HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.17.21 BAC MinutesCITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING
MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Boulder Arts Commission
Date of Meeting: March 17, 2021
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton
Commission members present: Mark Villarreal, Kathleen McCormick, Devin Hughes, Bruce Borowsky
Commission members absent: Georgia Schmid
Panel members present: none
Panel members absent: none
Library staff present:
Matt Chasansky, Office of Arts & Culture Manager
Lauren Click, Coordinator, Grants
Mandy Vink, Coordinator, Public Art
David Farnan, Director
Celia Seaton, Administrative Specialist
City staff present:
Jacob Lindsey, Director of Planning and Development Services
Members of the public present: Melissa Fathman, Mark Phillips, Fran Zankowski, Shay Wescott, Kari Palazzari, Eboni
Freeman, Maria Cole, Dana Nelson, Julia Misawa, Cindy Sepucha
Type of Meeting: Regular|Remote
Agenda Item 1: Call to order and approval of agenda [0:00:55 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 if anyone had adjustments to the agenda. Borowsky had an
announcement about Channel 8 to be added as Item 7C. McCormick wished to announce the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation’s
second round of grants as Item 7D. She asked the group for any other addendums to the agenda. Being none, Hughes
moved to approve the amended agenda. Borowsky seconded, and all were in favor.
Agenda Item 2: Review of Minutes [0:06:14 Audio min.]
Item 2A, Approval/Review of February 2021 Meeting Minutes
McCormick asked the commission for changes or addendums regarding these minutes. McCormick had changes to the
minutes, sent along beforehand. Villarreal moved to approve the minutes as amended, Borowsky seconded, and the motion
was unanimously approved.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation [0:07:32 Audio min.]
Palazzari spoke in appreciation for thoughtful Villarreal’s service on the commission, support for CU Arts Boulder, and
“meta-level analysis” around issues.
Agenda Item 4: Guests [0.09.45 Audio min.]
A. Public Art Permitting – Jacob Lindsey, newly installed director of the city’s Planning and Development Services
Department (P&DS) spoke alongside his presentation (see handouts.) He thanked McCormick for bringing the
problem to his attention so that the “broken city system” can be improved. He views this challenge to improve the
process of permitting public art in Boulder as a collaboration between P&DS, Finance, the Office of Arts and
Culture, and the City Attorney’s Office. He acknowledged the difficulty of shifting the “status quo” of how things
are run in the public realm. So far, City Council has given authorization to continue work on this problem. An
internal project manager has been appointed within P&DS. Specific challenges have been agreed on. Scoping of
solutions and agreement on action steps are in progress. Next steps include delivery of recommendations and
implementing the revised permitting process.
Identified challenges include complexity of application and permitting process, project management and
communication during the process, cost, temporary vs. permanent structures, and clarity regarding taxation for
projects. Identified goals include safety, environmental constraints, compliance with regulations, and expansion of
the community’s serendipitous encounters with art. Next steps are to identify and agree on solutions, communicate
solutions, design the new permit process, implement the permit process. Lindsey acknowledged the complexity of
regulations in the city of Boulder – e.g., height restriction, building code – yet still hoped for a short timeline. The
floor was open for commissioner feedback.
Villarreal thanked Lindsey and spoke to the depth of the frustration experienced for the past few years. He
inquired what the experience of the selected project manager. Lindsey explained that this individual is an 8-year
veteran of the Planning Department and will work the administrative end while Lindsey, Vink, and Chasansky
constitute the “brain trust” of experts directing the conversation. Villarreal pointed at the absence of a common
language that can describe the public art “animal.” Lindsey agreed, acknowledging the “tremendous language
challenge.” Permitting is generally designed around buildings and their safety. Currently, there exists no formal
pathway for the permitting of artwork in Boulder. Creating the pathway is the meat of the current activity.
Villarreal is also concerned about the new fire house project which he sees as a continuance of the “non-holistic,”
“bureaucratic” rules about public art. “Really good public art is messy… it makes everybody stretch.” Lindsey
agreed: “Art flourishes in a laissez-faire community” which “runs against the “stickler to the rules culture” that
permeates permitting building regulations. McCormick wondered about Lindsay’s experience working with public
art in Charleston, NC (his previous work location). Lindsay served for 5 years as chair on the local design review
committee that reviewed and approved public art. He believes it is good practice to involve artists from the start of
a project and to establish clarity and simplicity about the regulatory processes as much as possible. His experience
taught him the importance of dialogue among all parties – this type of issue can’t be solved by automation.
Staff and commission expressed excitement at this collaboration and re-imagination of the permit process for
public art.
B. The Dairy Arts Center Letter – Melissa Fathman, Executive Director of the Dairy Arts Center, presented on how
her organization serves the community in an effort to provide more transparency around The Dairy’s operations
and decision-making process, as well as future plans (see letter in packet.) She also voiced admiration toward
Villarreal for his service and support during the past 5 years.
McCormick inquired about plans to ensure equity measures in the array of applicants - has Fathman seen diversity
in this area? Fathman: Underrepresented groups often are unable to plan as far in advance, and dates fill up
quickly. She would like to carve out an additional pocket to provide this space for emerging artists. Wescott,
Operations Manager at the Dairy, spoke about the evolution of partner organizations and desire to create an
equitable process. At the beginning of the partnership program, there did exist a financial incentive partly based on
historic ticket sales. The policy was revised to create questions more around content and inclusiveness of
organization and work, “still an imperfect system” that may not be leaving room for other emerging groups.
McCormick: regarding the partnerships, is there financial quid-pro-quo? Fathman: the partnership is more of a
commitment to be at the Dairy – everyone pays the same amount for rent, so there is no financial incentive. Ticket
sales go directly to the organization renting the space. In response to McCormick’s inquiry, Fathman clarified that
the Dairy does not make more money if a play is sold out for every show beyond a nominal rise in concession
sales.
Hughes thanked Fathman for speaking. In response to his inquiry, Fathman reported no complaint from the
companies that may have reduced reservations. Since opening the calendar to reservations, organizations seem to
be adjusting well and understand the need for equity.
Villarreal served on the board of the Dairy for 2 years - issue of capacity at The Dairy is a constant agenda item.
He understands that the high capacity and calendar of 63 weeks means that to be equitable means to take even
more away. He sympathizes with the “Solomon-like” dilemma. He trusts the board to make the best decisions
they can given the limitations.
Borowsky fully supports anything the Dairy can do to encourage an equitable playing field for the array of
organizations in Boulder. Phillips spoke as the chair of the board of directors, praising the decision. He spoke to
the building space constraint and appetite for expansion.
Agenda Item 5: Grant Program [1.09.15 Audio min.]
A. Default of a Grant Report: Boulder Taiko, Rental Assistance. Director Misawa was present. Though ultimately a
directorial decision, Farnan requested the input of the commission to inform his decision among the available
choices for response. Staff brought this report to commission as it was determined the report was in default,
though commission is free to dispute that. See background and details in packet.
McCormick invited Misawa to speak before they discussed a remedy. She thanked commission for the time
permitted to speak. She provided an explanation of the issues that caused this issue. Boulder Taiko decided to
change venue in September 2019 due to unexpected overbudget rental costs. Marriott Hotel was to be the next
venue. Marriott marketing director left in the summer. There was prohibition around serving saké at the hotel.
Then 2020’s pandemic hit presenting further challenge. Misawa admitted forgetting about the report until hearing
from Click. Her understanding was that things were on hold until she received the link to the meeting tonight.
Misawa clarified that the original date was set for September 13, 2019. It usually requires a year of planning in
advance in order to put on a performance; she doesn’t think it is likely to have a performance anytime soon.
McCormick: the rental assistance funds were meant only to be used for renting a facility for performance which
never occurred. Misawa explained that the funds were not used for this purpose, but rather constituted 9 payments
toward a martial arts studio in Boulder. McCormick stressed the need to use taxpayer money for the intentions
under which it was given. Misawa clarified that there are no more funds in the organization’s budget for any
performances after the challenging year of COVID – she even tried to sell her drums, but was unable.
Villarreal spoke to the issue of precedent. Everyone granted money needs to be responsible with it regardless of
the circumstances. He acknowledged that if Boulder Taiko is out of money, how will water come from a stone?
To send a message to the community, he suggested Boulder Taiko be blacked out of future grant awards for the
next couple years. He is not interested in anything punitive, but a strong message must be relayed. Hughes: would
you say that COVID was the cause of why you couldn’t use your funds as intended? Misawa: certainly for 2021.
McCormick understands the COVID situation, but she encouraged creative solution and communication to assist
getting over the obstacle. In fairness to all the other artists and arts organizations who were still able to deliver by
adapting and pivoting their projects, she agreed with Mark’s suggestion. Hughes, respecting the staff decision,
wondered about a creative option whereby the arts commission could get credit as a “sponsor” for the next
performance. McCormick clarified that Misawa detailed no budget line for a performance. McCormick would like
to see the money returned, “in an ideal world.”
Chasansky: your events and organization are an important part of Boulder’s landscape. He expressed his personal
sympathies. Farnan thanked commission for the deliberations and recommendation to ban Taiko Boulder from
participating in the grant cycle for one year. Hughes was not in favor of a ban, speaking to the challenge of
COVID and reluctance to censor an organization. McCormick again emphasized the importance of communication
to apprise staff and commission of challenges as they arise. As Villarreal emphasized: “No news is worse than bad
news.” McCormick, Borowsky, Villarreal, all were in favor of a black out period of one year. Farnan expressed
appreciation to Misawa and the work done by Boulder Taiko, as well as to commission for the assessment.
B. General Operating Support 2021 Recertifications
i. Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra
ii. Circle of Care Project
iii. Colorado Musical Festival & Center for Musical Arts
iv. eTown
v. Museum of Boulder
vi. NoBo Art District
Several commissioners were impressed by the adaptability of the organizations as evidenced in the six reports.
Hughes made a motion to recertify all six of these reports. Borowsky seconded, and the motion was unanimously
approved to accept the reports and recertify all the general operating support grants.
Agenda Item 6: Public Art Program [1.47.30 Audio min.]
A. Fire Station 3 Project Initiation – Vink introduced this new public art project – see presentation in packet. The
current location has a memorial to honor two firefighters who died in the line of duty during training, which will be
moved to the new location. This is a unique project integrating the 1982 memorial to help honor those two but also
to take into account what it means to serve as a Boulder firefighter. The public artwork will be integrated into the
final design. Commissioner Hughes has agreed to serve on the community selection panel. The site will be
clarified at the orientation meeting, and Vink will report back in a staff update. She believes it will be off of 30th
and Valmont on the west side of the property.
Agenda Item 7: Matters from Commissioners [1.58.59 Audio min.]
A. Commissioners expressed their appreciations for departing commissioner Villarreal and his service. Hughes will
miss the “permanent fixture” of Villarreal’s voice, his fairness, equity, and “telling it like it is.” Borowsky
appreciated his leadership and example. Staff commended Villarreal for his personal time investment, honesty,
dedication, compassion, advocacy, aesthetics, etc. Sepucha: Mark helped make the long meetings “fun” and
likewise praised Villarreal’s artistic style.
McCormick: Mark, we so appreciate your five years of service to the Arts Commission and the arts and culture
community. I’ve appreciated your wisdom, leadership as an advocate, and intuitive grounding in what you believe
is right for artists and our community. You’ve had such a huge and passionate presence that it’s hard to imagine
the Arts Commission without you, but I’m hoping we’ve learned some lessons, especially about advocacy and
speaking from the heart, and perhaps we can count on you to let us know if we ever fall short. We hope you’ll
continue as a leader in the arts community, and now maybe have more time to devote to your own artistic
endeavors. Endless thanks for all of your work with us and for the arts community.
McCormick also read some statements she gathered in appreciation of Villarreal from several voices in the arts and
culture community:
From Pesha Rudnick, artistic director for Local Theater: Dear Mark, Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for
being a champion for arts and artists in Boulder for the past five years. You are a gentle giant, a lion in our field,
a friend and an ally. I can’t tell you how many times I gazed over at you in one of the epic granting meetings and
thought, “No matter what happens, he’s on the side of artists.” You are good people. You will be missed on the
commission AND I look forward to seeing you in a gallery soon. Warm regards and endless gratitude.
From Sarah Shirazi: On behalf of everyone at KGNU Community Radio, we'd like to thank Mark Villarreal for his
service and commitment to increasing awareness and support for the arts in Boulder and for being an advocate for
public art projects and the city of Boulder's Cultural plan and Community priorities. Thank you for your
partnership and friendship, Mark.
From Robin and Kathy Beeck, Boulder International Film Festival: We loved working with Mark over the years,
and we will miss him dearly. Mark is a true artist - making his own art but also giving his time so generously so
that other artists and arts organizations could flourish. He was always right there for us - if we needed advice on
how to proceed with some request or idea, or if we had questions on grant proposals. Whenever we asked to meet
with him, whether in person or on zoom, he was immediately available. His advice was professional and wise, and
we always left a meeting smarter than when we started. Our relationship with the BAC has only improved because
of Mark's guidance - the same with our organization as a whole. We wish Mark the very best, and hope to stay in
touch as he moves on from the commission. Thanks for everything! We love you, Mark!
Villarreal thanked the group for their comments; he has nothing but praise for the staff, and “it’s been an incredible
five years.”
B. April Commission Appointments. McCormick congratulated the three newest members of the commission as
determined by the previous evening’s council vote. Eboni Freeman, Maria Cole, and Caroline Kert were the three
successful applicants, and April 2021 will be their first official meeting.
C. Channel 8 – Borowsky announced a “great” meeting earlier in the day with Channel 8. Parties reached a verbal
agreement that Channel 8 will air programming from local arts groups as soon as April 1st. The process of getting
digital files from artists will be coordinated next. He volunteered to assist with the process. Chasansky thanked
Borowsky for his instigation and offered staff support.
D. Updates on the Bonfils-Stanton and Denver Foundation’s COVID Relief Fund Round 2 grants – McCormick
reported that $123,500 has been awarded to 10 local groups. Chasansky clarified that the first round saw $20,000
APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
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Board Chair Board Secretary
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Date Date
from Create Boulder’s fundraising as well as $20,000 from the city. In this round, Create Boulder fundraised
another $20,000 and the city contributed $2,000.
Agenda Item 8: Matters from Staff [0.00.00 Audio min.]
A.Manager’s Memo: see packet. Chasansky welcomed questions.
Agenda Item 9: Adjournment [2.30.00 Audio min.]
Vink will provide an update on the Alpine Balsam project in May or June 2021.
Click invited the upcoming Boulder Arts Week, declared at City Council as March 26th to April 3rd, 2021.
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, April 21, 2021, on Zoom.
5.14.2021