HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-18 Cultural Council MinutesReading 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