North Cook News

City of Elgin Cultural Arts Commission met Sept. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A. Call to Order: 6:03 p.m.

B. Roll Call:

a. Chairwoman Rehberg present. Councilwoman Powell present. Commissioners Thayer, Adu Brako, Novelli, Rende, Kearney, Brown present. Staff Harris and Wilhelmi present. 

C. Citizen’s Forum:

a. Rachel Bass, Individual Artist Grant Application. Sarah and Andrew presenting. This project is complete a film titled, “Advent.” The film is a fictional story about a man that receives bad news and how people respond to death and grief. The film will be shot in Elgin. The Old Coat Society, which is comprised of siblings, is the cooperative working on this project. Shooting will begin in December. The project has confirmed funding support from DuPaul University. Wing Mansion, Bluff City Cemetery and other Elgin sites will be included in the film. The team is excited to use Elgin as a backdrop and show the diversity of the community and architecture. The homeowners will also be interviewed to tell the story of the locations. The Royal College will also be working to score the film, via another sibling.

b. Commissioners asked if they have plans to show the final product with the community. Sarah and Andrew responded that the goal is to have the film completed by late next year and have a public showing. The film aims to be under 20 minutes.

c. Commissioners asked about the remaining budget, which is still $7,300 left to raise. Sarah noted that additional fundraising continues with more grants and even their own funds. They do also have a fiscal sponsor to utilize a 501(c)3 status.

d. Commissioners asked about the timeline. Production will occur December and all permits have been applied for. The remaining funds to be raised are to be allocated to post-production costs. 

D. Carrie, Manager of Otter Creek Wine and Spirits.

a. Carrie hopes to continue to grow their presence in the community.

E. Iambe Theatre, Individual Artist Grant Application:

i. Not present. No application to review.

F. Staff Report:

a. Financial Report:

i. Charges for Public Art and Marketing are coming through.

b. Hemmens:

i. Renovation continues.

ii. Ex Hall wall pieces are coming in now for installation.

iii. Elgin Short Film Festival is coming up next Saturday. Just over 20 films were submitted 3 animated and 3 live action will be viewed at the event. Darryl Nitz is the emcee this year. A shortened red carpet will take place.

c. Elgin Art Showcase:

i. The Showcase lease has been renewed.

d. Approval of August 2023 Minutes:

i. Motion to approve the August 2023 Minutes by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by Commissioner Adu-Brako. Approved by a vote of 7-0-1 with Commissioner Thayer abstaining.

G. Old Business

a. 2023 ECAC Projects:

i. Artist Workshops:

1. No update

ii. Shakespeare in the Park:

1. No update

iii. Elgin Fringe Festival:

1. The festival just wrapped up yesterday. Attendance was up overall, the weather was lovely. A more formal report will be presented at the next meeting.

iv. Elgin Short Film Festival:

1. Update shared above.

b. Call for Public Art:

i. Murals are nearly completed. They can both be seen in the Centre of Elgin’s Parking Deck. Signage will be ordered for installation soon.

H. New Business:

a. Organizational Grant 2024 Applications:

i. Applications are live and have been shared. Applications are due October 5th by 4:00pm. 

b. Commissioners noted that they are very excited about the project. The producers seem to be very thorough and dedicated. Motion to approve the Individual Artist Grant for Rachel Bass in the amount of $1,000 by Commissioner Thayer. Seconded by Commissioner Kearney. Approved by a vote of 8-0.

c. Utility Box Wrapping Selections:

i. Commissioners want to wrap the utility box at Forest and McLean with artwork by Cristina Colunga.

ii. Commissioners want to wrap the utility box at Highland and Spring with artwork by Diego Aguillar.

iii. Commissioners want to wrap the utility box at Big Timber and Randall with artwork by Timothy Sommers.

I. Adjournment: 7:27 pm

a. Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by Commissioner Novelli. Approved by a vote of 8-0.

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