General Information

Government Type

County

Entity

Salt Lake County

Public Body

Arts and Culture

Notice Information

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Notice Title

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes - Draft, unapproved minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

October 1, 2026 11:30 AM

Event End Date & Time

October 1, 2026 01:00 PM

Description/Agenda

ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Arts & Culture Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, Oct. 1,2026 11:30 am Abravanel Hall, 1st Tier Room or Cisco WebEx Meeting Board Members: Essie Soul, 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, Emily Howesley, Isha Patel, John Yelland, Timothy Duffy, Amanda Mulia (Chair) Attendees: Brian Van Ausdal, James Cooper, Carrier Mercer, Christine Angulo, Sharah Mersery, Dustin Lewis, Emily Howesley, Isha Patel, Staff Members and Guests: Matt Castillo, Melinda Cavallaro, Angela Vanderwell, Kate Ithurralde, Jeff Gwilliam, Jacque Jones, Nancy Holman, Erin Garcia, Erin Litvack, Bobby Sampson 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 June 4,2026 meeting minutes. Mr. Cooper moved the request to approve the minutes. Mr. Lewis moved to second. Unanimously approved 4. Action Item: Arts & Culture Advisory Board Executive Team Mr. Castillo announced the resignation of Amanda Mulia from her role as Committee Chair. He shared that Mr. Van Ausdal has graciously accepted the appointment to step into the Chair position, ensuring leadership continuity for the committee. Prior to the meeting, Ms. Mercer formally submitted her nomination for the position of Vice-Chair. The floor was subsequently opened for additional self-nominations; however, no further nominations were put forward. Mr. Cooper moved the request for approval of 2026 Chair and Vice-Chair. Mr. Lewis moved to second. Unanimously approved 5. Action Item: 2026 Visual Art Collection Acquisition Proposal Ms. Ithurralde presented the Board with a comprehensive slide overview detailing proposed art acquisitions and donations, structured in accordance with Salt Lake County Policy 1003 (Art Acquisition). During her presentation, she introduced Nancy Holman from the Art Acquisition Subcommittee and expressed her gratitude to both Ms. Holman and Board Member Mr. Cooper for their dedicated efforts and valuable insights throughout this process. Ms. Holman then provided an overview of the subcommittee's proceedings, noting that meetings commenced in May. To optimize the review process and maximize efficiency for the full committee, a protocol was established limiting each member to a single artist nomination. Following this introduction, Ms. Holman detailed the following information for the Board's consideration: 1. Acquisition Budget and Financial Adjustments - Total Acquisition Budget: $25,000 - Total Value of Nominated Artwork: $88,977 - Subcommittee Allocation Recommendation: $24,955 - Budget Balancing Adjustment: To utilize the remaining balance of $45, the funds were divided evenly among the eight recommended artists. This final adjustment is fully reflected in the presentation materials. 2. Recommended Acquisitions Ms. Ithurralde presented slides of the nominated works-highlighting titles, artists, and pricing-while providing brief biographical backgrounds for each artist and piece: - Gilmore Scott - Tt'eehonnaa'ei Dazzles/Carrier of the Moon - Madeline Rupard - Nebraska Morning - Margaret Morris - Skew Right #43 - Jiyoun Lee Lodge - waterman-Falling #3 - Jaclyn Wright - Handshakes - Paige Crosland Anderson - Withdraw, Mend, Extend - Stacy Phillips - Georgia - Jack Nelson - Hell to Hell Yea! 3. Art Donations Ms. Holman updated The Board on the donations, and reviewed slides acknowledging recent artistic donations, noting the creators, stylistic emphases, and intended locations: - Kathleen Royster - Serving Dish - John Hess (1939-2022) - Distinguished weaver and educator noted for his emphasis on color and stylistic influences from prehistoric Mayan and Toltec ruins in Mexico. o 3 Panels o Cicada (South Jordan Library) o Roundelay (Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center) 4. Artworks Nominated but Not Recommended Finally, the presentation covered pieces that were formally nominated but ultimately not recommended for county acquisition during this cycle: - Paige Crosland Anderson - Waking up some more - Margaret Morris - Skew Right #54 - David Anthony Sargeant - Spanish Fork - Allison Wiscomb Van Vranken - Sandy-Toed, Ipanema - David Smith-Harrison - Cherry Tree, Cottonwoods - Jiyoun Lee Lodge - waterman-Falling #4, Waterman-Modern Temptation #3 - Jaclyn Wright - Blaze Pink - Stacy Phillips - Betty, Home - Jack Nelson - Gentrification Nation, Storm Keeper, Bears Ears Storm Dazzler - Sara Serratos - Letter to Mexico, Letter to Migrant - Mao Baroteran - Monos, Listones, Reliquias del archivo Ms. Soul moved the request for approval of 2026 Visual Art Collection Acquisition. Ms. Mercer moved to second. Unanimously approved 6. Action Item: 2027 Capital Project Request Overview Mr. Gwilliam presented proposed 2027 Capital Projects to the Board, noting that the comprehensive project documentation had been distributed via email prior to the meeting. He provided a brief overview of each project, outlining its justification, estimated cost, and designated funding source. Mr. Castillo reminded the Board that this draft of proposed capital projects was initially presented during the May meeting. This deliberative timeline ensures the Board has two full meetings to thoroughly consider and discuss the items. He emphasized that the Board's formal recommendation must be secured before the proposals move forward to the Mayor's Office, where they will be integrated into the comprehensive County budget for submission to the County Council. Mr. Castillo also clarified the mechanisms and structures of the two distinct funding sources utilized for these projects: - Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention (TRCC) Fund: Funded through countywide sales tax allocations, this source supports various county capital initiatives beyond the Arts & Culture department. - Arts & Culture Preservation Fund: Funded via a dedicated ticket fee applied to admissions across all county arts venues, with the exception of the Eccles Theater, which maintains an entirely independent budget for its capital projects. Staff committed to explicitly delineating which projects are requested from each fund to ensure absolute clarity for the Board's upcoming vote. Following the presentation, Board members raised several questions, all of which were successfully addressed by staff. The presented projects are summarized below: Arts & Culture (A&C) Divisional Projects - A&C 2-way Radio P25 Conversion: $175,000 (TRCC). Funds the digital upgrade of 75% of operational and emergency radio handsets to ensure county-wide compatibility before analog system phase-out. - A&C HVAC Controls Recommissioning Phase II: $225,000 (TRCC). Engages a contractor to repair system controls and correct inconsistent HVAC management stemming from previous piecemeal projects. - A&C Small BTS Equipment: $233,301 (TRCC). Annual scheduled replacement of IT infrastructure and hardware across venues (excluding Eccles Theater); includes a 3% inflation adjustment and unspent prior-year funds. - A&C Small Ops Equipment: $73,255 (TRCC). Annual cyclical replacement of sound, lighting, technical, and office equipment across venues (excluding Eccles Theater) with a 3% inflation adjustment. - A&C Large Equipment Replacement: $218,545 (TRCC). Annual rotation of operational and IT equipment valued over $5,000 (e.g., projectors, servers) to prevent downtime; includes a 3% inflation adjustment. Capitol Theatre (CT) & Shared Venue Projects - PFF-CT Grand Drape System Replacement: $1,500,000 total ($750,000 TRCC / $750,000 Preservation). Collaborative project to replace the failed main drape, valance, asbestos fire curtain, and associated rigging. - PFF Fire Device Replacement: $175,000 (Preservation). Replaces end-of-life fire detection and notification devices to ensure panel communication compatibility at Capitol Theatre, Quinney Ballet Centre, and Rose Wagner. - CFA Capitol Theatre Feasibility Build-Out Design: $1,900,000 (TRCC). Funds design, architectural/engineering fees, and project management for upcoming HVAC, ADA seating, and Grand Tier code compliance modifications. - CRA PFF-CT Batten Replacement: Cost unlisted (TRCC). Replaces old, bent stage fly system battens with stronger, modern truss style battens. - CFA PFF-CT Grand Tier A/V Input/Output: $45,000 (Preservation). Installs permanent audio, video, and power connections at the front of the Grand Tier to eliminate temporary cabling. Abravanel Hall (AH) Projects - CFA AH Fire Suppression Design: $600,000 (TRCC). Funds the design phase to add a comprehensive fire sprinkler system to the unprotected areas of the 1970s facility. Construction funding will be requested in 2028. - CFA AH Lobby Door Replacement Design: $60,000 (TRCC). Funds the design for new weatherproof, secure entry doors to resolve locking failures and wind whistling. Construction funding will be requested in 2028. Quinney Ballet Centre (QBC), Mid-Valley (MV) & Rose Wagner (RW) Projects - CFA CT/QBC Audio/Visual Distribution: $100,000 (TRCC). Restores venue A/V and safety communications at QBC and re-establishes connections to Capitol Theatre severed during Phase II renovations. - CFA RW Mezz Studio Glass & Blind Replacement: $18,000 (TRCC). Replaces mezzanine studio windows and faulty internal blinds with a new window and separate covering system. - CFA RW Office Carpet Replacement: $35,000 (TRCC). Replaces deteriorating carpet originally installed in 2001 across various theater and resident offices. Studies, Collections & Special Projects - CFA Website Rebuild: $100,000 (TRCC). Initiatives an RFP for a new web development and security vendor to upgrade the division's marketing site, subject to County IT approval. - CFA Theatrical Networks Feasibility Study: $65,000 (TRCC). Evaluates and designs cohesive, modern network capabilities for audio, lighting, and video controls across all venues, aligned with Eccles Theatre. - CFA Art in Public Places Maintenance: $40,000 (TRCC). Funds the professional conservation and restoration of damaged pieces within the Salt Lake County Art Collection. - CFA PFF Lighting Equipment Upgrades: $100,000 (Preservation). Purchases modern theatrical lighting equipment and accessories to expand capacity at Capitol Theatre and Rose Wagner. - CFA PFF MV Scenery Projector: $58,000 (Preservation). Acquires a dedicated scenic projector for Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center to display virtual scenery without performer shadows. - CFA PFF MV Studio 5400 Stage Floor Upgrade: $78,000 (Preservation). Replaces the high-wear, deteriorating Masonite floor on the Studio 5400 stage with a durable, solid-surface panelized system. - SPCC Public Art Deinstallation and Storage: $2,000,000 (Funding source unlisted). Secures professional removal, transport, and storage of artwork during the partial demolition and rebuild of the Salt Palace Convention Center. Ms. Soul moved the request for approval of 2027 recommendation for Preservation Fee-Funded Project Budget. Mr. Cooper moved to second. Unanimously approved 7. Action Item: Arts & Culture Downtown Visual Art Subcommittee Mr. Castillo provided an update on the ongoing Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District development, noting that various elements of this major project have been previously presented to the Board. A current priority is managing the stewardship of existing public art pieces situated within areas affected by upcoming renovations, alongside planning future acquisitions and commissions. To guide this process, management is proposing the establishment of a public art visioning committee. Mr. Castillo then introduced Erin Litvack, Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer for Salt Lake County, who is leading the overarching development project. Ms. Litvack outlined the four primary components of the initiative to the Board, highlighting the strategic goal to better connect the eastern and western corridors of downtown Salt Lake City. A key driver of this connection is the scheduled rebuilding and remodeling of the Salt Lake County Convention Center. The center's western wing will be reconstructed further south, utilizing a vertical design footprint rather than horizontal. Approximately two-thirds of the current convention center facility will be replaced and relocated. This footprint optimization will facilitate the creation of a dedicated, pedestrian-only public corridor. This redevelopment directly impacts a significant number of existing public art pieces, presenting the logistical challenge of relocating exterior installations. In response, Mayor Jenny Wilson has established a visioning committee for public art specifically for this downtown project. This collective group will evaluate community interests and determine which art pieces can be relocated, which must remain, or which should be considered for deaccession and potential sale. - Committee Purpose: The Downtown Public Art Visioning Committee is established to guide comprehensive public art planning for Salt Lake County's Downtown Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District development. The committee will ensure that proposed art concepts align with the County's broader cultural and economic objectives prior to entering future procurement and artist selection phases. The Board was asked to consider and vote on the following items: 1. Committee Establishment: Approve the establishment of the Downtown Public Art Visioning Committee as an ad hoc committee of the Arts & Culture Advisory Board. 2. Delegation of Authority: Authorize the Downtown Public Art Visioning Committee to fulfill the responsibilities typically assigned to the Fine Arts Collection Subcommittee specifically for the Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District and its related public art projects. 3. Appointments and Nominations: Nominate and appoint members to the newly formed committee, including a representative from the Advisory Board. Management recommended Board Member Jim Cooper to serve in this capacity. The roster of remaining proposed committee members was then presented to the Board. Following the presentation, the floor was opened for questions, all of which were addressed by staff and leadership. Ms. Soul moved the request for approval of Downtown Public Art Visioning Subcommittee, and Jim Cooper as committee member from Board. Ms. Mercer moved to second. Unanimously approved 8. Director updates Larry H. & Gail Miller Arts Center Updates- Mr. Castillo announced that the project has officially broken ground and presented several construction update slides to the Board. The facility is scheduled to open in August 2028, with the regular booking calendar set to activate in September 2028 . Additionally, management plans to host a series of public workshops to educate clients and community members on the advanced technical capabilities of the newly renovated space. Sports, Entertainment, Culture & Convention District Updates- Mr. Castillo advised the Board that the schematic design phase for both Abravanel Hall and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) is nearing completion. Management is currently conducting extensive budget validation on the latest design iterations. He highlighted the close, collaborative efforts between the design team and the respective staffs of UMOCA, the Utah Symphony, and Salt Lake County Arts & Culture to deliver a highly innovative and functional design. Based on the current project schedule, construction is projected to commence on UMOCA in July 2027, followed by Abravanel Hall in September 2027. 9. Upcoming Important Dates a. October 30 - Salt Lake Speaks @ Eccles Theater- Mr. Castillo mentioned our next community engagement. 10. Art Event Discussion - the Board briefly shared their art events. 11. Adjourn - Mr. Van Ausdal adjourned the meeting at 12:57pm 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 Amanda Mulia Chair o - Art Selection Committee (1 member - renews annually) through 2027 o Jim Cooper - Nominating Committee (2-3 members - renews annually) through 2027 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 2027 o Brian Van Ausdal o 2026 Advisory Board Meeting Schedule January 22 March 26 May 21 change to June 4 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 4 Feb-2028 1 Isha Patel 3 May-2029 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 Timothy Duffy 6 May-2029 1 Emily Howsley 5 May- 2029 1 John Yellend 2 May- 2029 1 Vacant Committee Term Through Committee Term Through

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

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Meeting Information

Meeting Location

Abravanel Hall- 1st Tier Room
123 W. 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

October 01, 2026 03:03 PM

Notice Last Edited On

October 01, 2026 03:03 PM

Audio File Address

Audio File Location

https://slco.webex.com/slco/ldr.php?RCID=c776bf2e22e244b656b1aa8b39c75913

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