General Information

Government Type

County

Entity

Salt Lake County

Public Body

Arts and Culture

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

Arts & Culture Advisory Board Meeting minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

January 22, 2026 11:30 AM

Event End Date & Time

January 22, 2026 01:00 PM

Description/Agenda

ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Arts & Culture Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, Jan. 22,2026 11:30 am Abravanel Hall, 1st Teir Room or Cisco WebEx Meeting Board Members: Bing Fang, Essie Soul, Megan West, Amanda Mulia (Chair), Jorge Rodriguez, Dustin Lewis, Jesus Jimenez-Vivanco, James Cooper, Carrier Mercer, Brian Van Ausdal (Vice Chair), Sharah Meservy, Janell Payne, Jana Thomas, A. Christine Angulo Attendees: Bing Fang, Essie Soul, Brian Van Ausdal, James Cooper, Carrier Mercer, Jorge Rodriguez, Sharah Meservy, Christine Angulo, Jana Thomas, Dustin Lewis Staff Members and Guests: Matt Castillo, Melinda Cavallaro, Jeff Gwilliam, Jacque Jones, Jenn Niedfeldt, Kate Ithurralde, Lauren Curley, Samantha Thermos, John Yellen 1. Welcome - Mr. Van Ausdal welcomed everyone; the meeting was called to order at 11:34am. 2. Review of Public Comments - No public comments. 3. Action Item: Approve of Nov. 22,2025 meeting minutes. Mr. Cooper moved the request to approve the minutes. Ms. Mercer moved to second. Unanimously approved 4. Action Item: 2026 Committee Member Nomination and Confirmation Mr. Castillo provided a brief overview of the duties and anticipated time commitments for each of the committees listed below. He also invited the managers overseeing each committee to further advise Board members regarding committee responsibilities and expectations. i. Art Selection Subcommittee (1 member) The Art Selection Subcommittee is responsible for recommending art pieces to the committee. Ms. Ithurralde, the manager overseeing this subcommittee, noted that members are encouraged to view visual art, visit galleries, and meet with artists. Past committee members reported positive experiences serving on this subcommittee and highly recommended participation. ii. Nominating Committee (2-3 members) The Nominating Committee works with Mr. Castillo to review applications and fill vacancies on the Board. The time commitment for this committee is flexible. Service on this committee also provides opportunities to meet individuals with a shared interest in the arts. iii. ZAP Tier II Advisory Board (1 member) ZAP includes two advisory boards: Tier I and Tier II. Amanda Mulia currently serves on Tier I. Members of the Tier II Advisory Board review applications from approximately 230 nonprofit organizations seeking Tier II grant funding. This committee requires a significant time commitment for reviewing applications and, when possible, attending events hosted by Tier II applicants. By the end of the grant year, members gain a comprehensive understanding of local arts organizations and events throughout the valley. The Board was then informed of members who had self-nominated for each committee and was invited to submit additional self-nominations during the meeting. Each Board member stated their committee preference and explained their interest in serving. Questions were raised and addressed during this discussion. The following self-nominations were recorded: - Art Selection Subcommittee: Jim Cooper - Nominating Committee: Jana Thomas, Sharah Meservy, and Brian Van Ausdal - ZAP Tier II Advisory Board: Carrie Mercer Mr. Van Ausdal moved the request for approval of 2026 committee members. Mr. Cooper moved to second. Unanimously approved 5. Action Item: Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center Name Change for recommendation to Salt Lake County Mayor and Council. Mr. Castillo explained that in 2024, when the naming donation for the Miller Arts Center was finalized, the County's formal naming process was followed. This process required review by the applicable advisory board, followed by a public hearing before the County Council, and a final vote to adopt the name. Upon completion of this process, the facility was officially named the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center. Since that time, the trustees of the Miller Foundation have approached staff to request a minor modification to the name by removing the word 'Family.' The proposed new name is Larry H. & Gail Miller Arts Center. Because this request involves renaming a public facility, the same County naming process must be followed. Accordingly, the matter was brought forward for the Board's consideration. Mr. Castillo noted that staff views this as a positive change, as it shortens an already lengthy name while maintaining the intent of the original name. A brief discussion followed, and all questions were addressed. Ms. Soul moved the request for approval of name change to Larry H. & Gail Miller Arts Center request. Mr. Cooper moved to second. Unanimously approved 6. Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center Public Art Updates Ms. Ithurralde presented a slide presentation to the Board highlighting the Venues' public art projects, including the following: - Exterior Project - Interior Project - Locals Only Project (RFQ to be posted in 2026) - Augmented Reality Project (RFQ to be posted in 2026) Ms. Ithurralde noted that her presentation focused solely on the Exterior and Interior projects. For the Exterior Project, artists were encouraged to address the project goals within their proposed work. Ben Butler was selected as the artist, and the Board was shown examples of his work. Below are the goals the artist was given to incorporate in the piece. Ms. Ithurralde then gave a bio on Mr. Bulter. For the Interior Project, artists were likewise encouraged to address the project goals within their proposed work. April Wagner was selected as the artist, and the Board was shown examples of her work. Below are the goals the artist was asked to convey in the piece. Mr. Ithurralde gave a brief bio on April Wagner. 7. Community Engagement Goals & Mission Activity Ms. Niedfeldt and Ms. Curley presented a slide presentation to the Board to provide an update on the Division's Community Engagement Action Plan and to explore a division-wide definition of community engagement. Ms. Niedfeldt provided background, noting that community engagement within Arts & Culture was identified in the Division's 2020 Master Plan recommendations. A more formal, organized effort began in 2022 with the creation of the Division Community Engagement Action Plan and the establishment of the Community Engagement (CE) Team. The CE Team's goals are to develop accessible pipelines to Division resources, venues, and activities; increase community and artistic representation; and strengthen the Division's profile as a regional asset. Ms. Niedfeldt also reviewed key areas of focus, including programmatic activity, activation events, and research. The presentation then addressed the process of updating the plan for 2027-2032 and highlighted accomplishments to date, including the 2022 AEP6 Survey, the 2025 ACG Arts Community Survey, Division team community engagement discussions, peer organization research, and leadership community engagement brainstorming. Next steps outlined included: - Advisory Board brainstorming activities - Drafting the updated Community Engagement Action Plan - Review and approval of the plan - Implementation of the 2027-2032 plan Ms. Curley then led the Board in a brainstorming activity. Board members were asked to provide input on the following statements: - Community engagement at Arts & Culture should - Community engagement at Arts & Culture should not Following the activity, the floor was opened for discussion of the suggestions provided by Board members. 8. Upcoming Important Updates- Mr. Castillo highlighted the following upcoming dates and events for the Board: a. February 7 - Winter Roundup: This event is produced by Visit Salt Lake and is now in its third year. The event is free to the public and will be held on West Temple between South Temple and 100 South. Activities will include a horse show exhibition, with horses pulling participants on skis. b. February 12 - ZAP and Arts & Culture Open House: Board members are encouraged to attend and participate. This event brings together new and returning grantees, provides an opportunity to meet ZAP staff, and fosters interaction among arts and culture organizations. It will serve as a valuable networking opportunity. 9. Art Event Discussion - Board members were invited to share events. No time for discussion. 10. Adjourn - Mr. Van Ausdal adjourned the meeting at 1:05pm Mission Support arts and culture in Salt Lake County with premiere Spaces, Places, and Services. Values 1. Foster arts and culture county-wide 2. Good stewards of public venues and funds 3. Provide an exceptional patron experience. 4. Support Resident arts groups with a home to create, work, and perform. Arts & Culture Advisory Board Committee Assignments - Executive Committee (Chair & Vice Chair - renews annually) o Amanda Mulia - Chair o Brian Van Ausdal - Vice Chair - Resident Review Committee (3-5 members - renews every three years) o Bing Fang Vice Chair o Amanda Mulia Chair o - Art Selection Committee (1 member - renews annually) through 2025 o Jim Cooper - Nominating Committee (2-3 members - renews annually) through 2025 o Jana Thomas o Sharah Meservy o Brian Van Ausdal - ZAP Tier 1 Review Board (1 member - renews annually) through 2027 o Amanda Mulia - ZAP Tier 2 Review Board (1-2 members - renews annually) through 2025 o Carrie Mercer o 2026 Advisory Board Meeting Schedule January 22 March 26 May 21 July 9 September 24 November 19 People with disabilities should make requests for reasonable accommodation at least 48 hours in advance to attend this meeting. Accommodations may include alternate formats, interpreters, and other auxiliary aids. Arts & Culture Advisory Board meetings are held in accessible facilities. For questions, requests, or additional information, please contact Krystal at 385-468-1014. In accordance with Division by-laws, Board Members may attend Board Meetings and give consent to action items electronically. Arts & Culture Advisory Board Member District Term End Date Term Sharah Meservy 1 Feb-2028 1 Essie Soul 1 Jan-2028 2 Jorge Rodriguez 1 Jun-2026 1 Janell Payne 2 Feb-2028 1 Jana Thomas 2 Feb-2028 1 Alexandra Angulo 3 Feb-2028 1 Jesus R. Jimenez-Vivanco 3 Dec-2026 1 Dustin Lewis 3 Jun-2026 1 Jim Cooper 4 Feb-2028 1 Carrie Mercer 5 Feb-2028 1 Brian Van Ausdal 6 Feb-2028 1 Amanda Mulia 6 Jun-2026 1 Vacant Vacant Vacant Committee Term Through Committee Term Through Executive Committee - 2 Members Art Selection Subcommittee - 1 Member Amanda Mulia - Chair 2026 Vacant Brian van Ausdal - Vice Chair 2026 Nominating Committee - 2 - 3 Members Resident Review Committee - 5 - 6 Members Vacant Amanda Mulia - Chair 2026 Vacant ZAP Tier I and Zoological - 1 Member Amanda Mulia 2027 ZAP Tier II - 1 Member Vacant

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

Reasonable accommodations (including auxillary communicative aids and services) for individuals with disabilities may be provided upon receipt of a request with three working days notice. For assistance, please call V/385-468-2351; TDD/385-468-3600

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

Cisco Webex Website Address: https://www.webex.com/ click 'Join' in the top right corner and then enter the meeting number information. Or Call In Phone Numbers +1-213-306-3065 Meeting Number: 2496 236 0915

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

Abravanel Hall - 1st Tier Room
123 West So. Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
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Contact Name

Jacque Jones

Contact Email

jjones@slco.org

Contact Phone

(385)468-1014

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

January 23, 2026 07:36 AM

Notice Last Edited On

March 26, 2026 03:01 PM

Audio File Address

Audio File Location

https://slco.webex.com/slco/ldr.php?RCID=c551dbf7f7b63c2d53ee709cff2e07e9

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