Community Development and Planning Department City Hall 101 First Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Telephone: (319) 286-5041
Visual Arts Commission Minutes June 10, 2021 | 3:30 pm
The Visual Arts Commission met virtually, with all Commission members, staff, and guests participating via Zoom video call. Staff announced that the meeting was held as an electronic meeting because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff, and the public presented by COVID- 19.
1. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Kayt Conrad—Chair, David Van Allen—Vice Chair, Lynn Ocken, John Soukup, Elizabeth Rhoads Read, Jonathan Berger Commissioners Absent: Maria Moore, Anne Johnson
Community Development Staff Present: Sylvia Brueckert
Others Present: Linda Flynn, Cultural Planning Group, and David Plettner-Saunders, Cultural Planning Group
2. Approval of Minutes
May 2021 minutes. Van Allen moved to approve, Rhoads Read seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Public Input None.
4. Discussion Items a. Visual Arts Master Planning—Visioning Session Flynn and Plettner-Saunders led a visioning session to discuss with Commission members their broad goals for public art. Below are the main questions they focused on, along with notes on discussion: 1. In your opinion, what are the strengths of arts and culture in Cedar Rapids? • Lively art museum • Theater, symphony, and opera • CSPS art and performance space • Active and enthusiastic VAC • Supportive city council and community • Employers recognize value of arts and culture to attract residents • Active local artists and artist groups • Ceramics and Glass Center • Previous public projects (ex. Overalls All Over) and community involved projects
Community Development and Planning Department City Hall 101 First Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Telephone: (319) 286-5041
2. Where/what are the opportunities for the planning process we need to be aware of? What are the barriers? • Arts and culture opportunities are sometimes taken for granted/underappreciated • Need more awareness of opportunities locally • Strong artist community, but public could be more aware • Few selling galleries locally • Opportunity to engage more with high school and college students
3. How bold do you want this public art plan to be? Are there communities you have visited/know of you with inspirational public art? • Want public art that is surprising and unique rather than cliché • Focus on bold public art, but appealing to whole community • Balance between new and familiar styles • 4. What is your vision for cultural development of the city in the coming ten years? What should be different and better? Throughout the planning process, the consultant team will continue to get input and feedback from Visual Art Commission members.
6. Member Updates/Announcements
None.
7. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 4:56 pm.