HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.15.21 BAC Packet
Boulder Arts Commission Meeting Agenda
September 15, 2021 6:00 P.M.
Online Video Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER
Approval of Agenda
2. MINUTES
Approval of the August 2021 Meeting Minutes
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
4. PUBLIC ART (30 min)
A. 2022 Public Art Implementation Plan Updates, Chapters 2 and 3 – Mandy
5. GRANTS PROGRAM (75 min)
A. Patricia D Bruck, 3rd Extension, Community Project Grants, Awarded March 21, 2018, River Beginning:
A Journey From the Edge, $4,000
B. Block 1750, request to change the nature of the 2021 Community Project Grant previously awarded
for Block Party 2021, $10,000 (30 min)
C. Reports for approval:
i. Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, SheBop Weekend Workshop, $3,000 follow up
responses
ii. Angie Eng, Earth Wear, $5,000
D. 2022 Grant Cycle Blueprint: Recommended Changes 45 min)
6. MATTERS FROM COMMISSIONERS (10 min)
7. MATTERS FROM STAFF (15 min)
A. Questions about the Manager’s Memo
B. Budget Update – David and Matt
8. ADJOURNMENT
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING
MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Boulder Arts Commission
Date of Meeting: August 18, 2021
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton
Commission members present: Kathleen McCormick, Devin Hughes, Bruce Borowsky, Georgia Schmid (arrived during Item
4), Eboni Freeman, Maria Cole, Caroline Kert
Commission 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:
Aimee Kane, Equity Program Manager, City Manager’s Office
Members of the public present: Jessie Friedman, Ann Moss, Lisa Nesmith, Kari Palazzari, Jennifer Sandoval, Sarah
Shirazi
Type of Meeting: Regular|Remote
Agenda Item 1: Call to order and approval of agenda [0:00:18 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 addendums to the agenda. There was a nod
of approval for the agenda as presented.
Agenda Item 2: Review of Minutes [0:03:01 Audio min.]
Item 2A, Approval/Review of July 2021 Meeting Minutes
McCormick asked the commission for changes or addendums regarding these minutes. McCormick had minor changes to
the minutes, sent along beforehand. Kert moved to approve the minutes as amended, Freeman seconded, and the motion
was approved by all who were present at the meeting. Borowski abstained as he was absent at the previous meeting.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation [0:04:25 Audio min.]
Moss spoke as a representative of Create Boulder, Arts Alliance of Boulder County, and Boulder Museum of Contemporary
Art. She invited commission to visit two current exhibits at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art – one, situated outside
on 13th St., is a sculpture commemorating Los Seis de Boulder. The other work acts as an interactive exhibition, The
Journey Continues Toward Justice, El Movimiento Sigue. She also alerted the group to an upcoming event at eTown, date
TBD, in which Boulder County Arts Alliance and Create Boulder will feature a forum for the City Council candidates to
discuss issues of arts and culture in the community. Moss will dispatch event updates and invited input on the planned
inquiries.
Sandoval, director of the North Boulder Sunset Market, announced the success of this past summer’s inaugural event within
the NoBo Art District. The event provided vendor space, food trucks, and live music to the artist studio space warehouses
in north Boulder and was well received by the public. Sandoval hopes for more funding to create a similar event next year.
Nesmith, president of the NoBo Arts District, advocated for a streamlined permitting process in the city, and reduction in
fees for events. Small organizations have difficulty navigating the city’s “onerous” permitting process and coming up with
the necessary monies.
Agenda Item 4: Matters from Guests - Racial Equity Declaration and Plan [0.15.35 Audio min.]
Kane spoke on goals and strategies for the adopted Racial Equity Plan in the City of Boulder (see plan.) She discussed
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disparities, as well as individual, institutional, and structural racism. Kane provided background on the Government Alliance
on Race and Equity (GARE) model for change. Steps include normalizing the concepts and organizing the movement to
enact change, and then implementing a racial equity tool to “operationalize” equity. This instrument involves the framework
of a six-step process to evaluate policy through community engagement.
Community involvement provided heavy input on this project. A 2017 inclusivity community perceptions report informed
the outline, presented to community members who created a robust public engagement plan. One stated goal provides
opportunity for commissioners to train in racial equity at workshop offerings.
Chasansky and staff will work to align the Cultural Equity Plan with the city’s principles. He expects a facilitated workshop
for commission likely in October 2021.
Freeman was excited to see the diversity of communities whose input was requested during the public engagement. She
inquired about efforts to connect with the disability community, or whether there were other challenges in the outreach.
Kane acknowledged that staff has experienced difficulty engaging the disability community. Freeman wondered about
connecting with black community through church culture. Kane agreed that there is a lot of opportunity through that arena
– staff has so far engaged with the Sacred Heart Church and the Second Baptist Church. Freeman would appreciate any
update on the disability outreach in coming months.
Chasansky acknowledged how forward-thinking the commission has been in its pursuit of racial equity; he noted past
consultant work, the collaboration with the Human Relations Commission in providing equity grants, and the ongoing
outreach to the indigenous tribal leadership. Cole agreed with Kane re: “casting a wider net around what encompasses
‘art.’” McCormick favors the idea of engaging a consultant again to further this work.
Freeman suggested tracking several vectors of diversity to obtain metrics that measure change and trend data for the grants
and applications. Kane also recommended collecting qualitative data (anecdotes).
The group thanked Kane for her presentation – Kane welcomed any further feedback or inquiry and provided her contact
information to commission.
Agenda Item 5: Budget Update [1.16.11 Audio min.]
2022 Division Budget and Proposed Restorations for 2021 – Staff put in a request for increased funding to grants and public
art. This increase would restore funding to 2019 levels. The full request will be published August 31st.
Some upcoming dates covering the budget approval process: on September 9th, there will be a first reading and public
hearing concerning a special adjustment to base for the monies granted by American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”).
A second reading will occur on September 28th. At the September 28th session, the first reading of the city’s 2022 budget is
also planned. Staff will seek commission recommendations in September and October.
Agenda Item 6: Grant Program [1.23.22 Audio min.]
A. ACTION: Grant Report Approvals
1. Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, SheBop Weekend Workshop, $3,000
2. Boulder International Film Festival, BIFF 2021 Youth Pavilion/Cinema to Schools/Youth Advisory Council,
$3,000
3. EcoArts Connections, OASIS: A Gathering Place for Opportunities, Arts, Science, Inspiration, and
Sustainability, $10,000
4. Follow up: Boulder Community Media, Beyond Wind River: Fort Chambers Virtual Reality (WRVR), $3,000
Kert made a motion to accept the grant reports for Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (with a question
regarding the division of monies for scholarships and for catering), Boulder International Film Festival, EcoArts
Connections, and Boulder Community Media. Cole and Freeman seconded the motion, simultaneously. The
motion passed unanimously.
B. 2022 Cultural Grants Cycle Blueprint, Step One – Click reviewed staff, community, and commission feedback on
the program. The Community Cultural Plan informs the grant program’s financial structure. The group discussed
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funding priorities for 2022. If funding is restored towards an equity grant, the group was favorable toward a
fellowship built in collaboration with the Tribal Nations.
McCormick hoped to retain latitude on funding program directions if COVID restrictions prohibited certain
activities (e.g., field trips, professional development grants requiring travel outside Colorado, venue grants). When
funds were previously cut due to the pandemic, commission recommended consolidating money to support general
operating support grants and arts education grants that could still be done virtually.
In discussion of process improvements regarding eligibility criteria, Freeman suggested lowering the eligibility age
to increase accessibility. Staff responded with the concern that state law parameters will only permit contracting
with those of legal age. Kert mentioned that she would like to review the city boundary criteria, as location has
been cited as a concern in trying to focus benefit to the local community. Freeman suggested requiring vendor
contract language to also support the local businesses.
Schmid spoke to her observation that the same large art organizations in Boulder tend to win the grant awards year
after year; now that she is a commissioner, she realized that this is a result of the predictable applicant pool. She
suggested striving to attract new organizations. She personally has contacts in the dance world who never applied
for a grant (one large barrier is the restriction of timing and application deadlines that sometimes occur long before
the realized project). In order to “raise the bar,” she advocated diversity of style. Boulder Ballet performs the
same version of The Nutcracker annually, though a dancer she knows reimagined the story with a jazz style set in a
Colorado winter. This alternative version would be great to bring to Boulder, though this artist would need grant
support to rehearse and present the show. She wants to see a larger scope of style offered to the community.
McCormick agreed and suggested incorporating smaller grants that are given out more frequently. Borowsky
referenced the Spark grants which were awarded on a rapid cycle with smaller amounts in order to help artists on a
more spontaneous basis.
The group discussed whether a panel of four community volunteers should still be involved in the grant scoring;
can this panel process be enhanced? Palazzari, a recent panelist, recommended maintaining the addition of
panelists even with the newly enlarged body of commission – a greater diversity of viewpoint can still be
consolidated by way of the scoring rubric’s numerical sieve. Palazzari also spoke about spreading the money
around as much as possible. When distributing this taxpayer money, she places a heavy weight on the scale toward
equity and feels that a single organization should not be winning multiple grants. Changing the rubric parameters
could avoid this possibility.
More input will be gathered at the September meeting, with options to be presented and finalized at the October
retreat.
Agenda Item 7: Public Art [3.08.31 Audio min.]
A. Public 2022 Public Art Implementation Plan Updates, Chapter 1
i. Questions about the Public Art Policy, Public Art Implementation Plan Ch. 1 (see packet.) Cole
wondered about parameters in the policy around the deaccession of a piece of public art which
may no longer be culturally relevant or sensitive to current society. Vink referenced language in
Section 12, which provides opportunity to remove an artwork if new information causes it to be
no longer deemed culturally appropriate.
ii. Programming, Experiments in Public Art – In response to Schmid’s inquiry, Vink noted that
many of these events are publicized through the Office of Arts and Culture robust social media
channels.
Agenda Item 8: Matters from Commissioners [3.57.40 Audio min.]
A. CCS Tax Discussion by Council – for September meeting
B. GOS Liaison Appointments
Agenda Item 9: Matters from Staff [3.58.45 Audio min.]
A. Manager’s Memo: see packet. Chasansky welcomed questions.
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APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Board Chair Board Secretary
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Date Date
Agenda Item 10: Adjournment [3.59.01 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 at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, on Zoom.
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TO: Members of the Boulder Arts Commission
FROM: Matt Chasansky, City of Boulder Office of Arts + Culture
DATE: September 9, 2021
SUBJECT: Manager’s Update for the Boulder Arts Commission Meeting
on September 15, 2021
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, September
15, at 12:00 P.M.
2. Notes on the September Agenda
> 4A, 2022 Public Art Implementation Plan Updates, Chapters 2 and 3 – The 2020-2022 Public Art Implementation
Plan is an overview and work plan for public art commissions. During the September meeting we will continue
discussion to address necessary updates to the current plan. The discussion will be about updates only;
adoption of the next full Public Art Implementation Plan will take place in 2022. Elements for discussion include
new projects, updates to previously approved projects, and maintenance. In Attachment One please find a draft
of updates to Chapter 2 (Projects) and 3 (Maintenance) of the 2020-2022 Public Art Program Implementation
Plan.
> 6A, Patricia D Bruck, 3rd Extension Request – The grant recipient has requested an extension request for the
2018 Community Project Grant for River Beginning: A Journey From the Edge for the third time. The first
extension granted was granted on July 29, 2019; the second was granted September 16, 2020. Staff will ask the
Commission members for any recommendations in the administrative decision to approve this request. The
applicant will be present at the meeting to answer any questions.
> 6B, Block 1750 Request to Alter Grant – The grant recipient has requested a change in the nature of the project
that is partially funded by a 2021 Community Project Grant in the amount of $10,000.
Following standard procedures, the grant recipient notified staff about a change in the nature of the already-
awarded grant. Staff then reviewed the request to ensure the changes to the project still meet eligibility
requirements of the grant category and continues to fulfil the description of the project that was in the
approved application. In this case, staff determined that the project is substantively different than what was
described in the application. The next step in the procedure is for the Arts Commission to review the proposed
changes.
The grant recipient was awarded funds for their program Block Party in 2021 and is unable to complete the
event. They are proposing that the grant funds be dedicated to a different program: Movement Zoo. The
proposed changes are eligible for funding according to the Community Project Grant eligibility requirements, but
substantively different from the project described in the application. The Commission will be asked to
determine if Movement Zoo is still a good use of the funding. Commission members will not be asked to give
scores at the meeting. However, in referencing the Scoring System and Rubric, staff will ask for the Commission
to discuss the following question: are the changes to the project a reasonable replacement for the awarded
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program and warrant the funding be retained by the grant recipient to complete the new project. Arts
Commission members have the option to:
a) Make a motion to approve the requested changes to the application,
b) Make a motion to not approve the requested changes and recommend that staff pursues the return of
funds, or,
c) Postpone the decision pending the answer to specific questions from the grant recipient or staff.
> 6D, 2022 Cultural Grants Cycle Blueprint, Step Two – In Attachment Two, please find a preview of the
presentation on proposed changes for the 2022 cycle of the Cultural Grants Program. This includes staff
recommendations and, in some cases, alternatives for discussion in the meeting. The goal of this discussion is to
get further advice on specific changes to criteria and process which will be finalized at the October meeting to
include presentation by staff of all final documents including new grant category structures and budgets,
updated criteria and guidelines, new applications and scoring documents, and a final schedule of deadlines.
3. Commission Correspondence
In Attachment Three, please find copies of email correspondence received by the Boulder Arts Commission during
the period between the publication of the August and September 2021 meeting packets.
4. Staff Updates
New requirements for the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces has been adopted by the Boulder County Board
of Health in a Public Health Order published on September 2. Staff is working with partners to support arts venues
in meeting the needs of this requirement.
Staff continues to work with leadership in the Planning and Development Services Department, Finance Department
and the City Attorney’s Office to draft new policies and ordinances for improvements to the permitting of Public Art.
Work continues on the budget process including the proposed 2022 division budget, a proposed increase to the
2021 budget, and special allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Updates on all these issues will be
provided in the September meeting.
> Public Art Program
Public Art Commissioning Updates:
Civic Area (Adam Kuby): Final Closeout COMPLETE.
Arapahoe Underpass (Michelle Sparks): Project Closeout: Sun Fades to Moon on Water plaque ordered.
Project permits and final closeout process is underway.
Urban Design - 30th and Colorado Underpass (Rosie Fivian and Ransom Beegles): Final Design. The parent
project has entered construction while exploring cost-saving options in final production, including the urban
design components. 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
North Broadway (Sharon Dowell): Final Design. Dowell continues to work with Project Management Team
and Community Stakeholders to finalize design and locations. Anticipated installation: Spring 2023.
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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: Fall 2021 – Spring 2023*slightly delayed, no
updated schedule available at this time. www.dailytouslesjours.com;
Fire Station 3: Selection. 29 applicants with five semifinalists: Michael Clapper, Mario Miguel Echevarria,
Jodie Bliss, James Lynxwiler, and Ken Williams Studio. Proposal meeting is tracking for the week of Sept 27
https://bouldercolorado.gov/planning/fire-station-3-relocation-4
Urban Design - 19th and Upland (Anthony Garcia): Contracts/Design. New underpass at 19th and Upland on
the Fourmile Canyon Creek
George Reynolds Branch Mural: Selection.
University Hill (ENVD 3300 Praxis): On hold. Staff is open to explore alternative funding or a rescaled
project. http://www.monthofmodern.com/community-livingroom/
Alpine Balsam Pavilion: On hold. Meeting scheduled for late August.
Valmont Park: Launch projected for 2023
Transportation CIP Percent for Art: On Hold
Experiments in Public Art: On Hold
CAGID Garage Art Public Art Program: On Hold
Community-Initiated and Donation Projects Updates:
Tim Eggert Sound Harp: Permit reapplication underway; contract negotiations underway. Tracking for Oct.
2021 installation
Los Seis de Boulder: Permitting and Contracting underway. Permitting not approved due to boundary
conflicts. The work is temporarily installed as part of BMoCA’s Inside Out exhibition while permanent
location is finalized.
Rotary Club Donation: Permitting and Contracting negotiations underway. The donors are finalizing
drawings, information for permit application.
Nobel Circle Donation: Pre-approval Process. Donors are in the fundraising phase; project development and
permitting requirements continue.
Maintenance and Conservation:
An assessment of 2021 maintenance funds and needs are underway
Murals/Paint the Pavement Projects:
19th and Avocado: COMPLETE. 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. Community event: June 19; Painting: August 7. *Funded
through CDOT’s Can-Do Challenge Grant and initiated by the community
https://www.birdseedcollective.org/
Vision Zero Innovation Program: GO Boulder has identified a handful of locations across town as
opportunities for artist-designed crosswalk and curb extensions as part of the Vision Zero implementation.
https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/vision-
zero#:~:text=Vision%20Zero%20is%20the%20Boulder,and%20serious%20injuries%20to%20zero.&text=Visio
n%20Zero%20was%20adopted%20in,the%20safety%20of%20Boulder's%20streets.
a. Complete: Debbie Clapper aka gneural at 26th and Spruce: Final Design; Installation June 20, 2021
b. Complete: Anthony Garcia, Sr. at 19th and Yarmouth: Preliminary Design; Installation August 7, 2021
c. Grove Street – Project pre-planning
d. 9th Street – Project pre-planning
Wonderland Underpass (Marco Garcia): Community-funded mural tracking for installation late Sept. 2021.
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In Attachment Four please find a budget status for the five-year public art commissioning budget.
> Grants and Programs for Organizations
Staff is finalizing a new, two-year agreement with our grant management system provider, Foundant.
Sponsorships have been awarded for the following:
Arts and Culture Relief Fund Second Round, $2,000.
Business of the Arts Workshops by Boulder County Arts Alliance, $5,000
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sponsorship Funding, Awarded June 21, 2021, through the Human Relations
Commission
a. Right Relationship Boulder, “Celebrating Boulder’s Native Peoples”, $1,300 from Human Relations
Commission / $1,500 from the Office of Arts + Culture Sponsorship Program (Total $2,800)
b. Luna Cultura, Art, Science and Culture for Thriving Communities, The Totonacapan-Nahua Fusion,
$1,300 from Human Relations Commission / $1,500 from the Office of Arts + Culture Sponsorship
Program (Total $2,800)
c. Junkyard Social Club, Cinnamon Kills First Sessions, $1,300 from Human Relations Commission /
$1,500 from the Office of Arts + Culture Sponsorship Program (Total $2,800)
d. Creative Nations, Creative Nations: Indigenous Traditional Dances, $1,300 from Human Relations
Commission / $1,500 from the Office of Arts + Culture Sponsorship Program (Total $2,800)
In Attachment Five please find a current grants program budget.
> Creative Neighborhoods
The last of the Creative Neighborhoods: COVID-19 Works Projects are now complete. Project close-out surveys
have been distributed to 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. Project videos are currently
being uploaded to the City of Boulder’s YouTube channel.
Creative Neighborhoods: Murals program 2020 is complete and staff is working to build out a mural tour for Fall
2021. Options include self-directed or in-person, depending on Delta variant and County recommendations.
> Programs for Artists
Join an Ask Me Anything with Kathy Kucsan, PhD. to talk about grant writing on Wednesday, September 22 at
noon. Dr. Kucsan will offer a short presentation on grant writing essentials, then we will open the virtual floor
for a Q & A with the longtime arts advocate and academic. Co-Presented by the Boulder County Arts Alliance
and the City of Boulder Office of Arts and Culture. Free, virtual. Register here for Zoom access information.
> Venues
Staff continues to support the Finance and Planning & Development Services Departments on the extension of
the Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety Tax.
> Civic Dialog, Boulder Arts Week, Boulder Arts Showcase
Boulder Arts Showcase
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September 22 to October 20, 2021
In this episode of "Boulder Arts Showcase" on the City of Boulder’s Boulder 8TV, see powerful documentary
Beyond Sand Creek: The Covered Wagon Redux by local filmmaker Alan O’Hashi; a performance from The Library
Concert Series by John Gunther Safari Trio; and a selection of local artist highlights from the Sans Souci Festival
of Dance Cinema. Boulder Arts Showcase features videos from Boulder's vast and vibrant cultural landscape. Our
office curates the two-hour, monthly program to air on Comcast's channel 8 on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. for
a month.
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’. The next date will
be Monday, October 18 at 1 p.m. Information will be available closer to the event. Register for the event here.
The Year Ahead 👉👉👉👉
October 27, 2021, from 6 to 8pm at the Junkyard Social Club
Let’s hear what you’re up to in The Year Ahead! Join your fellow arts administrators and artists to hear lighting
rounds on what is coming up in the arts and culture in Boulder. Each presenter will have one minute to describe
your upcoming year and may leave out materials for guests. Family friendly. Snacks will be provided, drinks
available for purchase. RSVP required to rsvp@boulderlibrary.org. Want to present? Email Lauren at
clickl@boulderlibrary.org.
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Attachment One
Public Art Implementation Plan Draft: Updates to Chapters 2 and 3
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Attachment Two
Cultural Grants Blueprint Documents
Draft Presentation on Recommended Changes
22
23
24
25
26
Past Grant Budget Documents for Comparison
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From:Click, Lauren
Cc:Chasansky, Matthew; Seaton, Celia
Subject:RE: GOS liaison positions, part deux
Date:Monday, August 16, 2021 3:31:18 PM
Hello Commissions,
I had omitted an organization in the previous email, apologies! Please find the updated lists below.
Any final changes to your liaison lists are welcome.
Cheers, Lauren
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
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: Click, Lauren
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 12:11 PM
Cc: Chasansky, Matthew <ChasanskyM@boulderlibrary.org>; Seaton, Celia
<SeatonC@boulderlibrary.org>
Subject: GOS liaison positions, part deux
Hello Commission,
Please find below a new and improved list of General Operating Support Liaisons. Highlighted
organization names mean that there were multiple requests for the organization.
If you’d like to change any of your assigned organizations please reply to me and Matt by Tuesday,
August 17 at noon so we can work on swapping them out.
I plan to introduce you to the organizations late next week after the positions are finalized.
Thank you for your time! Lauren
Bruce
3rd Law Dance/Theater
Attachment Three
Commission Correspondence
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Block 1750
Circle of Care
Open Studios, Inc.
Boulder International Fringe Festival
Caroline
Band of Toughs
KGNU Community Radio
Boulder Samba School
EcoArts Connections
The Catamounts, NFP
Devin
Boulder MUSE
eTown
Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras
Mmmwhah! // Creativity Alive
Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
Eboni
Butterfly Effect Theater of Colorado (BETC)
Boulder Metalsmithing Association
Boulder Symphony
Frequent Flyers Productions, Inc.
JLF Colorado
Georgia
Boulder Bach Festival
Cantabile Singers
Boulder Ballet
Local Theater Company
Parlando School of Musical Arts
Kathleen
Art Parts Creative Reuse Center
Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra
Boulder International Film Festival
Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical
Arts
Dairy Arts Center
Motus Theater
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Maria
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Colorado Chautauqua Association
Colorado MahlerFest
Museum of Boulder
NoBo Art District
Studio Arts Boulder
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
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.
31
From:Chasansky, Matthew
To:Bruce Borowsky; Caroline Kert; Devin Hughes; Eboni Freeman; Georgia Michelle; Kathleen McCormick
(fonthead1@gmail.com); Maria Cole
Cc:Seaton, Celia; Farnan, David; Click, Lauren; Vink, Mandy
Subject:August Packet Questions
Date:Tuesday, August 17, 2021 11:52:05 AM
Attachments:image002.png
Commissioners—
Below are questions we received, along with the staff responses. We can answer your further
questions during the meeting.
Thanks!
—Matt
1. Regarding the staff updates: there is a report for an $1,000 grant for an overseas professional
development opportunity. When did the Office of Arts and Culture begin awarding out of
state grants again, and is there any discussion about limiting them to $500 again because of
rising Covid rates and potential travel risks?
A. This scholarship was awarded in 2020 at the first round of Professional Development
Scholarships. This was before the decision by the Arts Commission in 2021 to set
temporary, special rules which limited scholarships to $500. The applicants was just
now able to use the funds staff approved her extension request. We have not begun to
allow for out of state, $1000 scholarships. But, we plan to do so at the beginning of the
2022 cycle.
2. Regarding staff updates: what is the Culture Relief Fund Second Round, $2,000 award being
used for?
A. That sponsorship was the City of Boulder’s contribution to the Arts and Culture Relief
Fund, the collaboration between many state-wide funders and headed up by the
Bonfils Stanton Foundation, the Denver Foundation, and Create Boulder. Just like in
round one, this project provided relief grants to area nonprofits. More information
including an impact report can be found at this website.
3. Regarding staff updates: How much is the award for sponsoring the Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Sponsorship fund?
A. A total of $6,000 has been assigned to the Indigenous People’s Day sponsorships to
serve as enhancement funding for the Human Relations Commission’s (HRC’s) grant
program. This includes $4,000 originally allocated for Indigenous Peoples Day plus
$2,000 in unspent funds from the HRC’s Immigration Heritage program.
4. Regarding the Accessible Signage Plan for Public Art: how will the public art signage plan be
used--published with the Public Art Policy?
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A. The Accessible Signage Plan will be used internally. It will not be published publicly or
attached to the Policy. Rather, it will be provided to anyone involved with public art
installations moving forward including city departments, commissioned artists, and
community groups donating works of art, to guide how they must design and fabricate
signs associated with their projects. A two-page summary has been prepared to
provide an accessible set of guidelines. The more in-depth findings will be shared with
anyone interested and used as supporting evidence to seek funding to bring our
current collection up to the plan’s recommendations.
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
33
From:Chasansky, Matthew
To:Bruce Borowsky; Caroline Kert; Devin Hughes; Eboni Freeman; Georgia Michelle; Kathleen McCormick
(fonthead1@gmail.com); Maria Cole
Cc:Seaton, Celia; Farnan, David
Subject:City Council Study Session: ARPA and 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, August 23, 2021 11:16:04 AM
Attachments:image002.png
Commissioners—
As discussed in last week’s meeting, City Council will discuss budget issues at their meeting
tomorrow at 6pm. This includes funding restorations for the arts division 2021 budget and short-
term uses of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Please check out the Council packet at this
link for some details.
Also, options for you to watch the Study Session are at this link.
Let me know if you have any questions!
—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
34
From:Click, Lauren
Subject:AMA: Grant Writing with Kathy Kucsan
Date:Friday, August 27, 2021 12:14:55 PM
Dear Commission,
Ask and you shall receive! We have partnered with the Boulder County Arts Alliance to host a Grant
Writing workshop with Dr. Kathy Kucsan in September.
Please take a moment to share the below information with your friends and colleagues. As we have
discussed, it is important that we use your networks to spread the word beyond our reach!
Cheers, Lauren
AMA: Grant Writing with Kathy Kucsan
Wednesday, Sept. 22 at noon
On Zoom
Join an Ask Me Anything with Kathy Kucsan, PhD. to talk about grant writing. Dr. Kucsan will offer a
short presentation on grant writing essentials, then we will open the virtual floor for a Q & A with
the longtime arts advocate and academic. Co-Presented by the Boulder County Arts Alliance and the
City of Boulder Office of Arts and Culture. Free, virtual. Register here for Zoom access information.
Dr. Kucsan has over twenty-five years of experience in the nonprofit arts world. She is Co-Founder
and former Education/Artistic Director of the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts (now part of
the Colorado Music Festival). She has over 35 years of music teaching experience, from K-12 through
the undergraduate level. She was an active performer (oboist) and is a former member of the
Boulder Philharmonic and Sinfonia of Colorado. She is an active presenter, and has given grant
workshops for Boulder County Arts Alliance, the University of Colorado College of Music, and other
local organizations. Kathy has served as the Boulder County appointee and Vice-Chair to the
Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors. She is the Chair of the Advisory
Board to the American Music Research Center (AMRC) at the University of Colorado School of Music.
Past service includes seven years on the Boulder County Cultural Council and four years on the Arts
& Culture Advisory Committee at the Denver Foundation. Dr. Kucsan holds a Bachelors degree in
music education from Indiana University, and an MME and PhD from the University of Colorado-
Boulder.
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
Cultural Grants Program
Office of Arts + Culture
Library & Arts Department
1001 Arapahoe Avenue | Boulder, CO | 80302
www.boulderarts.org
35
From:Click, Lauren
To:Seaton, Celia
Cc:Chasansky, Matthew
Subject:FW: Invitation to The Luster of Lost Things
Date:Monday, August 30, 2021 10:56:17 AM
Email to all Commissioners - lmc
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
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: Public Works Theatre Company <publicworkstc@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2021 10:43 AM
To: devin@devinpatrickhughes.com; bruce@boulderdigitalarts.com; georgiamichelle@hotmail.com;
EboniFreemanInstitute@gmail.com; m.cole205@gmail.com; carolinekert@gmail.com
Cc: Click, Lauren <ClickL@boulderlibrary.org>
Subject: Invitation to The Luster of Lost Things
External Sender
Hello commissioners,
At last I am premiering The Luster of Lost Things, and you are invited! It's at the Dairy Carsen Theater
on the following dates:
September 9 at 7pm (preview)
September 10 at 7pm
September 11 at 11am and 2pm
September 12 at 11am and 2pm
The show is an hour. If you are able to make it please let me know, give me 48 hours advance notice
because I will communicate with the Dairy box office and get you on the comp list.
Here is a description of the show:
Walter Jr. lives an enchanted life inside a magical dessert shop. When the book that is the
root of the shop's magic goes missing, Walter heads out into NYC to find the book and
restore the magic. On his journey, he meets some other folks lost in their own ways. Will
Walter save the shop?
36
Warmly,
Sondra Blanchard
she/her/hers
Artistic Director, Public Works Theatre Co.
www.publicworkstheatre.com
37
From:Chasansky, Matthew
To:Bruce Borowsky; Caroline Kert; Devin Hughes; Eboni Freeman; Georgia Michelle; Kathleen McCormick
(fonthead1@gmail.com); Maria Cole
Cc:Farnan, David; Seaton, Celia
Subject:FW: City manager releases $462.5 million spending proposal for 2022
Date:Thursday, September 2, 2021 4:04:00 PM
Attachments:image003.png
Commissioners—
Below, please find information about the proposed 2022 city-wide budget. There is a link to
download the budget document: the Library & Arts Department budget begins on page 127.
City Council will begin a process to hold public hearings and discuss possible changes before the
planned adoption of the final budget on Oct 19.
We will have the chance to discuss the budget, as well as additional funding opportunities proposed
for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at our September meeting. Until then, please feel
free to reach out to David and I with any questions you have.
Thanks very much!
—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
38
From: City of Boulder News <cobnews@bouldercolorado.gov>
Sent: Thursday, September 2, 2021 3:50 PM
Subject: City manager releases $462.5 million spending proposal for 2022
NEWS
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021Media Contacts:Sarah Huntley, Communication and Engagement Director, 720-564-2111
City manager releases $462.5 million spending proposal for 2022City Council will discuss the recommended budget later this month
BOULDER, Colo. – After one of the toughest 18 months for governments everywhere,Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde today released a cautiously optimisticrecommended budget for 2022. The recommended budget, subject to review and approval byCity Council, totals $462.5 million.
The operating portion of the proposed budget is $300.1 million, which represents an 11%increase, and the capital portion is $162.4 million, which represents a 128% increase,compared to 2021. The capital budget increase is largely due to a planned Utilities Fund bondissuance. This spending plan is based upon an expectation that many revenue sources aretrending up after sharp pandemic-related declines in 2020 and 2021.
The City Manager’s 2022 Recommended Budget prioritizes renewal and restoration, with a
goal of bringing relief to a weary community and stretched employees. It seeks to return the
services that have the highest impact on those who live, work and visit Boulder, while also
recognizing that new issues and needs have emerged as a result of COVID-19.
“I am proud to present a recommended budget that emphasizes restoration, equity, innovation
and service excellence,” Rivera-Vandermyde said. “We’re striving to bring back vital and
beloved programs and service levels to our community, while also leaning into the shared
resilience and lessons we’ve learned during these challenging times.”
Restorations
39
The city took a strategic look at all requests for service restoration. Proposed areas of
restoration include:
Staffing to support important community gathering places and beloved services. These
appropriations include:
Library staff so the George Reynolds Branch, Meadows Branch and the North
Boulder Corner Library can resume services for nearby neighborhoods
Housing and Human Services staff to support increased hours of services and
programming at the West Age Well Center. The mission of Older Adult Services
is to inspire and empower older adults to age well through community connection,
learning and play. Older Adult Services also provides case management and
services to meet older adults’ comprehensive needs, including safety and quality
of life.
Continuation of the downtown ambassador and encampment clean-up staffing
that was approved by City Council in 2021 to address the proliferation
encampments and support safety in public spaces
Planning and Development Services customer service and intake staff to support
effective permitting and compliance, address community concerns about onerous
processes and advance council priorities
Human Resources talent acquisition partners to ensure that the city attracts, hires
and retains top-notch, creative and engaged professionals at all levels
A Housing and Human Services full-time coordinator to reinvigorate Youth
Opportunity Program programs and the Youth Opportunities Advisory Board.
These programs cultivate leadership skills in high school students, lifting their
voices in grant and policy decisions that impact their lives and contribute to
positive outcomes.
Programmatic funding for:
Recreation center operations, EXPAND and other inclusive programs that bring
the benefits of fitness, fun, teaming and belonging to our whole community
Cultural grants, recognizing the role that the arts play in building community,
sparking creativity, and supporting healing in challenging times
Engagement and outreach to under-served communities, expanding efforts to
reduce barriers to access to services, demystify government and promote
meaningful participation in decision-making
HOP bus service, offering an environmentally friendly, convenient and affordable
transit option along the city’s major corridors
40
The flexible rebate program to retain small businesses and primary employers as
we work together to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic
A Family Resource Schools contract with Mental Health Partners to provide
individual, in-person therapy to elementary students and support effective suicide
assessments and interventions
Police vehicles, recognizing that fleet replacement was suspended entirely in
2021; returning to the planned fleet replacement schedule per best practices will
minimize long-term costs and ensure safety and reliability
An investment in staffing, city employees
The recommended budget also recognizes the importance of maintaining a talented workforce.
This proposal adds 58.5 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) standard positions and extends 18 current
fixed-term positions – recognizing the staggering impact staffing reductions in 2020 and 2021
had on the ability of the city to serve the community.
Some of these positions will support restored services; others will allow the city to achieve
goals around new and emerging priorities. These include:
Supporting the implementation of the city’s first-ever racial equity plan, including
helping staff across the organization understand and dismantle systems and policies that
perpetuate oppression
Improving rental assistance programming in a time of tremendous housing stress in our
community and country
Assisting individuals achieve affordable home ownership with an additional coordinator
position, who will help potential buyers navigate affordable housing eligibility; educate
the public about programs and homeownership opportunities; assist program
participants with real estate transactions; and provide guidance and information
regarding financing requirements.
Addressing staffing challenges in the Fire Department, recognizing the importance of
effective risk mitigation and timely response, especially in the face of increased wildfire
danger
Coordinating and tracking citywide energy reduction efforts to better support our bold
and urgent climate goals
Ensuring that our new website follows best practices and offers our community an
accurate, engaging, easy-to-use platform for civic information
If this proposal is approved by council, city employees will once again be eligible for merit
pay increases, based on annual performance evaluations, or for employees who are members
of bargaining units, agreed upon contracts.
41
“Our workforce is our most important asset,” Rivera-Vandermyde said. “City employees truly
value public service and have demonstrated once again that they step up to ensure the well-
being of our community in times of crisis. It is important that we retain this talent so we can
continue to meet pressing public needs.”
Other areas of focus
The recommended budget also spells out potential expenditures related to capital and
maintenance needs. In addition, it positions Boulder to continue to provide funding in areas
that residents care about most, including providing effective programs and support to
unhoused and vulnerable populations; addressing affordable housing challenges; responding to
COVID-19; preventing harm and crime through effective policing and reform; maintaining
our transportation infrastructure; championing open spaces, parks, libraries and recreation
centers; and supporting arts and culture in our community.
Next steps
City Council will discuss the budget for the first time and hold a public hearing on Sept. 28.Second reading, another public hearing and a vote is scheduled for Oct. 19.
-- CITY--
42
From:Click, Lauren
To:Kathleen McCormick (fonthead1@gmail.com); Eboni Freeman; Bruce Borowsky; Devin Hughes;
georgiamichelle@hotmail.com; carolinekert@gmail.com; Maria Cole
Cc:Chasansky, Matthew; Seaton, Celia
Subject:Documents to review for Boulder Arts Commission meeting 9/15/2021
Date:Tuesday, September 7, 2021 4:57:56 PM
Attachments:CO Conservatory follow up.pdf
Angie Eng CPI 2020 report.pdf
Block 1750 Commission letter.pdf
Dear Commission,
Thank you for your time reviewing these grant program documents! This is an advance look at the
grant documents for the next meeting to make sure you have as much time as possible to review
them and think through the issues. Please review the documents in advance of the Boulder Arts
Commission meeting on Wednesday, September 15 at 6pm.
To access the folder of documents go to the online portal, then to your Shared Documents folder,
then to the appropriate folder. The documents are also attached.
Documents for review:
Follow up responses: 2020 Arts Education Grant, Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts,
SheBop Weekend Workshop, $3,000
Report: 2020 Community Project Grant for Individuals, Angie Eng, Earth Wear, $5,000
Change in Program Request:
Original application for the 2021 Community Project Grant for Organizations, Block
1750, Block Party, $10,000
Update proposal letter
Regarding the change in program request, it is important to give you background on this process.
When a grant recipient notifies staff about a change in the nature of an already-awarded grant, staff
reviews the request to ensure the project still meets eligibility requirements of the grant category
and continues to meet the nature of the application that was approved by the Arts Commission. In
cases where staff determines that the project is substantively different than what was described in
the approved application, the decision goes to the Arts Commission for discussion and vote. In this
case the grantee, Block 1750 was awarded funds for their program Block Party in 2021 and is unable
to complete the event, so they are proposing that the grant funds be dedicated to a different
program. The new, proposed program, Movement Zoo, is eligible for funding according to the
Community Project Grant eligibility requirements, but substantively different from the project
described in the application. The Commission will be asked to determine if Movement Zoo is still a
good use of the funding. You’ll not be asked to give scores at the meeting, however you are highly
encouraged to review the Scoring System and Rubric to help determine if the proposed program is a
reasonable replacement for the awarded program. At the meeting you’ll discuss and determine if
this Movement Zoo warrants funding.
At the meeting you will vote on the report and the change in program request.
For the report, Commissioners have the options to:
Approve the grant report,
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Not approve the grant report and cancel the final 20% payment, and/or
Postpone approval of the report pending the answers to specific questions.
For the change in program request, Commissioners have the options to:
Approve the change in program request,
Not approve the change in program request and request return of the funds already
received by Block 1750;
Postpone approval of the change in program request pending the answers to specific
questions. Interim Executive Director Leah Woods and Creative Consultant Alex
Milewski will be on hand to answer any questions.
Of course, feel free to email or call me if you have questions. My cell is 660-553-7289.
Cheers, Lauren
----------
Lauren Click
she/her/hers
clickl@boulderlibrary.org
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.
44
Attachment Four
Current Public Art Program 5 Year Budget as of September 9, 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 $63,311.48 $0 $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 19th and Upland $51,700 $0 $51,700 $15,000
% 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 $834,775.51 $317,786.66 $516,988.85 $185,250.00
CCS: Community Culture and Safety Tax
*Multiple funding sources.
Additional maintenance projects are not represented.
**Projects included in the 2020-2022 Public Art Implementation Plan Updates will be reflected in the budget upon
approval by the Arts Commission and City Manager.
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Attachment Five
Current Cultural Grants Program Budget as of September 9, 2021
GRANT
CATEGORY
ASSIGNED
BUDGET
ACTUAL
BUDGET GRANTS AWARDED BALANCE
GOS: Extra Large Orgs $392,400.00 $392,400.00 $392,400.00 $0.00
GOS: Large Orgs $177,600.00 $177,300.00 $177,300.00 $0.00
GOS: Mid Orgs $90,000.00 $90,000.00 $90,000.00 $0.00
GOS: Small Orgs $88,000.00 $88,000.00 $88,000.00 $0.00
Community Projects: Indv. $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $24,340.00 $660.00
Community Projects: Org. $60,000.00 $60,000.00 $60,000.00 $0.00
Arts Education $30,000.00 $30,000.00 $29,800.00 $200.00
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 $6,890.00 $160.00
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 $868,730.00 $1,020.00
There are 13 free rentals still available for the Macky Auditorium.
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