HomeMy WebLinkAboutArts Commission minutes 020915 FROM: Orange County Arts Commission
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting
DATE: February 9, 2015
LOCATION: Orange County Public Library, Hillsborough
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Albert, Ian Bowater, Brian Finch, Doris Friend, Geoffrey Hathaway, Deb Hepp,
Tim Hoke,Tinka Jordy, Ashley Nissler, Kim Roberts, Devra Thomas, Scott Van Manen
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kate Dickson,Joy Salyers, Bronwyn Merritt
STAFF PRESENT: Martha Shannon
Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM
Topic A
Discussion Point: Introduction of New Members
Decision/Vote(s): New OCAC board members briefly introduced themselves.
Action Item: None
Topic B
Discussion Point: Review of January 2015 Minutes
Decision/Vote(s): Discussion of minutes
Action Item: January 2015 Minutes were approved.
Topic C
Discussion Point: Director's Report
Decision/Vote(s): Special thanks to Geoffrey Hathaway for arranging for Moses Carey,Jr.'s appearance at
the February3, 2015 BOCC Meeting to acknowledge OCAC's 301h Anniversary. Staff asked Steve Brantley,
Economic Development Commission Director, if the Visitors Bureau board has to approve of the OCAC's
annual budget, and his answer was "yes". Under the current structure,the OCAC must get Visitors
Bureau board approval for our annual budget (in addition to BOCC approval). Because of Congressman
David Price's schedule,the date and location of the 4th US Congressional District-wide Reception might
change (from April 20th to April 21't and from the NC Museum of Art to the Durham Arts Council). Staff will
need an OCAC board member to volunteer to serve as an Orange County judge for this district-wide
competition.
Action Item: None
Topic D
Discussion Point: CHOCVB Liaison,Ad Hoc Committee Updates
Decision/Vote(s): Deb Hepp, CHOCVB liaison, reported that the CHOCVB board had a presentation about
the new UNC Hospital in Hillsborough at their January, 2015 meeting.There was also a long discussion
about the possible new ArtsCenter/Kidzu location and facility.The CHOCVB will discuss the occupancy tax
issue.The OCAC will remain neutral on this issue.The 30th Anniversary Committee will meet soon and
make a report at our March meeting.The Marketing Committee, met on January 28th and worked on
several projects: help with new website, 2 calls to artists (301h Anniversary Poster Design, Emergency
Operations Center in Raleigh), and interest in focus groups.The Marketing Committee will meet again on
Thursday, February 26.The Public Art Committee reported on the BOCC request to provide art exhibits at
the Whitted Building. Scott Van Manen and Bronwyn Merritt visited the potential site and stated that the
current lighting is florescent and would need to be improved to light art exhibits. School student artwork
might be a good way to begin.There could be issues with liability,vandalism, etc. for artists until the 2"d
floor space is monitored more regularly and open to the public on a more regular basis. Discussion on re-
instating the OCAC's public art program with the "We Are Here" Waller/Foushee project for the River Park
area near the Justice Facility in Hillsborough continued. A quote of$25,000 has been received from the
artist team.To move forward with this project in FY16, we are required to get CHOCVB board approval
under the current structure for use of hotel/motel funds for this project. (This is roughly the same request
for public art that we made to them last year.) We also need to get the BOCC's approval for this project
(for the site and funding).
Action Item: OCAC board voted to move forward with Waller/Foushee public art project in Hillsborough.
Topic E
Discussion Point: New Vice Chair Selection
Decision/Vote(s): Since previous Vice Chair Lindsey Alexander has resigned, OCAC needs another board
member to serve out her unexpired term as Vice Chair(from present through August, 2015).
Action Item: Ashley Nissler volunteered to serve as Vice Chair.
Topic F
Discussion Point: Advocacy Updates
Decision/Vote(s): Chair Devra Thomas will meet with new County Commissioner Mia Burrows on
February 19, 2015.
Action Item: None
Topic G
Discussion Point: Old Business/New Business/Advocacy Updates/Calendar
Decision/Vote(s): In addition to participation in the Orange County Community Giving Fund, discussion
began on what types of fund raisers/earned income to consider to add additional revenue for OCAC
programs/projects, per the County Manager's request. Staff will ask Orange County for guidance on what
is permissible for government agencies to do RE: fundraising.ARTS North Carolina's Arts Day in Raleigh is
May 20, 2015 (9 am— 1 pm for meetings with legislators). OCAC board members are encouraged to
participate. Geoffrey Hathaway reported on plans for the upcoming Hillsborough Jazz Festival in April,
sponsored by the Hillsborough Arts Council.This previous outdoor event will no longer be outdoors.
Action Item: If you'd like to attend Arts Day, please contact OCAC staff by April 20th at the latest to
reserve your space.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM