North Cook News

City of Elgin Cultural Arts Commission met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A. Call to Order: 6:00pm

B. Roll Call:

a. Commissioners Brown, Thayer, Einterz, Syrris, Novelli, Adu-Brako and Rende present. Councilwoman Powell present. Chairwoman Rehberg present. Staff Harris present. 

C. Citizen’s Forum:

a. Rise’ Jones, Hamilton Wings, 2023 Organizational Grant Final Report

i. Dr. Jones presenting the final report for the 20th original opera, SCORE! The program took place at the Blizzard Theatre on June 24th. The event also included an alumi reception with students from the past 20+ years of the program. Commissioners noted how impressed they are with the themes the students come up with.

b. Nick Mataragas, Individual Artist Grant Application:

i. Nick is presenting an application to fund the horror-themed short play festival, Nightshade, produced by Memoriam Development. This is the fifth installment of the event and is scheduled for February with the theme of “Love can be a Nightmare.” Over 400 submissions were received for this event. Approximately 6-7 actors will be cast in the show and all will be paid. 3 of the pieces are by local artists and the other 7 are from across the united states with one being from the United Kingdom. The event will be hosted at Backspace at Side Street Studio Arts.

c. John LaFleur, Individual Artist Grant Application:

i. John is presenting a grant application to bring the Krampus Krawl back to downtown Elgin. Vern’s Tavern, EPH, Kubo and the Martini Room are all in to participate and the Martini Room will also host an art show to collaborate with the show. Costumes are not required to participate. Krampus is the northern European folk lore character that rounds up the naughty kids in early December.

d. José Carlos Diaz, Individual Artist Grant Application:

i. José is presenting an application to produce a Bolero event here in Elgin, Noche de Bohemia. The event will use traditional instruments and use a variety of artist to perform. The venue isn’t yet finalized nor is the date, but this is expected to take place sometime this winter, likely early next year. There will be dancers as a part of the event as well. Commissioners noted that they are very excited for this and encouraged a review of the space to meet the audience need and the ticket price is very accessible. 

ii. Staff Youngmeyer present.

D. Staff Report:

a. Financial Report:

i. Utility Box charges are coming through.

b. Hemmens:

i. Construction continues.

c. Elgin Art Showcase:

i. Dates for 2024 have been shared with the renters.

d. Approval of October 2023 Minutes:

i. Motion to approve the October minutes by Commissioner Syrris. Seconded by Commissioner Rende. Approved by a vote of 8-0-1 with Commissioner Brown abstaining.

E. Old Business

a. 2023/2024 ECAC Projects:

i. Artist Workshops:

1. No update

ii. Elgin Fringe Festival:

1. The offseason program was very successful. Returning partnerships included venues and sponsors. 20 more performing applications than previous years. More than $20,000 paid to artists in 2023. More than 1,600 attendees in 2023. The Elgin Group will not be participating in the Fringe again.

2. The Fringe committee is growing by 4 people in 2024 including Abby King, Michael Novelli, Axl Chupungco, and Andrew Vo.

3. Fringe will be moving dates to accommodate the Canta con Orgullo event Monday, September 23 – Sunday, September 29 with Family Fringe scheduled for Saturday, September 6.

4. Commissioners noted that it might be a good idea to ask patrons to purchase a ticket to have ‘on hold’ for a person that might not be able to afford it.

b. Utility Box Wraps:

i. The box on Forest was wrapped with the artwork by Cristina Colunga.

ii. The work selected for Highland and Spring is being re-worked by the artist, Diego Aguillar.

F. New Business:

a. Nick Mataragas, Individual Artist Grant Application

i. Commissioners noted that the proposal sounds fun.

ii. Motion to approve the Individual Artist Grant in the amount of $1,000 by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by a vote of Adu-Brako. Approved by a vote of 8-0-1 with Commissioners Rehberg abstaining.

b. John LaFleur, Individual Artist Grant Application

i. Motion to approve the Individual Artist Grant in the amount of $1,000 by Councilwoman Powell. Seconded by a vote of Einterz. Approved by a vote of 7-0-2 with Commissioners Rehberg and Rende abstaining.

c. José Carlos Diaz, Individual Artist Grant Application

i. Motion to approve the Individual Artist Grant in the amount of $1,000 by Councilwoman Powell. Seconded by a vote of Novelli. Approved by a vote of 9-0.

d. 2024 Organizational Grant Applications:

i. African American Coalition of Kane County:

1. Commissioners noted that the application didn’t include information about what was to be involved with the gala. The event description was not very full and was general. Is this event to honor those individuals or will it also showcase their work? The lack of details make the feasibility hard to score.

2. Commissioners questioned the budget: what is the concession line comprised of? Is the event free or is there a cost to attend? It seems that the event is not a fundraiser, but it is not very clear.

3. Commissioners noted that the questions being asked are troublesome.

4. Commissioners noted that the project is very unclear in totality, but the people listed are excellent.

5. Chairwoman Rehberg is abstaining.

ii. Chamber Music on the Fox:

1. Commissioners noted that the partnership with Gail Borden was nice as was the ticket structure.

2. Commissioners noted that the music selections were interesting.

3. Commissioners noted they were glad to see the organization celebrating 10 years.

4. Commissioners noted that the work is reliable and quality, but the innovation was missing a bit.

5. Commissioners were happy to see the school engagement but hope to see it work better in Elgin this time.

6. Commissioners noted they were happy to see how they move around the Fox Valley.

7. Commissioner Rende abstaining.

iii. Children’s Theatre of Elgin:

1. Commissioners noted they like the show choice.

2. Commissioners noted that they participation fees are a little high and are likely a barrier to some. The scholarship program is noted, but not specific.

3. Commissioners noted that the work is always quality and the new sensory performances are important.

4. Commissioners noted the growth in diversity and the desire to continue this work.

5. Commissioner Novelli abstaining.

iv. Elgin History Museum:

1. Commissioners noted they love the proposal.

2. Commissioners noted that the funding is for one portion of the project and additional funding can’t be requested.

3. Commissioners noted that they are working with Phil at Grindstone Productions, a local company.

4. Commissioners noted that the project budget shared is only for phase 1. 

v. Elgin Symphony Orchestra Association:

1. Commissioners noted that they love the free events.

2. Commissioners noted that they like the chosen composers.

3. Commissioners noted that there is great growth in the community collaborations that are actively taking place.

4. Commissioners noted that the budget deficit is noted but is not large. Commissioners noted that sometimes with grant seasons starting budgets are noted in such a way. Commissioners noted that its also often seen in the larger non-profits.

5. Commissioners noted that the diversity efforts are taking place but have been a little late to the game. They also noted that the progress is actively continuing. They also noted that the partnerships in the community further reflect these efforts.

6. Commissioner Thayer abstaining

vi. Elgin Master Chorale:

1. Commissioners noted that they liked that it was free for young kids. They also noted that the selected age group was chosen with intention.

2. Commissioners noted that they will be actively reaching out to local and area African American artists, but no specifics are shared.

3. Commissioners noted that the event was one event and then available as a streamed option.

4. Chairwoman Rehberg abstaining.

vii. Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras:

1. Commissioners noted they are excited for the digital program books. 

2. Commissioners noted the topic is interesting as climate change.

3. Commissioners noted that they are impressed with the integration of inspiration and levels of learning.

4. Commissioners noted they appreciated the specific information regarding need based assistance.

5. Commissioners noted they like the diversity of revenue streams.

6. Commissioner Thayer abstaining.

viii. Elsinore:

1. Commissioners noted that they didn’t know where it was.

2. Commissioners noted that they liked to see a larger cast.

3. Commissioners noted that they like to see the flexible ticket prices. 

4. Commissioners noted that their projected admissions seem ambitious. 

5. Commissioners noted that the budget for artistic isn’t high and it isn’t clear if the actors are being paid.

6. Chairwoman Rehberg abstaining.

ix. Hamilton Wings:

1. Commissioners noted the work is always excellent.

2. Commissioners noted that the work itself is also wonderful.

3. Commissioners noted that the application is single-spaced with very small margins.

4. Commissioners noted that a typical student receives more than 100 hours of direct instruction per year.

5. Commissioners noted that while the project is similar each year, it’s also a very different topic and take each year.

6. Commissioners noted that the project is school-based rather than district-based. They noted that they would like to see the program include additional schools. 

7. Chairwoman Rehberg abstaining.

x. Iambe Theatre Ensemble

1. Commissioners noted they are happy to see another arts organization. 

2. Commissioners noted they are happy to see the roles being targeted to actors who don’t typically have these roles.

3. Commissioners noted they were happy to see this led by women.

4. Commissioners noted they are happy to see the actors paid.

5. Commissioners noted that the impact area is a little light.

xi. Independent Players:

1. Commissioners noted that the applications have continued to improve. 

2. Commissioners noted that the display of artwork in the hallway doesn’t speak to action.

3. Commissioner Syrris abstaining.

xii. Janus Theatre Company:

1. Commissioners noted that they like the shows and the take on them. 

2. Commissioners noted they liked to see the artists being paid.

xiii. Oddball Art Labs:

1. Commissioners noted that they liked the hidden artifacts and the guerilla marketing.

2. Commissioners noted that the impact was too humble, and the show topics aren’t just entertaining.

3. Commissioners noted that they like the theme and that it’s an open call. 

4. Commissioner Rende abstaining.

5. Commissioners noted they would like to see more money requested for the artistic line item in the budget.

xiv. Schaumburg on Stage:

1. Commissioners noted that the application is improved from last year.

2. Commissioners noted that the timeline of the venue seems very optimistic and no backup venue is listed.

3. Commissioners noted that no Elgin artists are listed nor are there any mentions on how to recruit Elgin artists.

4. Commissioners noted that they like the work and would like to see them do more here in Elgin.

5. Commissioners noted that there is no organizational budget, and thus the application is not complete. Commissioners voted to not score the application based on the missing Organization Budget. Motion by Councilwoman Powell. Seconded by Commissioner Novelli. Approved by a vote of 9-0.

xv. Side Street Studio Arts:

1. Commissioners noted that they are impressed by the amount of planning with consideration given to the upcoming changes.

2. Commissioners noted they appreciate the diversity of funding and the long-term planning.

3. Commissioners noted that the coordinator position may not have enough responsibility associated and may be a hard position to fill.

4. Commissioners noted that they like the large-scale plans and that they also seem feasible.

5. Commissioners noted that the reach is significant and wide across the region. 

6. Commissioners noted that the artist response to the organization and programming is positive.

7. Chairwoman Rehberg abstaining.

xvi. The Home Creative Collective:

1. Commissioners noted that the budget is a little confusing. They also noted that the production cost is zero, which seems odd.

2. Commissioners noted that they are not new to the area and have a history of successful productions.

3. Commissioners noted the show choice for the venue is interesting.

4. Commissioners noted that the space is being donated, but there is a space rental cost included.

5. Commissioners noted that the organization and the quality of work are great, but the budget is confusing and unclear.

e. 2024 Proposals:

i. Going Dutch:

1. No proposed edits to the budget; proposed to maintain at $3,000.

2. The 2024 Going Dutch will return as a year-round program with minimally 3 residencies, visual art shows, workshops, etc.

ii. Shakespeare in Elgin’s Parks:

1. No proposed edits to the budget; proposed to maintain at $2,500.

2. The 2024 show will be “The Tempest”, taking place at Wing Park and Lord’s Park. 

iii. Elgin Fringe Festival:

1. Slightly lower total budget proposed at $14,000.

G. Adjournment: 8:34pm

a. Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by Commissioner Thayer. Approved by a vote of 9-0.

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