2005-05-18 Cultural Council Minutes

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Reading Cultural Council May 18, 2005 7:05 - Meeting called to order CLERK ~>MASS. Members present: Alison DaSilva, Valerie Alagero, Karyn Storti, Harold Bond, Anne Hooker, Nicole Cain, Kathy Kelley, Janet Hatherley, Amelia Golini Treasurer's Report: None. Area Cultural Council Members present: Beverly Winn (Methuen), Keith Sherman (Andover), Norm Rice (Andover), Kendall Inglese (Lynnfield), Peter Pulsifer (Winchester), Jane DiGangi (Stoneham), Kristen Baker (Mass Cultural Council) Opening Comments: Keith from Andover made a general announcement regarding a grant workshop being held on September 17, 2005 in Andover which will be hosted by an MCC speaker. The workshop is geared toward providing grant applicants with tips on completing the grant application and especially toward those who have applied for funds in the past and may not have received any. Recruitment: A brief discussion on recruitment was held, Peter Pulsifer reported that the Winchester Cultural Council currently has (5) members and that they have generated the most response from putting up posters and setting up tables at events. Newspaper ads generated the least amount of response. Karyn Stori asked Peter if his council posts descriptions of the grants funded or photos of the recipients. Peter responded that they have done that. Sherman of the Andover reported that his council gets the word out about the council by issuing surveys and making a public announcement at the "Know Your Town" day in Andover and handing out kazoo's. "Other" Art Groups (RAU): In reference to the Reading Arts Umbrella, the topic of "other" arts groups was brought to the table for area members to give feedback on what those "other" arts groups are doing in their communities in terms of their presence in the community, their autonomy, and their effectiveness on getting their word out. Norm Rice reported that the town of Arlington publishes a book listing all of the arts and culture groups, goods and services. Beverly Winn reported that the town of Lawrence has a pretty active group. Peter Pulsifer reported that the town of Winchester has a group who promotes the arts, and that they are quite effective in getting their message out. Kendall Inglese reported that the town of Lynnfield has an active water color group who is part of a larger regional group that provides the group with wider exposure. Alison DaSilva reported that the Reading Cultural Council presents a local artist with a Cultural Recognition Award. The recipient is presented the award at the Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park reaching a wide audience this way and also through the local newspaper with a write up featuring the recipient. Town Wide Culture Day/Family Day: The topic of a town wide culture day was brought to the table for feedback from the area members. Alison reported that to date the RCC surveys reflected an interest in allocating funds to a variety of cultural events instead of allocating a lump sum of the funds to a large town wide event. Keith reported that the Andover Historical Society sets up a fundraising booth for itself at the town's "Andover Day." The Andover Cultural Council tags along for exposure. Expenses for the set up are donated by the town of Andover. The MCC also provides banners. Other: Officers will be voted in at the last meeting on June 15, 2005 9:10 pm - Meeting Adjourned Respectfully submitted, Nicole Cain