HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.15.21 BAC Minutes
CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING
MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Boulder Arts Commission
Date of Meeting: December 15, 2021
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton
Commission members present: Kathleen McCormick, Devin Hughes, Bruce Borowsky, Georgia Schmid, 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:
Elizabeth Crowe, Human Services Investment Senior Project Manager
Members of the public present: David Dadone (BMOCA), Luciana Da Silva
Type of Meeting: Regular|Remote
Agenda Item 1: Call to order and approval of agenda [0:00:32 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. Chasansky
noted an addition as Item 5D: a minor change to grant reporting process for the current 2021 general operating support
(GOS) grant cycle. Commission provided a nod of approval for this amended agenda.
Agenda Item 2: Review of Minutes [0:03:31 Audio min.]
Item 2A, Approval/Review of November 2021 Meeting Minutes
McCormick asked the commission for changes or addendums regarding these minutes. McCormick had a small change to
the minutes, sent along beforehand. Hughes moved to approve the minutes as amended, Freeman seconded, and the motion
was unanimously approved. Kert abstained, as she wasn’t present at the previous meeting.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation [0:04:56 Audio min.]
David Dadone wished to speak on the topic of the proposed change in requested documents for the GOS applicants (later
discussed in the meeting as Item 5c). He advocated allowing the submission of 2021 financial statements to reflect the
“fullest picture of financial information given the impact of the pandemic.”
Agenda Item 4: Matters from Guests [0.10.06 Audio min.]
A. Revision of the Statement on Cultural Equity, Part One: Rapid Response Assessment Training – Elizabeth Crowe,
City of Boulder Race Equity Team / Human Services joined the group. Chasansky spoke to the commission’s
previous training around the grant program and hopes the discussion will galvanize thought around this large piece
of community engagement.
Crowe reviewed common biases in grantmaking. She hopes the ongoing application of an “equity lens” will
positively impact application review and grant reporting, build greater trust in the fund decision-making process
and funding recommendations, and provide an inclusive and welcoming committee environment. Shared
understanding about the meaning of implicit bias and how it can affect application review and decision-making
processes will create common ground.
Crowe discussed how the racial equity initiative tied in with the City’s values. She presented a video explaining
implicit bias (Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Bias). Cole: necessary to first be aware of the bias in order to fight against
it. Schmid noted the implicit biases gained through media exposure, regardless of individual upbringing – it is
imperative to “guard your mind” against these prejudices.
Crowe next addressed bias, power, and privilege in philanthropy and grantmaking along with the resultant
inequities. For the 20 largest philanthropic foundations, the demographics run 72% white, 63% male. Roughly 7-
8% of non-profit grants are awarded to organizations led by people of color. She recommended mindfulness
around aspects such as hearsay, opinion, articulateness, charisma, halo effect, etc. Video: High Heels, Violins, and
a Warning
Schmid mentioned the bias of familiarity inherent when growing up in a small city like Boulder.
Borowsky noted two important areas of focus: outreach to let people know that this money exists, and application
completion. He hopes to engage applicants who were previously unaware of the Office of Arts and Culture’s grant
funding opportunities.
Cole was struck by the slide indicating demographic details relating to grants funding – “has this been unpacked?
Is it because there is not enough outreach?”
Schmid agreed that many may be unaware of the program; it has also been her observation that people become
quickly overwhelmed by the process involved. A larger organization may employ a professional or specialized
grant writer; the individual artist may struggle through this same effort alone. Schmid feels this is “a real spot of
loss in the town” – “these individuals who get lost in the intimidating” navigation through the grant application.
McCormick championed the Office of Arts and Culture’s grant writing fund which strives to provide this necessary
support.
The commission thanked Crowe for visiting and instigating such important conversation around the equitability of
the grants process.
Agenda Item 5: Grant Program [1.25.39 Audio min.]
A. ACTION: Project Report: Rebecca Folsom, Sanctuary, $5,000 – Commissioners have the option to approve the
grant report, not approve the report and cancel the final payment, or postpone approval pending the answers to
questions. Kert loved the documentary; “the song was beautiful.” “It has a life of its own now,” McCormick
noted, appreciating the creative use of small funds to complete a large vision.
Kert made a motion that the report from Rebecca Folsom be approved. Freeman seconded. The motion passed
unanimously.
B. ACTION: Program change request: Luciana da Silva Dance, Tabom – a story of resilience, courage and adaptation,
Dairy Arts Center, $707.50
Click noted da Silva’s presence for commission inquiry. Commission has the options to approve the change in
program request, and advise staff to release grant funds, not approve the change in program request, or postpone
approval of the program request pending the answers to questions.
Freeman felt satisfied by the response provided. Kert noted the “different avenue” leads to “the original intent.”
Hughes moved that commission approve the change in program request and advise staff to release the grant funds.
Schmid seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
C. DISCUSSION: Click presented pros and cons to this proposed change to the GOS applications. As many as seven
potential applicants indicated to staff that they would benefit from this change. However, since Boulder’s arts
nonprofits operate on various fiscal year schedules, changing the rule might create an inequity where some
APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
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Board Chair Board Secretary
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organizations will not be able to take advantage of the increased flexibility. In Cole’s view, allowing organizations
to choose the two best years in this larger timeframe means that groups can “showcase their best.”
Commission provided nodding approval to allowing the 2021 financials as an option for applicant submission.
D.DISCUSSION: Minor change to grant reporting process for the current 2021 GOS grant cycle. Staff recommend
that the final report/survey be shortened extensively in favor of a one-page report that reviews the past 3 years and
how the grant has impacted the organization. Commission provided a nod of approval at this expediting measure
that serves to benefit the time of staff, commissioners, and applicants.
Agenda Item 6: Matters from Commissioners [1.58.49 Audio min.]
A.Statement to City Council – McCormick asked for any final comments or requests. Freeman has some suggestions
which she will relay to McCormick. Hughes made a motion to adopt this letter with the proposed changes to relay
to City Council. Cole seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
B.Mission Statement Draft Revisions – McCormick and Kert suggested emphasizing the focus on supporting artists.
Freeman provided rewording: The Boulder Arts Commission believes Arts and Culture are the foundation for a
diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible community. We work collaboratively with city staff, artists, arts and
culture organizations, and the community to enrich Boulder’s quality of life and economic vitality as a resilient
city. Crafting of the statement continued with Freeman and McCormick resolving to finalize the statement offline.
Agenda Item 7: Matters from Staff [2.14.03 Audio min.]
A.Manager’s Memo: see packet. Chasansky welcomed questions.
B.Remaining Funds in the Grants Program Budget – Chasansky noted that any unspent funds are used at the
discretion of Farnan who welcomed commission recommendation. Click presented the staff recommendation to
add the pertinent $1,020 to the still open and available Venue and Online Event Affordability Fund. This fund has
already distributed 26 grants involving rental assistance, expanded with COVID-19 concerns to help host events
(like PPE). Freeman suggested using an increment for “diversity advertisement,” reaching out in areas not yet
covered through current marketing. Commission provided a nodding approval toward this staff recommendation as
well as Freeman’s suggestion.
C.Appreciations
Agenda Item 8: Adjournment [2.29.11 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, January 19, 2022, on Zoom.
2.16.22