HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ARTAB_09.21.2010 SubcommitteeMinutes of the Meeting of the
Arts and Culture Center Study Subcommittee
City Of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
P resent: Charles Aguillon, Philip Baker, Steve Proesel, Mandy Solin, Karen
Lange, Mickie Ross (Williamson Museum), Bob Horick (Georgetown Symphony
Society) Larry McCormick (Palace Theater), and Paul Gaffney (Southwestern
U niversity).
ABSENT: Kaki Bassi, Dar Richardson, and Mary Beth Martin (Art Works)
S TAFF IN ATTENDENCE: Eric Lashley, Library Director
OTHERS IN ATTENDENCE: None
MINUTES:
Chair Charles Aguillon called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m.
A. Comments by Chair and Staff Facilitator - Charles Aguillon, Eric
Lashley Eric apologized to the committee for what he perceived to be a
bad start at the last meeting. He said he had allowed the subcommittee to
jump too far ahead, looking at funding, square footage, models, and being
concerned with what the Council might want. He stated the real focus
should be on whether or not it is a good idea for Georgetown to have an
arts center.
Eric noted that he was aware of two different efforts in the past 10 years to
bring an arts center to Georgetown, but neither had succeeded. He said
he thinks the failures were due to not having a coalition of supporters with
the political or financial ability to start an arts center.
Eric emphasized that the subcommittee should focus on whether there is
a need for an arts center versus converting the old library into an arts
center Eric said the idea, if there is a need for an arts center, is to have a
plan that is not facility specific. Larry McCormick asked what Paul
Brandenburg's intent was for this committee Enc replied that Paul is
looking for direction for a use for the old library, but had also asked the
committee to look at other facilities, such as the Police Station and City
Hall. Eric also noted the Community Center in San Gabriel Park could be
used as an arts center. The consensus among the committee members
was that any future art center should be located in the downtown to help
bring traffic to the downtown.
Eric asked the subcommittee to go back and really look at a number of
questions:
1. What are the current arts and cultural resources in Georgetown?
2 What are the community's arts and cultural needs? Where are the
gaps in services?
3. What options does the City have to meet community needs in the area
of arts and culture? What partnership opportunities exist?
Eric reiterated that there does not seem to be a strong organized effort in
the community to support the arts nor does that support exist at the City
government level. He noted Council's lack of interest during the budget
process this year in approving any funds for the Arts and Culture Board.
B. Consideration and approval of minutes of August 17, 2010 meeting.
Mickie Ross moved to accept the minutes and Mandy Solin seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
C. Consideration of and possible action on
1. Creating a needs assessment for a cultural arts center
a. Suggested activities in a cultural arts center (e.g., theater space,
galleries, studios)
The subcommittee members reviewed the list of possible activities that
had been included in the agenda packet, and, after much discussion,
listed the following activities as the ones they believe are most important:
1. Arts school/academy for children
2. Adult art classes
3 Gallery space
4. Space to host regional shows, performances, festival of the arts and
rehearsal space for Palace
5. Rental space for studios and sales of art work
Bob and Larry argued the focus should be on children and education
programs Eric, Karen and Mickie argued that the school district and other
programs could serve this purpose and should not be the focus of an arts
center. After much debate, Charles asked the subcommittee to prioritize
the list, with the following result:
1. Rental space for studios and sales of art work
2 Space to host regional shows, performances, festival of the arts
activities, and rehearsal space for Palace
3 Gallery space
4. Arts school/academy for children
5. Adult art classes
Other items on the agenda were not addressed due to lack of time.
Charles adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully s, mitted,
Steve Poesel, Secretary Charles Aguillon,'Chair