Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC)
March 24, 2011
Meeting Minutes
The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission held a meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT.
Members Present: Martin Blanco, Jennifer Johnston, Donna Mangiafico, Donna Monteleone Randle, Robert Rabinowitz, Jennifer Rogers, and Linda Watson
Members Absent: Emily Howard and Rob Kaiser
Auxiliary Members Present: None
Guests: None
Jennifer Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:14 PM.
Minutes:
The minutes of the February 9, 2011 and February 24, 2011 meetings were approved as written.
Officer Reports:
Jennifer Johnston will forward information to Jen Rogers about HVCA for the next newsletter. Jennifer Johnston is setting up a meeting with Elizabeth Stocker to discuss grant opportunities.
Jennifer Rogers provided a progress report for the Live at Edmond indie rock concert. Hayden Bates has been successful in garnering support. The concert is scheduled for June 17, 2011 and will feature the band Low Anthem. Jen Rogers discussed using local businesses databases to promote this and other arts events in lieu of advertising or promotion. She will post a Save the Date in next newsletter.
Review of Bylaws: NCAC members agreed to amend the Bylaws to remove the non-elected officer positions except for the Treasurer position. Donna Mangiafico will make the proposed changes to the bylaws and the NCAC will vote on them at the next meeting.
NCAC Position Available: Emily Howard has not formally resigned. Jennifer Johnston will contact her to remind her to submit her resignation in writing. Jennifer Johnston will contact the Democratic Town Committee to let them know that a position is available.
Programs and Events:
Flagpole Radio Café
Martin Blanco distributed the financial reports for Shows 4 and 5. He reported that ticket sales are good, but the expense of renting the town hall theatre makes it challenging to show a profit. He reported, however, that the price for show 4 was unexpectedly reduced presumably because of the poor weather conditions.
Arts Festival – Donna Mangiafico discussed the Newtown Arts Festival. The dates will be September 15 and 16, 2012. The Fairfield Hills grounds have also been reserved. A press release has appeared in the Newtown Bee and the art contest information and application will be posted on the NCAC website in the coming weeks. Donna is working on a blurb about the festival for The Newtowner. The next meeting of the Newtown Arts Commission Planning Group is Friday, April 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM.
Website – Events Calendar:
Jen Rogers discussed the NCAC website and arts calendar. She continues to struggle to collect information to post on the calendar in a timely manner.
Donna Mangiafico asked if the Newsletters and Arts Festival updates could be posted on the website for people to refer to. Jennifer Johnston will look into it.
Jen Rogers discussed the NCAC Newsletter. The list of subscribers continues to grow. The Paypal (from ticket purchases) list of emails was also discussed. Jennifer Johnston will forward the names and emails for Jen Rogers to enter as subscribers so they can receive the newsletter. Jen will send the newsletter to NCAC members to review and comment on.
Linda Watson shared information about a free site for online invitations and event sharing called Socializr.com.
Silent Auction:
Robert Rabinowitz suggested scheduling the silent auction in the fall and instead offering a VIP reception before the May 21st Flagpole show. Season ticket holders, present and potential supporters, and Newtown VIPs will be invited. Robert suggested using the Alexandria Room for wine/cheese and jazz music. Attendees would also choose their seats for the show before the theatre opens for general seating. Martin Blanco and Robert Rabinowitz will work together on this. Donna Monteleone Randle will contact the press and invite them. Donna Mangiafico volunteered to take care of the wine and cheese.
Grants:
Robert Rabinowitz compiled a list of grant opportunities for arts organizations. Jennifer asked if Robert could create a database in the form of an excel spreadsheet.
Robert distributed the grant application for artists and arts organizations. He asked members to look it over at home and submit comments to him via email.
Public Participation: None
Other Business: Martin Blanco announced that the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism is offering seminars in May. He will forward the information via email.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting of the NCAC is scheduled on Thursday, April 28, 2011, 7:00 PM, Meeting Room 1, Newtown Municipal Center.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Mangiafico
Secretary
Newtownartscommission.org
Our Mission: To create a greater awareness of the arts in our community through educating, enhancing, and promoting diverse cultural opportunities for Newtown.
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