04/22/2020 - Meeting Minutes Salt Lake City Arts Council
Board Meeting Minutes
April 22,2020
WebEx Online
Present: Steve Barth Matthew Castillo
Larry Cohen Annie Dayton
Leah Langan Katherine Potter
Staff Members: Felicia Baca,Arts Division Director
Kelsey Ellis,Assistant Director
Sylvia Richards, City Council Office
Excused: Efren Corado Garcia,Dave Mortensen,Jared Jones(Active Duty)
Not present: Susan Koles Rickman,Kanika Welch
I. Call to Order 1
Ms. Katherine Potter called the meetingIo order at approximately 5:34pm.
11. Approve Board Meeting Minutes
Mr. Steve Barth made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 9th special session;the
motion was seconded by Mr. Larry Cohen and passed unanimously.
111. Budget Updates
A. Budget Process/Im t
Ms. Kelsey Ellis provided an Arview of the forecasted budget and reviewed
profit/losses versus actuals. Highlights include an anticipated 20%decrease in ZAP
funding and re-scope V
for artist emergency relief and next year's Living
Traditions Festival.
B. Emergency artist grant funding proposal related to COVID-19
Ms. Felicia Baca shared the proposal for the emergency artist relief fund was
unanimously approved by City Council.Remaining grant funds and$43,500 from
Busker Fest were swiftly reallocated to the emergency fund. The state received a
large number of applications and in response,may close the application earlier than
originally expected. The Arts Council would assist in broadly messaging the early
closure. The state will possibly fund a second round of applications at a later date.
Ms. Potter reiterated the importance of messaging and suggested any late applications
be forwarded for the second round. Ms. Baca confirmed that any original applications
will be held for the second round.
Mr. Barth asked how the conversation with the state was received after the Board's
special session. Ms. Baca stated the decision not to include employment status on the
application was determined by learning that there have been significant barriers to
artists receiving unemployment as well as difficulty determining need.
IV. Management Update
A. Arts Council program update
Finch Lane Gallery: Ms. Baca stated any commission the Arts Council would have
received through exhibition sales at the Finch Lane gallery has been waived in an
effort to support artists during this challenging time. Applications are due May 1 st for
2021 exhibitions. Three artists whose exhibitions were canceled were paid a$100
honorarium.
A $200 partnership was initiated with Parks and Public Lands to commission an artist
to create an image around COVID-19 trail safety. L
Accessibility funds were allocated for captioning the cultural sector updates that take
place with the State &Cultural Alliance ever week.
Staff is evaluating remaining funds in the outreach budget and determining what a
mini-Busker Fest would look like as well as looking into Living Traditions outreach
through video platforms.
Twilight Concert Series: staf ill determine if the series should be canceled by mid-
May.
The Arts Council is now fully managing the Cultural Core contract in conjunction
with Board Member Mr. Matthew Castillo who is now the acting County Manager for
Arts and Culture.
Conversations are taking p with McIntire of Union Creative regarding how
to virtually move forward wit tegic planning.
The Art Barn will be u&ed as a lunch distribution center by the Salt Lake School
District. Staff thinks it is a fantastic use of the space while everyone is working from
home.
B. Department level update
Ms. Potter stated four potential new board members have been approved by the
Mayor and will'be interviewed by City Council during the first or second week of
May.
Curren oard officer assignments will expire in June so board members are
encouraged to think about what roles they would like for the upcoming year.
Ms. Annie Dayton asked if there an active search for a new Economic Development
Director.Ms. Baca responded there is a hiring freeze due to COVID-I 9 so an active
search is not currently taking place.
V. Public Comment—None Given
VI. Other business/Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:07pm.