these findings reveal about the current arts grantmaking environment, as well as an introduction to what we can
expect for the new year.
GIA webinars are open to everyone. The fee for nonmembers is $35. If your organization is eligible for membership and you
would like to join GIA in order to attend this and other web conferences free of charge, please visit our membership page.
Reina Mukai joined the research staff of Candid. (formerly Foundation
Center) in 2006 and currently serves as data services manager. In this role,
she works on a range of research and data-driven projects. Mukai has authored numerous reports on
national, regional, and special-topic trends in the field of philanthropy — among them are Foundation
Funding for Native American Issues and Peoples, Giving in Florida, and the Key Fact Sheet series. She
also works with partners on custom consulting services and research projects. She received an MA in
economics from Hunter College and a BA in economics from Bard College.
Ryan Stubbs oversees NASAA’s data collection and research services.
In this role, he directs NASAA’s tracking of public funding for the arts
and its work as the national repository of state arts agency grantmaking data. Stubbs represents state arts
agencies and NASAA at state, regional, and NASAA research forums and is NASAA’s primary research
liaison to federal agencies, foundations, consultants, and scholars conducting research on public support
for the arts. In his prior position, Stubbs served as director of research for the Western States Arts
Federation, where he conducted analysis of arts-related economic data and implemented web-based
research tools. He holds master’s degrees in public administration and urban and regional planning from
the University of Colorado, Denver.
Patricia Mullaney-Loss joined NASAA in 2016 as research associate.
She collects information on state arts agency funding levels and sources
through the State Arts Agency Revenues survey and manages NASAA’s historical funding database.
Mullaney-Loss also designs and conducts many of NASAA’s online surveys, including the Staffing and
Compensation Survey and Membership Opinion Poll. She works with the Research Department to create
engaging and informative data visualizations for NASAA reports and member requests. Mullaney-Loss
previously worked at International Arts & Artists conducting research and creating new programming.
She graduated with a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland, after completing
bachelor’s degrees in government and dance at the same institution.
Other Upcoming Webinars
March 30 - Native Arts and Culture: Resilience, reclamation, and relevance
34
Grantmakers in the Arts
522 Courtlandt Avenue, 1st Floor
Bronx, NY 10451-5008
United States
(929) 452-3740
www.giarts.org
gia@giarts.org
Opt out of all GIA mailings
35
From:Chasansky, Matthew
To:Melissa Fathman
Cc:Click, Lauren; Mark Villarreal; Kathleen McCormick; devin@devinpatrickhughes.com;
bruce@boulderdigitalarts.com; georgiamichelle@hotmail.com; Seaton, Celia
Subject:RE: Advice and Input for Dairy Arts Center rental policy
Date:Thursday, March 4, 2021 11:51:20 AM
Attachments:image002.png
Melissa—
Thanks for your email to the commission.
A reminder that, due to the transparency practices of the Arts Commission, messages to three or
more commission members are retained in the public record. We will include a copy of your email
in the next meeting packet. Please let me know if you have any questions about that.
—Matt
Matt Chasansky
Manager,
Office of Arts and Culture
he/him/his
303-441-4113
chasanskym@boulderlibrary.org
boulderarts.org
Library & Arts Department
1001 Arapahoe Avenue | Boulder, CO 80302
bouldercolorado.gov
36
From: Melissa Fathman <melissa@thedairy.org>
Sent: Monday, March 1, 2021 2:30 PM
To: Mark Villarreal <flynvartranch@comcast.net>; Kathleen McCormick <fonthead1@gmail.com>;
devin@devinpatrickhughes.com; bruce@boulderdigitalarts.com; georgiamichelle@hotmail.com
Cc: Chasansky, Matthew <ChasanskyM@boulderlibrary.org>; Click, Lauren
<ClickL@boulderlibrary.org>
Subject: Advice and Input for Dairy Arts Center rental policy
External Sender
Dear Members of the Boulder Arts Commission,
I am writing to you all with the hope that you can offer your thoughts, suggestions, or advice with
regard to a difficult decision I must make. Normally I would not reach out with regard to operational
decisions, but a change in our rental policy will have a significantly negative impact on some
organizations, while offering new opportunities for others. Because this will impact some
organizations you all know well, I am hoping you can either point out an angle I am missing or offer
suggestions on the best way to communicate the need for this change to our larger community.
Ever since I took the helm at the Dairy in the fall of 2017, I've been struggling with how to implement
more equitable policies, particularly with regard to how we manage our theater calendars. As we all
know Boulder has grown over the years, and so too has our arts community. Many new
organizations have sprung up, and many older organizations have expanded--adding summer camps,
longer runs for their shows, and even the number of productions they do each year. This is all
wonderful for our community. At the same time it has created challenges for the Dairy with regard
to equity. We find ourselves in a situation where the more established organizations, with robust
fundraising, tend to plan earlier and put holds on most of the dates on our calendar a year in
advance. As a result, organizations and artists that must work within a shorter planning window are
left with very few dates. Many of them cannot perform here at all due to lack of available space. It is
crystal clear to me that substantive diversity and equity cannot occur unless we take steps to put
limits on the amount of time any one organization or artist can rent space.
After a lengthy staff discussion, the consensus was to put into place the following limits:
The Maximum number of weeks any one organization can rent the Carsen or Grace Gamm theaters
will be 16.
The Maximum number of weekends any one organization can rent the Gordon Gamm theater will be
5.
In order to maintain their pre-Covid production schedule some organizations will have to look for
another venue, likely outside of Boulder, once this limit is put into action. There will likely be
complaints and push back from donors and patrons. At the same time, making this change will offer
opportunities for so many other Boulder organizations and artists that could benefit from
performing in a professional theater.
37
This past year has brought into clear focus the fact that greater inclusion of under-represented
members of society is not a nicety that we can add when feeling magnanimous; it is a necessity in
order to move forward as a sustainable and ethical society.
If there are any suggestions any of you may have in helping to make this change run more smoothly
for all, I eagerly welcome your input.
All best,
Melissa
--
Melissa Fathman
Executive Director
38
From:Click, Lauren
To:Seaton, Celia
Cc:Chasansky, Matthew
Subject:FW: Advice and Input for Dairy Arts Center rental policy
Date:Monday, March 1, 2021 2:44:15 PM
Hi Celia!
Please see below a group email to the Commission for the packet.
Cheers, lmc
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
720-564-2355
Cultural Grants Program
Office of Arts + Culture
Library & Arts Department
1001 Arapahoe Avenue | Boulder, CO | 80302
www.boulderarts.org
Sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates on Boulder's rich arts and culture
scene.
From: Melissa Fathman <melissa@thedairy.org>
Sent: Monday, March 1, 2021 2:30 PM
To: Mark Villarreal <flynvartranch@comcast.net>; Kathleen McCormick <fonthead1@gmail.com>;
devin@devinpatrickhughes.com; bruce@boulderdigitalarts.com; georgiamichelle@hotmail.com
Cc: Chasansky, Matthew <ChasanskyM@boulderlibrary.org>; Click, Lauren
<ClickL@boulderlibrary.org>
Subject: Advice and Input for Dairy Arts Center rental policy
External Sender
Dear Members of the Boulder Arts Commission,
I am writing to you all with the hope that you can offer your thoughts, suggestions, or advice with
regard to a difficult decision I must make. Normally I would not reach out with regard to operational
decisions, but a change in our rental policy will have a significantly negative impact on some
organizations, while offering new opportunities for others. Because this will impact some
organizations you all know well, I am hoping you can either point out an angle I am missing or offer
suggestions on the best way to communicate the need for this change to our larger community.
Ever since I took the helm at the Dairy in the fall of 2017, I've been struggling with how to implement
more equitable policies, particularly with regard to how we manage our theater calendars. As we all
know Boulder has grown over the years, and so too has our arts community. Many new
organizations have sprung up, and many older organizations have expanded--adding summer camps,
39
longer runs for their shows, and even the number of productions they do each year. This is all
wonderful for our community. At the same time it has created challenges for the Dairy with regard
to equity. We find ourselves in a situation where the more established organizations, with robust
fundraising, tend to plan earlier and put holds on most of the dates on our calendar a year in
advance. As a result, organizations and artists that must work within a shorter planning window are
left with very few dates. Many of them cannot perform here at all due to lack of available space. It is
crystal clear to me that substantive diversity and equity cannot occur unless we take steps to put
limits on the amount of time any one organization or artist can rent space.
After a lengthy staff discussion, the consensus was to put into place the following limits:
The Maximum number of weeks any one organization can rent the Carsen or Grace Gamm theaters
will be 16.
The Maximum number of weekends any one organization can rent the Gordon Gamm theater will be
5.
In order to maintain their pre-Covid production schedule some organizations will have to look for
another venue, likely outside of Boulder, once this limit is put into action. There will likely be
complaints and push back from donors and patrons. At the same time, making this change will offer
opportunities for so many other Boulder organizations and artists that could benefit from
performing in a professional theater.
This past year has brought into clear focus the fact that greater inclusion of under-represented
members of society is not a nicety that we can add when feeling magnanimous; it is a necessity in
order to move forward as a sustainable and ethical society.
If there are any suggestions any of you may have in helping to make this change run more smoothly
for all, I eagerly welcome your input.
All best,
Melissa
--
Melissa Fathman
Executive Director
40
From:Click, Lauren
To:Kathleen McCormick (fonthead1@gmail.com); Mark Villarreal; Devin Patrick Hughes; Bruce Borowsky;
georgiamichelle@hotmail.com
Cc:Chasansky, Matthew; Seaton, Celia
Subject:Reports for review for Arts Commission meeting 3/17/2021
Date:Tuesday, March 9, 2021 3:18:13 PM
Dear Commissioners,
Thank you in advance for your time reviewing these reports. The General Operating Support grants
are the largest part of our budget and has been vital for our grantees, which you will see in their
reports. Please review the documents by the Boulder Arts Commission meeting on Wednesday,
March 17 at 6pm.
To access the folder of documents go to the online portal, then to your Shared Documents
folder, then to the appropriate folder. They are also in this Google Drive folder if you'd like to
avoid downloading them (you can preview them in the folder).
Please find below the list of reports from the grantees and reports from other grants. You will
vote to re-certify the GOS grantees.
Each report includes an 'Updated Institutional Narrative' section, the sections that read 'Final
...' are the 2020 report responses, and their attachments which begin around page 11 or 12.
The remainder has been left in from their applications for reference.
General Operating Support Reportsi. Boulder Philharmonic Orchestraii. Circle of Care Projectiii. Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Artsiv. eTownv. Museum of Bouldervi. NoBo Art District
Of course, feel free to email or call me if you have questions.
Cheers, Lauren
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
720-564-2355
Cultural Grants Program
Office of Arts + Culture
Library & Arts Department
1001 Arapahoe Avenue | Boulder, CO | 80302
www.boulderarts.org
Sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates on Boulder's rich arts
and culture scene.
41
Attachment Five
Current Cultural Grants Program Budget as of March 11, 2021
GRANT
CATEGORY
ASSIGNED
BUDGET
ACTUAL
BUDGET GRANTS AWARDED BALANCE
GOS: Extra Large Orgs $392,400.00 $392,400.00 $196,200.00 $196,200.00
GOS: Large Orgs $177,600.00 $177,300.00 $158,200.00 $19,100.00
GOS: Mid Orgs $90,000.00 $90,000.00 $90,000.00 $0.00
GOS: Small Orgs $88,000.00 $88,000.00 $72,000.00 $16,000.00
Community Projects: Indv. $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $0.00 $25,000.00
Community Projects: Org. $60,000.00 $60,000.00 $0.00 $60,000.00
Arts Education $30,000.00 $30,000.00 $0.00 $30,000.00
Rental Assistance $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Equity Fund $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Prof. Dev. Scholarships $7,050.00 $7,050.00 $3,000.00 $4,050.00
Certificate Scholarships $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Cultural Field Trips $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Admin / Admission fund $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
TOTAL $869,750.00 $869,750.00 $519,400.00 $350,350.00
There are 14 free rentals still available for the Macky Auditorium.
42
Attachment Six
Current Public Art Program 5 Year Budget as of March 11, 2021
FUNDING
SOURCE PROJECT/ARTIST TOTAL
APPROPRIATED
AMOUNT PAID
TO DATE
BALANCE
REMAINING
2021 PROJECTED
SPENDING
Gen. Fund Rotary Donation $0 $0 $0 $0
Gen. Fund Tim Eggert Donation $0 $0 $0 $0
Gen. Fund Los Seis de Boulder Donation $0 $0 $0 $0
Gen. Fund Experiments in Public Art $0 $0 $0 $0
Gen. Fund Creative Neighborhoods Program $0 $0 $0 $0
Gen. Fund Civic Area Permanent / Kuby* $63,311.49 $58,311.49 $ 5,000 $5,000
CCS v1 North Broadway / Dowell $165,000 $41,250 $123,750 $50,000
CCS v1 Univ. Hill / CU ENVD $95,000 $24,461.15 $ 70,538.85 $0
CCS v2 NoBo Library / Daily Tous Les Jours* $260,000 $112,500 $147,500 $75,000
CCS v2 Unassigned ~$25,000 $0 ~$25,000 $0
CCS v2 Fire Station 3 ~$80,000 $0 ~$80,000 $20,000
CCS v2 Arapahoe Underpass / Sparks $ 20,000 $ 1,500 $ 18,500 $18,500
% for Art Foothills Underpass / Braaksma $35,000 $35,000 $0 $1,750
% for Art 30th & Colo / Fivian & Beegles $39,764.02 $39,764.02 $0 $0
% for Art Alpine Balsam Pavilion Project $tbd $tbd $tbd $tbd
TOTAL $783,075.51 $312,786.66 $470,288.85 $170,250.00
CCS: Community Culture and Safety Tax
*Multiple funding sources.
Additional maintenance projects are not represented.
43