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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-14-18 WPACAC Min { MINUTES OF THE TOWN OF WESTLAKE,TEXAS PUBLIC ART COMPETITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 14, 2018 PRESENT: Chairman Russell Tether, Rebecca Lawton, Katie Blair, Barry Whistler, Chris Worley,Judy Deaton (conferenced in via phone), and Robin McCaffrey ABSENT:Sue Canterbury and Paloma Ahoveros OTHERS PRESENT:Tom Brymer,Town Manager,John Sasser,Town Communications Director,Janet Needham McCaffrey SUMMARY OF MEETING MINUTES: Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the April 16 meeting were presented for approval. Rebecca Lawton made a motion to approve, Katie Blair seconded the motion, motion passed unanimously. Robin McCaffrey gave a report of the presentation that he and Russell Tether gave to the Town Council discussing the progress that the Public Art Competition Advisory Committee has made with regard to the Public Art Program. Robin shows the Committee the most current Competition Process Diagram, illustrating the key events and actions related to implementing the inaugural competition. Robin asked for the Committee's feedback on the diagram. Rebecca Lawton wanted to hear what the Town Council's questions were. In discussion of the Council's general comments, Robin stressed that he summarized, for the Council,that the Public Art Competition Advisory Committee is the Town's"Institutional" Partner in the pursuit of Public Art in Westlake. The Committee turned back to a general discussion of matters related to the Competition process as portrayed by the Diagram. The key points discussed were: 1. The amount of the Honorarium shown mentioned in the RFQ. 2. The number finalists. 3. The point at which the public is engaged in the Public Art Program. Robin McCaffrey responded the primary moments of public participation were/are/will be A. in formulation of the program (Public Art Plan, public meetings,goals for public Art settings, etc.), B. continued involvement of elected representatives, C. all things presented to Council along the way are at public meetings, D. the Town Hall event shown on the Diagram at which the proposals of all finalists will be shown and the final artist will make a presentation. The public will be given opportunity to express opinion at Council meetings when the Council considers Committee recommendations. 1 He further stated that the Council is looking to the expertise of the Committee to recommend the finalist. 4. Requirement of a model of the final proposal 5. Timing of engagement of underwriters in the process. Rebecca Lawton stated that bringing in underwriters to look at the selection means that the Committee has made a decision. Katie Blair asked if we want to solicit help from someone experienced in underwriting...if we start underwriting at step 2, what do we have to show an underwriter...then Katie said I believe we will have to have a marketing campaign. Katie further stated: How do we get underwriters excited about public art if we do not have proposal to show them. Robin McCaffrey stated that he felt the Committee could produce a series of press releases, a series of Council Updates. Russell Tether stated that the reason this Art Committee is assembled is that the people here are respected leaders (museums, curators, Gallery, etc.)..."you are the best possible group to decide and use their judgement". Russell Tether further stated,the first three steps on the diagram are clear as to what the Committee shall need to do. Robin McCaffrey responded by stating that the first step, when the process is kicked off with the RF, we will then have a press release. Robin further stated that Westlake's Public Art Program can be talked up _ among groups that the Committee members are affiliated with. News letters can be used to get information out to the Art Community. Russell Tether stated that Curators in non-profit organizations cannot endorse. Judy Deaton stated that she thinks the Public Art Committee can publicize the expertise and actions of the group...keeping it on that level rather than going down to the art object level. John Sasser,Town of Westlake Communications Director,was at the meeting to discuss the Public Art Web presence. He had prepared an out line of"tabs" which can be selected and the text needed for each. Mr. Sasser stated that there is simple page on the website now reserved for public art. He further stated that the Town is going to add to the website according to the direction of the WPACAC. Mr. Sasser reviewed the materials he prepared and sent to the Committee via e-mail.The Committee decided that Robin McCaffrey and Russell tether would meet and write the various needed element for the website. This precipitated a general discussion of the website which touched on how the website portrays Westlake's Public Art. Key points discussed were: 1. John Sasser made it clear that the first page was going to make clear the distinction of"Public Art" (Westlake's approach) and "Art in Public Places" (the typical approach). 2. Tom Brymer stressed the importance of keeping the word 'Competition" clearly present to show what we expect. 3. Robin McCaffrey followed by stating that the challenge has been to not let the process devolve into a personal preference situation and went on to describe the role of Public Art in the development of Westlake. He also explained how Public Art came out of the Comp Plan Process. 2 Russell Tether stated that the Town Council was pleased with the presentation given prior to this Public Art Committee meeting. Chris Worley asked John Sasser what is needed from the Committee? John Sasser responded that he needs to get people excited about Public Art,get a brief description of each topic he has laid-out, and get artists to go to the competition page. Robin McCaffrey followed up by stating that Mr.Sasser needs for us to "flesh out'the paragraphs. Rebecca Lawton stated that it is important to let people know that the Competition is not funded by the Town of Westlake. It was generally recognized that Robin McCaffrey and Russell would prepare text for the topics identified by John Sasser and have that for Committee review by the next meeting. Motions made during the meeting: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Robin McCaffrey. Chris Worley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC ART COMPETITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON JUNE 18, 2018. ATTEST: Chairman, Russell Tether paneticCalrey, Secretary 3