HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ArtsCouncil_2021-12-15CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE
ARKANSAS
Fayetteville Arts Council
December 15, 2021
6 — 7:30 p.m.
Held Remotely via Zoom
MEETING AGENDA
Members: City Council member Sonia Harvey, Arts Council Interim Chair Jessica DeBari
06/30/24, Dwain Cromwell 6/30/23, Cindy Morley 06/30/22, Barb Putman 06/30/22, Bob Stafford
06/30/22, Joelle Storet 06/30/23, Lia Uribe 06/30/24
City Staff: Interim Staff Liaison - Lisa Thurber / Communications Director, City of Fayetteville
liaison
Guest: Sherry Smith, Long -Range Preservation Planner
Meeting Video:
https://accessfayetteviIle.granicus.com/player/clip/7897?view id=14&redirect=true
Presentations and additional materials:
Archibald Yell Info Page on City's website (with RFP link)
Call to Order and Roll Call
Meeting was called to order at approximately 6 p.m. by Interim Chair Jessica DeBari.
In Attendance: Jessica DeBari, Lia Uribe, Joelle Storet, Robert Stafford, Barb Putman,
Dwain Cromwell (joined after Roll Call)
Absent: Councilmember Sonia Harvey, Cindy Morley
2. Approval of November meeting minutes
Putman noted two errors in the November 2021 meeting minutes (page 4). Thurber updated
the minutes to correct the errors. Putman moved and Stafford seconded to approve the
amended minutes. The minutes were unanimously approved.
3. Approval of Dec. 15, 2021 meeting agenda
No request or motion for approval of the meeting agenda was made during the meeting.
4. Guest: Sherry Smith, Long -Range Preservation Planner, to present pre -application
information to potential artists for Archibald Yell Mural project
Smith updated that only one complete application had been received to date; other
applications received were incomplete. She reviewed the documentation/information
required for a submittal to be complete. Stafford asked if the City would send incomplete
submittal notifications; Smith responded that she has responded to all incomplete
submissions by emailing the submission requirements. Stafford asked that commercial
liability insurance be removed as a requirement for selection; Smith confirmed that this
Mailing Address:
113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville, AR 72701
requirement can be postponed until before work begins. Storet expressed a desire to help
artists through the application process if the process causes them anxiety. DeBari asked if a
list of commercial insurers could be compiled; Smith noted that she has no way to provide
that information to submitters at this point but added that she was given a research quote of
approximately $40/month (this amount is based on general information and specific details
could shift the quote up or down).
DeBari opened the conversation to public comment and questions about the RFP. Buffalo
asked what should not be included and what is necessary. Smith recommended following
the instructions on page 5 of the RFP including info in the resume if it doesn't fit in the artist
statement. Colleen D'Antoni asked what would qualify in artist work history; Smith
responded with her opinion that work completed in college should qualify but deferred to the
Arts Council as the selection committee. Storet recommended including all detail for project
worked on. Stafford asked where the 5 years of experience requirement came from; DeBari
explained that this was added after discussion with a CACHE representative at the
November 2021 meeting, and that the Arts Council would need to weigh experience against
creative ideas for the murals. For artists with less than 5 years of experience, mentorship
and expert guidance will be accessible. Austin Floyd asked if one application could be
submitted for both mural locations; Smith indicated one application is acceptable. Floyd also
asked the Council's preferences for the first submittal; Smith clarified that the first submittal
must be electronic/digitally submitted; DeBari suggested that presenting work that shows the
design on the wall may be helpful. Josiah Keys asked if multiple designs could be submitted
for the Council to choose; DeBari indicated multiple designs could be considered, and Storet
recommended and Stafford agreed with submitting the best design rather than multiples.
Eryn Johnson asked what the Council personally is looking for in this mural project. Smith
referred Johnson to the theme and description in the RFP; DeBari conveyed no set
expectation other than delight and surprise; Stafford hopes to see regional themes and
physical location considered; Uribe said she is excited about the voices and diversity that
will be portrayed; Storet said she has seen comments about the history of South Fayetteville
being represented in the mural. Molly Van Roekel asked about the existing bulldog mural
and its relationship to the new mural; Smith indicated the bulldog mural will be left alone.
The group briefly discussed the need for the bulldog to be refreshed. Storet commented that
it would be helpful to have a list of area non-profit resources to assist artists with the RFP
submission process, and to use social media to create awareness of these resources and
as a way for the Arts Council to assist artists. Stafford thanked members of the public for
attending and moved to no longer require commercial liability insurance prior to submitting
and to require insurance prior to beginning the work. DeBari seconded. The motion was
unanimously approved.
5. Long-term goals for Fayetteville Arts Council
Stafford gave an overview of proposed goals and the history of their development and
progress. DeBari reviewed an outline of the proposed goals and asked the group if there are
new goals that should be added. Stafford indicated that several of the goals have seen
progress and noted that personal goals include funding and studio/live-work space.
Putman expressed an interest in what role the Arts Council might have with the new Arts
Coordinator position approved in the 2022 City Budget, and how that role may interact with
the Arts Council; Thurber confirmed that this topic will be covered in the January Arts
Council meeting. DeBari asked about the status of Harvey's interest in having sales tax from
Sunday beer sales in Fayetteville earmarked for Arts Council funding; members did not have
information on this topic. Uribe asked about funding mentioned during a previous
presentation from Devin Howland (Economic Vitality Director); DeBari said she would reach
out to Howland for availability to attend an upcoming meeting. Members discussed live/work
studio space and the desire to have more available in Fayetteville. DeBari suggested having
Chloe Bell from Experience Fayetteville attend an upcoming meeting to discuss
programming at The Ramble. Cromwell asked about the status of Fayetteville Public
Library's "tool lending" program; Stafford and DeBari said they would reach out to library
contacts to ask for a status update. Storet asked if Zoom attendance could be continued
long-term for Arts Council members and attendees; several members agreed that virtual and
hybrid access should continue. Uribe asked about the vacant Arts Council seat and
expressed the need for adequate time for people to apply; Stafford asked if the open seat
has been filled despite the request not to fill it when it was open for less than 24 hours;
Thurber responded that a status on this would be provided as soon as the nominating report
was available.
6. Sub -committee updates
Stafford updated the group that he can move forward on a project highlighting the arts in
Fayetteville through a radio program with Kyle Kellams/KUAF.
7. Other business and public comment
Buffalo expressed his gratitude for the Arts Council's work and noted that murals/painted
spaces deter graffiti; he shared his interest in an initiative to paint spaces that are prone to
graffiti across the City; Stafford recommended contacting both Parks and Arkansas/Missouri
Railroad on this idea; DeBari suggested that Buffalo contact Arts Council members via
contact info listed on the City's website to help with making community connections on such
projects. Eryn Johnson inquired about the vacant Arts Council position and how to find out
more about the process and the Council; DeBari pointed to the City's website for details and
applications for future vacancies; Stafford recommended contacting the City Clerk's office.
Thurber noted that she would send an update on the vacant seat as soon as information
becomes available through the Clerk's Office on the Q4 nominating report.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:35 p.m.