City of Elgin Cultural Arts Commission met Dec. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
A. Call to Order: 6:02pm
B. Roll Call:
a. Commissioners Kearney, Ado-Brako, Syrris, Einterz, Rende, Thayer present. Chairwoman Rehberg present. Staff Harris present. Councilwoman Powell present.
C. Citizen’s Forum:
a. Jane Erlandson and Daniel Schlack, Elgin Poet Laureate Project
i. Not present.
b. Shirley Bassett, African American Coalition of Kane County, Juneteenth Celebration: i. Not present.
c. Rise’ Jones, Hamilton Wings 2022 Organizational Grant Final Report
i. “SCORE!” was funded in 2022. The 2022 program was about a chip being placed in a person; a reflection of how social media can sometime be a place where people get wrapped up. The program focused on thinking for yourself and not being afraid to ask questions. Approximately 40 students participated in the program. Approximately 135 in the audience, but the goal to share the video of the production is set for the future.
d. Tia Aegesen, resident.
e. Diana Alfaro, resident.
D. Staff Report:
a. Financial Report:
i. Utility Box Charges have come through.
b. Hemmens:
i. The North Side Renovation and Addition was approved by council and is included in the 2023 City Budget.
ii. Latin Fire tickets on sale now.
c. Elgin Art Showcase:
i. New lease for 164 Division has been completed.
d. Approval of October 2022 Minutes:
i. Motion to approve the October Minutes by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by Commissioner Einterz. Approved by a vote of 4-0-4 with Commissioners Thayer, Novelli, Kearney, Ado-Brako abstaining.
E. Old Business
a. 2022 ECAC Projects:
i. Making Space:
1. Final work on the documentary is happening now. Hope to have the premiere in February in line with Black History Month.
ii. Elgin Fringe Festival:
1. Winter Fringe will be here January 21st at the Elgin Public House.
2. Year 10 dates are September 1-10, 2023.
iii. Elgin Short Film Festival:
1. No update.
iv. Artist Workshops:
1. Moving forward with various workshops.
F. Other Old Business:
a. Utility Box Wrap update:
i. 3 boxes are wrapped.
b. Juneteenth Funding:
i. Moved to January.
c. Hemmens Cultural Center North Side Renovation and Addition:
i. No update.
d. 2023 Organizational Grant Applications:
i. African American Coalition of Kane County:
1. Commissioners noted that the application was much better than last year’s application. Commissioners noted that they answered all of the questions and like the youth and education component as well as the multi-disciplinary component.
2. Commissioners noted that there was no clear marketing plan or way of communication the project to people. Commissioners noted that there was still some vague information such as specific performers or how to accomplish the project. Commissioners noted that it was not clear if the program was free or not. Commissioners noted it was not clear if the Blizzard Theater has been booked.
ii. BFH.org:
1. Commissioners noted that their programming is very good and organized.
Commissioners noted that they are intentional about working with low income families and have great reach. Commissioners noted that their adult classes are great.
2. Commissioners noted that it would be nice to have data on the number of low income student participation. Commissioners noted that they didn’t include any grant funds in their budget. Commissioners noted that ticket prices are a bit high, but they do sell. Commissioners noted that they would like to see the administrator being paid.
iii. Chamber Music on the Fox:
1. Commissioners noted the admission model is very progressive and accessible. Commissioners noted that the budget is very meager in consideration of the work and the admission model. Commissioners noted that they like the community involvement around the performance. Commissioners noted that they always up their game and the community response is great.
iv. Children’s Theatre of Elgin:
1. Commissioners noted that they like the work on sensory performances.
Commissioners noted that they were interested in the show selection.
Commissioners noted that they like the Spanish subtitles. Commissioners noted that they always have a great product.
2. Commissioners noted that they may not need the funding based on the budget of the organization, but it also may make the more unique components such as sensory performances possible. Commissioners note that it would be good information to include in the future.
v. Elgin Master Chorale:
1. Commissioners note the long history of programming.
2. Commissioners noted that the project budget was problematic as it had no income. Commissioners noted that the overview spoke much more about previous activities rather than the proposal project. Commissioners note that there is no description of the actual program and judging by the title, it seems secular. Commissioners note that it is not clear where the performance will take place or if it will be mandatory attendance for the U-46 school kids.
Commissioners noted that the application was not thorough and left many questions to be answered.
3. Commissioner Thayer abstained from the conversation and voting.
vi. Elgin Symphony Orchestra:
1. Commissioners noted that they always brings great programming.
Commissioners noted the program was great. Commissioners noted that it was clearly written and easy to understand. Commissioners noted that the ESO continues to work with the community and redefine itself. Commissioners noted that the note that the ECAC funding request is clearly stated.
2. Commissioners noted that the organizational budget is large but seems well spent.
3. Commissioner Thayer abstained from the conversation and voting.
vii. Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra:
1. Commissioners noted they like the free opportunities. Commissioners noted that they appreciate how the programming builds on itself and encourages them to think critically through music. Commissioners noted that they were happy to see the increase accessibility for their programming. Commissioners noted that seeing the organization continuing to grow and shift after so many years is very encouraging.
2. Commissioner Thayer abstained from the conversation and voting.
viii. Hamilton Wings:
1. Commissioners noted that the budget is very well prepared. Commissioners noted their programming, its consistency, its reach and the familial inclusion. Commissioners noted that this type of programming is extremely unique.
ix. Citizen comment- Diana Alfaro noted that the inclusion of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion request in the grant application should be considered. Commissioners noted that there is a section in the application that reads, “How will this project attract the participation of special and diverse populations?”
x. Independent Players:
1. Commissioners noted that the applications continue to improve. Commissioners noted that they do good work and have a nice following. Commissioners noted that the ask is appropriate to the budget and now includes paying artists.
2. Commissioners noted that the performances frequently use the same actors and don’t hold auditions for new talent. Commissioners noted that the application includes a lot of content that is not specific to the project and it is a little hard to assess the impact and reach based on the application.
xi. Janus Theatre Company:
1. Commissioners noted that they loved the idea of the series. Commissioners noted that the budget is modest for the project.
2. Commissioners noted that the performances frequently use the same actors and don’t hold auditions for new talent, but that they do workshops. Commissioners noted that the inclusion of data to support the diversity of artists would be helpful.
xii. Oddball Art Labs:
1. Commissioners noted that they loved the theme and the collection piece of the project. Commissioners noted that the budget is modest for the project.
Commissioners noted that the shows they have previously produced are great.
Commissioners noted that they were glad to see the economic impact of the project included.
2. Commissioners noted that they believe the budget should be increased to pay more artists, admins, and more to increase the impact.
3. Commissioner Rende abstained from the conversation and voting.
xiii. Schaumburg on Stage:
1. Commissioners noted that the production value seems to be very high.
Commissioners noted that while the older youth inclusion is nice, the selected show is only a 2 person show.
2. Commissioners noted that no children from Elgin are participating but has previously been open to Elgin children. Commissioners noted that the project rehearsing outside of Elgin creates barriers for the participants. Commissioners noted that similar projects are already taking place by Elgin groups with Elgin participants in Elgin. Commissioners noted that they showed no history of success in Elgin in the proposal. Commissioners noted that the proposal is for two very different projects and the budgets are very confusing.
xiv. Side Street Studio Arts:
1. Commissioners noted that work with under-represented populations is very important, and the inclusion of specific data helped. Commissioners noted that paying artists was important. Commissioners noted that the diverse age ranges and programming is great, and something is always something going on there.
Commissioners noted that they appreciated the continued growth of the organization.
2. Commissioners noted that sometimes there is almost too much going on and the volume is impressive.
3. Chairwoman Rehberg abstained from the conversation and voting.
e. 2023 Proposals:
i. Going Dutch for 2023- increase of funding from $2,000 to $3,000 for the event.
G. New Business: None brought.
H. Other New Business: None brought.
I. Adjournment:
a. Motion to adjourn at 9:12pm by Commissioner Kearney. Seconded by Rende. Approved by a vote of 10-0.
https://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/8214
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