HomeMy WebLinkAbout090122 PTAC Meeting Packet
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA September 1, 2022 | 3:00 p.m. | In-person and Remote Meeting
• The meeting will be held in Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Historic City Hall. The
entrance is the first door on Madison Street, which opens to the elevator. Please seat
yourself at the first long table on the left.
• Join virtually via computer or tablet at http://joinwebinar.com enter the 9-digit Webinar ID
539-393-595
• Join by phone in listen-only mode: (360) 390-5064 ext. 6 access code: 155-675-573#
• Submit public comment emails to be included in the meeting record to: publiccomment@cityofpt.us
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from the August 4, 2022 Meeting
IV. Public Comment (3 minutes per person)
V. Commission Business
A. Chair’s Update
B. Grant Application Review:Mythsinger Community StoryCircles
C. Grant Application Review: Rainshadow Chorale’s The Music of Shakespeare
D. Review request from Jefferson County Historical Society to amend grant
agreement
E. Public Art Subcommittee
F. Statement from Culture and Society Committee
VI. Correspondence
VII. Set Agenda for Next Meeting
VIII. Next Schedule Meeting – October 6, 2022 at 3 p.m.
IX. Adjourn
Minutes of the Port Townsend Arts Commission Meeting of August 4, 2022
LOCATION: In-person at City Council Chambers and Remote MEMBERS PRESENT, Nhatt Nichols, Joe Gillard, Dan Groussman, Alexis Arabito, Lindsay Wayland, Nan Toby Tyrell, Sheila Long STAFF PRESENT City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Legal Assistant Debbie Ritter
Board Liaison: Ben Thomas
Community Members: Owen Rowe Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action
Call to Order Chair Nhatt Nichols called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Sheila moved, Nan Toby seconded. The agenda was
unanimously approved as amended.
Approval of Minutes for July 14, 2022 Meeting Sheila is on the minutes roster and she wasn’t there last month. Motions were made by Lindsay, not Sheila; so that will be corrected. Dan moved to strike the chair’s update.
Dan moved to accept the minutes as corrected, and Nan Toby seconded. The minutes of the July 14, 2022 meeting were approved as amended.
Public Comment
No public comment
Chair’s Update
Nhatt noted that Jade declined funding for her event. Re the Poet Laureate program, she has been talking to the subcommittee on Culture and Society. Heidi advised that the Commission start working on it as soon as possible.
Review Grant Application, Funding Guidelines and FAQs
The Commissioners made edits to the application and
guidelines and FAQs. A complete list of the edits along with the edited versions will be sent out under separate cover sometime in early September.
Dan moved that the chair consult with the Culture and Society and ask for a definition of community for purposes of
funding guidelines. Sheila seconded, motion passed
Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action
As for carryover funding, where an event is funded in December and takes place in January, Nhatt said that will go on a future agenda. In response to Dan’s proposal to retroactively fund other
events, Heidi explained that after contacts have been signed that is not possible. The contract has to be amended, and for that to happen, something has to change on the side of the grant recipient that changes the terms of the contract.
So, in the case where a grantee has turned down a grant, the money is rolled over into the next funding period Review Statement for Culture and Society Committee There was not time to discuss this, will be put on agenda for
next month
Discuss community outreach and PR issues
There was not time to discuss this, will be put on October agenda
Set agenda for next meeting Review grant applications
Review statement for Culture and Society Committee
Talk about establishing a pr subcommittee
Next Meeting: Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 4:59 p.m.
From:Heidi Greenwood
To:Debbie Ritter
Subject:FW: Grant Funding Question
Date:Monday, August 22, 2022 9:04:49 AM
Can you help me with this?
Thanks,
Heidi
From: Nhattaleah Nichols <nhattnichols@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2022 4:13 PM
To: Heidi Greenwood <HGreenwood@cityofpt.us>; Joegillard78 <Joegillard78@yahoo.com>
Subject: Fwd: Grant Funding Question
CAUTION: External Email
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Nhattaleah Nichols <nhattnichols@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Aug 19, 2022 at 4:04 PM
Subject: Re: Grant Funding Question
To: Jackie Brennan <Jackie@jchsmuseum.com>
Hi Jackie,
Amending a contract is indeed above my pay grade, otherwise that all looks very possible to me.
I’ve copied in Heidi, who should be able to provide more answers.
I think we would also need to add this to the September agenda so that PTAC can approve the
changes.
I don’t want this to fall off the city’s radar, since I’m away, so I’ll follow up again next week with
Heidi, you, and PTAC vp Joe.
Have a great weekend,
Nhatt
On Fri, Aug 19, 2022 at 3:49 PM Jackie Brennan <Jackie@jchsmuseum.com> wrote:
Hey again, Nhatt—
Thanks for being so willing to help answer our questions. Something Shelly and I realized yesterday
is that there might be another solution for our October program honorarium that wouldn’t require
submitting a separate application before that November review meeting deadline in October.
Of the $1,000 that we’ve already been awarded by PTAC (for five honoraria through September),
our plan as of July 23 has been to only request reimbursement for $800 since Willow Whoops!
author Alexis Younglove Erickson declined the $200 honorarium for her July reading at the library.
So, we were wondering if it would be possible to amend our grant agreement to include our
October first Saturday musician honorarium in the scope of what we can request reimbursement
for.
If that’s a possibility, we would be happy to work with the powers that be to update the grant
agreement so we can request reimbursement for the full $1,000 we were already awarded. If not,
we’ll stick to the plan of requesting just the $800 for the four honoraria through September, then
submitting another funding application in late October for our November and December
programs.
We realize that this is kind of a technical question that you might not have an immediate answer
to. We’ll sit tight and wait for any guidance you might have for us!
Thanks so much!
Jackie
From: Nhattaleah Nichols <nhattnichols@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 7:16 AM
To: Jackie Brennan <Jackie@jchsmuseum.com>
Subject: Re: Grant Funding Question
I know the deadline is Saturday, but we often take applications late. So if you do find yourself with
time, it would most likely be worth submitting it.
Also, you can ask for more support of the events we can fund in November.
I know I’ve already apologized, but my delayed response really has impacted your application, and
I’d like to apologize again and offer my phone number for the next time you need a quick answer.
You can reach me at 13472109681.
I’ll be in Poland for the month of September, but I’m otherwise available.
On Wed, Aug 17, 2022 at 7:08 AM Jackie Brennan <Jackie@jchsmuseum.com> wrote:
That makes more sense, Nhatt.
Since the September application deadline is this Saturday (right?), I think we have to miss that
one and limit our request for the November funding cycle to what we can for the last two
months of the year.
Thanks for your help!
Jackie
From: Nhattaleah Nichols <nhattnichols@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 7:02 AM
To: Jackie Brennan <Jackie@jchsmuseum.com>
Subject: Re: Grant Funding Question
Dear Jackie,
Feel free to email me personally with anything, I’m always over committed on projects but
happy to help.
I think you have two options:
Apply in September with your entire program.
Apply in November for only the events that haven’t happened yet.
I hope that’s clearer, I think I may have said you should apply in October in my previous email,
which does not make any sense since it’s not a funding month.
Thanks for following up!
On Wed, Aug 17, 2022 at 6:57 AM Jackie Brennan <Jackie@jchsmuseum.com> wrote:
Hi Nhatt—
Thanks for following up. To be honest, getting any response from somebody from PTAC
without having to follow up a week later is unusual, so you’re setting a new standard for
response time as far as I’m concerned.
Just to clarify, it sounds like your recommendation is to exclude October programs from our
funding request and submit our application on the October 20 deadline for the November
meeting.. Is that correct?
Thanks for your guidance here.
—Jackie
Jackie Brennan
Development Coordinator
Jefferson County Historical Society
Museum: (360) 385-1003
Pronouns: She/Her (What/Why?)
Jefferson Museum of Art & History
540 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
jchsmuseum.org | Facebook | Vimeo | SoundCloud
From: Nhattaleah Nichols <nhattnichols@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 5:49 AM
To: Jackie Brennan <Jackie@jchsmuseum.com>
Subject: Grant Funding Question
Dear Jackie,
I am so sorry my reply is late, I accidentally marked writing you off my to do list. Hopefully I'm
reaching you in time.
I think it would be a good idea to apply for the October funding, as we can't fund events after
they have happened.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions, and once again I'm
sorry for such a delayed response.
Best wishes,
Nhatt
Date: June 21, 2022 (after national holiday)
Artist/Organization: Mythsinger Legacy Project, a fiscally sponsored project of
Songwriting Works Educational Foundation
Contact: Judith-Kate Friedman, 360.643.1961, mythsingerlegacy@gmail.com
Project title: Mythsinger Community StoryCircles
Venue: Online
Event dates: July 17, Dec 18
Amount requested: $1,200
Admission charge – by donation
Total budget: $5,900
ADA accessible – Venue accessibility yes to all four assessment questions per
each online users needs plus add’l accomodations – see question 3, below
Describe how your project will benefit and consider the diverse population of
the greater Port Townsend community: *
Mythsinger Community StoryCircles renews the life-giving, community-bonding StoryNight
experience which Daniel Deardorff led monthly for 10 years around an outdoor storyfire at his
home in Port Townsend. In Spring 2022, the Mythsinger Legacy Project (MLP) began rekindling
this tradition in an online format. Based on the success of our first events for an invited
international audience, we will now offer two events, centered on mythtelling and including
music. Each will be specifically geared toward gathering the greater Port Townsend community.
Held in conjunction with other activities supporting the publication of the 3rd edition of
Deardorff's now classic book "The Other Within: The Genius of Deformity in Myth, Culture and
Psyche," these Community StoryCircles will give many people here who knew and loved Daniel
restored access to his voice and work (on video and newly remastered audio recordings). They
will also introduce this master mythsinger and his written and spoken/performative work to
new generations as we build connections between local, regional and a community of
international mythtellers and artists of all kinds. Mythologist and teller Martin Shaw calls
Deardorff “the greatest storyteller I ever saw…His language was simple and his teaching
sometimes fierce, always brilliant.” So far our MLP events have drawn audiences and fellow
tellers from ten countries and across the U.S. We look forward to focusing the two events in
this proposal to bringing this richness into our Port Townsend/Jefferson County community.
Expanding access to myth and to healing for all: The power of myth is healing; these events will
make myth more accessible for all. StoryCircles will serve our communities’ needs in ways that
are not currently served; more than an opportunity to listen and learn, myths–ancient oral
tradition stories handed down for generations–offer precisely the kind of cultural-social
“medicine” we need in these times. Neighbors of all ages gather in circle around a real or in this
case virtual, “storyfire,” to hear tales that are at least 10,000 years old and carry wisdom not
composed by a single author, but by entire peoples. These stories–known to originate in the
great storehouse of the Earth— teach us what it means to be human, in inclusive ways that
honor each person’s truth, culture, lifeways and points of view. An active synergy between all
who are present takes place as we hear and then “feed” the story that has “fed” us, sharing
insights that deepen compassion, creative imagination, and our capacity to hold paradox and
understand one another and ourselves. For the two events proposed, Judith-Kate Friedman and
the MLP artist crew including Quanita Roberson (who collaborated with Friedman in their 2017
“True Colors” concert and workshop), Audrey Dimola, Ashley Friend, and Shawna Hett will
facilitate this dynamic process.
As a survivor of paralytic polio and a person with visible disabilities, Deardorff spoke about
“otherness” with authenticity and authority. His voice will be present through recordings and
videos at the StoryCircles. This year we have seen first-hand that those who face deep distress,
acute isolation, suicidality, and impacts of being “othered” (“based upon” ability, color, culture,
gender identity, sexuality, financial realities, etc.) find profound positive benefits from
Deardorff’s mythtelling and artistic lineage, which we carry forward. Whatever we’ve each
been through, the old stories affirm us and teach us to re-frame “otherness,” to support,
respect and tend the “other within” ourselves and our communities. We see and feel how each
of us differs from the “norm.” Through the myths we can also see–and feel–how humans have
“othered” the earth; the stories show us how to reconnect with the Living World. Our events
are facilitated to give attendees a safe, inclusive, respectful place in which to explore these
intersecting issues and be restored to wholeness.
Explain how the City’s funding will support the project. If the project can still be
done without City funding, show how the requested funds will improve the
project: *
During the period of the last three years, with Daniel's passing followed by the Covid-19
pandemic, many longstanding connections with fellow local artists and organizations have been
dormant, while online connections and increasingly international ones have been proliferating.
Local collaborations are just starting to spark again. City of Port Townsend funding will enable
MLP to truly focus locally/regionally and double our capacity to produce these events (allowing
us to offer two rather than one) as well as build, renew and strengthen partnerships with local
and regional storytelling networks as we "cross pollinate" (seeding collaborations for 2023).
Please also see budget narrative (pdf) and the following question about access and outreach.
Explain how the project will either target Port Townsend/East Jefferson
residents or, if the event is designed to bring in visitors from the area, how you
will advertise to those visitors: *
Since these events will only be held online this year, we will focus our outreach on gathering
the many diverse populations in our town and region who are not able to physically, or
financially, or otherwise access live events. We'll do this via our own and the elists of partnering
and allied organizations and networks, KPTZ radio, articles in the paper, social media and word
of mouth. ADA compliance and other access accommodations will be translated on screen with
visual descriptions, closed captioning, and, for our December event, the inclusion of ASL
interpretation. In addition, as noted these events will bring local/regional residents together
with others from near and far - potential visitors to PT/East Jeff.Co!
If this event has received Arts Commission funding in the past, please explain
any proposed changes to the event and any change in the requested funding
amount. *
This is the first request for PTAC funding for a Mythsinger Legacy Project event and will be the
first public event in this format offered with specific outreach to the greater Port Townsend
community. This said, we are creatively and literally re-kindling a tradition that is not only in
Daniel’s lineage, but in a “lineage” of support that PTAC has granted the artists involved over
the past 16 years. For those not familiar with him, Daniel "3D" Deardorff (1952-2019) –singer,
songwriter, recording artist, producer, mythologist, beloved teacher and mentor to dozens of
artists–lived in Port Townsend for 20+ years. His legendary events included concerts, fireside
Storynights (mid-2000’s-2013), the Olympic Men’s Council (up to 80 men hearing story,
drumming and discussing issues of soul and well-being), annual “Trickster Tales” with tribal
mythtellers, and Storynights at Better Living Through Coffee (later carried forward by artists
Brian Rohr and Aimee Ringle) were among many events, some of which received PTAC support.
Deardorff and Judith-Kate Friedman, life partners since 2006, also performed and taught
together here (2007-18). PTAC supported several of their Port Townsend concerts including
“Love Dogs” at Key City Public Theatre as well as many Songwriting Works festivals and events
which included Deardorff as a collaborating artist. (In 2020 Songwriting Works expanded its
mission "to restore joy, hope, vitality and community through story and song" and became the
501c3 sponsor of the Mythsinger Legacy Project.) SW’s most recent public event production in
Port Townsend was the multi-artist tribute concert "Songs and Stories in 3D" which was part of
a weekend of Celebration of Life festivities honoring Deardorff in February 2020. The
Mythsinger Legacy Project was founded on that weekend. Thank you for your consideration.
From:City of Port Townsend
To:Debbie Ritter
Subject:Arts Commission - Online Application
Date:Tuesday, August 9, 2022 2:27:52 PM
CAUTION: External Email
Submitted on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 - 2:27pm
Submitted by anonymous user: 66.119.206.94
Submitted values are:
Date of Application Tue, 08/09/2022
Organization Name RainShadow Chorale
Primary Contact Beverly Schaaf
Phone Number 360-379-3458
Email bevschaaf@gmail.com
Project or Event Name Fall 2022 Concerts - The Music of Shakespeare
Event Location Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 45 Redeemer Way, Chimacum
Date(s) of Event November 5 and 6, 2022
Amount Requested $1585
Admission Charge Suggested donation $20/adult, $10/student, or pay as able
Donations Accepted? Yes
Is there at least one free or "pay what you wish" performance? Yes
Total Budget? $12,485
Please attach the proposed budget for this event ptac_fall_2022.pdf
Has the venue for the event(s) been assessed as ADA accessible? No
If yes, please attach a copy of the assessment report or complete the Venue Accessibility
Statement below.
Venue Accessibility Statement
Park near venue in a handicapped parking space?
Enter the building without assistance? (i.e. no stairs or barriers to entry, door(s) able to be
opened with closed fist and not too heavily weighted)
Enjoy and participate in the event as fully as a temporarily able-bodied person? (i.e.,
wheelchair seating, elevator or lift if more than one floor)
Are the restroom facilities accessible? (i.e., toilet at least 17" high, grab bars)
Describe how your project will benefit and consider the diverse population of the greater Port
Townsend community:
This project represents the first season with our new Artistic Director, Laurie de Leonne, DMA. We
were fortunate to be able to contract with Ms. de Leonne, who brings extensive training, experience,
and energy, allowing RainShadow to continue its record of quality choral performances for
Jefferson County and beyond. Her entertaining and diverse concert programming will provide
something for everyone, and will challenge the singers to try new styles and techniques. Her goal is
not to dramatically change RainShadow, but to expand on its reputation and attract additional
singers and a broader audience.
Explain how the City’s funding will support the project. If the project can still be done without City
funding, show how the requested funds will improve the project:
The attached budget shows the expenses directly related to producing these concerts. City funding
in the amount requested will allow a "break even" event. The project can be done without that level
of funding, but would require dipping extensively into reserve funds that are needed for significant
overhead expenses such as insurance. Those reserves will likely also be needed for similar
expenses in the future. We anticipate some income from individual donations or a fundraising event
during the project period, but those may be optimistic projections given current challenging
economic realities.
Explain how the project will either target Port Townsend/East Jefferson residents or, if the event is
designed to bring in visitors from the area, how you will advertise to those visitors:
Our publicity efforts include communication to an extensive email list from Jefferson County and
throughout the Olympic Peninsula, as well as social media/Facebook and word of mouth. Ms. de
Leonne resides on Bainbridge Island, and will publicize the event there as well as to her followers on
her personal Facebook page.
If this event has received Arts Commission funding in the past, please explain any proposed
changes to the event and any change in the requested funding amount. None received for this
project
The results of this submission may be viewed at:
https://cityofpt.us/node/12931/submission/42277