HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission minutes 061316FROM: Orange County Arts Commission
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting
DATE: June 13, 2016
LOCATION: Orange County Public Library, Hillsborough
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ashley Nissler, Tim Hoke, Ian Bowater, Delia Keefe, Doris Friend,
Tinka Jordy, Joy Salyers, Lynne Albert, Andrea Riley
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
GUESTS: Leigh Ann Wilder, Bonnie Hammersley, Steve Brantley
Call to order: 6:30 pm Topic A
Discussion Point: Director's Report
Tim Hoke reported on the search, interview, and hiring process to fill the open staff
position. In addition to Tim, Doris Friend and Joy Salyers read through and scored the
applications received by Orange County. Five interviews were conducted.
Steve Brantley's office has been generous with time and assistance during the period in
which the staff position has been open.
Tim also briefly addressed the letter the OCAC received from Leigh Ann Wilder, the
Arts in Communities Director for the North Carolina Arts Council, informing him that
the OCAC had been placed on probation. He stated that the application for renewal of
status had been submitted without review by the Arts Commission. The Arts
Commission's concern with questions about diversity on Commission itself as well as
how to serve a wider community was also expressed.
Discussion Point: New Hire
Bonnie Hammersley informed the Arts Commission that Orange County had hired Katie
Murray, who had previously worked for a regional arts council in the Elizabeth City
Area, to be the new Arts Commission Coordinator. As of August 22, 2105. Also, this
position has been moved from its position under the Economic Development umbrella
into the County Management Office. Bonnie also addressed the OCAC's probationary
status but expressed confidence in Katie's experience with development to address this
challenge.
Steve Brantley described Katie's education and background.
Discussion Point: OCAC's Probationary status with the N.C. Arts Council
Leigh Ann Wilder addressed the N.C. Arts Council's role in North Carolina's arts communities.
The N.C. Arts Council works with all the state's arts councils (about 80) and contacts within
other counties. A select group of arts managers and N.C. Arts Council board members review
how the councils, etc., contribute to /support the arts infrastructure and program engagement,
community and economic development. She expressed the Council's concern that the OCAC
was a re- granting institution no fund raising, no local investment, no partners —and the Arts
Commission needs a larger vision. That the OCAC needs to reconsider how it exists as an entity
in Orange County as well as rebuild the OCAC's public value. An example: the Wake County
Arts Council's engagement in the schools. Guidelines and expectations because other
communities have raised the bar —have changed, resulting in our new status. OCAC will,
however, still receive its designated portion of grassroots money this year.
Tim explained different possibilities the for fund raising the Arts Commission had discussed in
the past (Triangle Community Foundation, creating a "Friends of the Arts Commission" 501 -c 3,
fundraiser possibilities, etc.) but stated that the Commission was limited by its government
status.
Tinka Jordy expressed interest in Leigh Ann leading a discussion at a future Arts Commission
retreat. She also addressed how the grants and grant caps are structured.
Ian Bowater suggested seeking different kinds of donors /donor plans from within the local
business community. Example: 50 for 50.
Leigh Ann explained that the Arts Commission can keep 50% of the grassroots money it receives
to cover operations. Our main job, as seen by the N.C. Arts Council, is to care of and sustain
Orange County's arts entities. For example, in addition to grants the Arts Commission has
previously granted, OCAC could help specific groups cover operating costs.
Other questions asked: (Tim) Is it possible to partner with UNC? How we engage diverse
communities in a new way (or at all)? Does arts programming in the county reflect its diverse
communities? Are we promoting diversity sustainability in the arts? How do we do better work
with other county entities?
Lynne Albert mentioned ongoing efforts in conjunction with Orange County Animal Services
(with Friends of Animal Services) and the Chapel Hill Public Arts Committee to place a piece of
public art. A tour of possible sites will take place on August 9, 2016.
Tinka addressed the need for the OCAC to be more active in promoting and supporting the
efforts of the organizations under the OCAC umbrella.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:50 pm
(OCAC will next meet on Septemberl2, 2016.)