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 Tags

Arts

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

May 23, 2024 11:30 AM

Event End Date & Time

May 23, 2024 01:00 PM

Description/Agenda

ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Arts & Culture Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, May 23,2024 11:30 am Eccles Theatre, Tanner Lounge or Cisco WebEx Meeting Board Members: Bing Fang, Essie Soul (Chair), Megan West, Ryan Riches (Vice Chair), Erik Christiansen, Maria Chumbita-Garcia, Dheeraj Reddy, Wes Long, Natosha Washington, Don Tingey, Cody Goetz, Amanda Mulia, Jorge Rodriguez, Dustin Lewis, Jesus Jimenez-Vivanco Attendees: Amanda Mulia, Cody Goetz, Don Tingey, Ryan Riches, Maria Chumbita-Garcia, Essie Shaw, Jorge Rodriguez, Megan West Staff Members and Guests: Matt Castillo, Jacquelynn Jones, Melinda Cavallaro, Jeff Gwilliam, Liz Ferguson, Allison Skok, Craig Wangsgard, Fran Pruyn, Jerry Rapier, Robin Chalhoub, Barbara Gandy 1. Welcome - Ms. Soul welcomed everyone; the meeting was called to order at 11:34am. 2. Review of Public Comments - No public comments. 3. Action Item: Approve April 25, 2024, meeting minutes. Quorum wasn't present, couldn't vote on meeting minutes. Will vote next meeting on approving the minutes. 4. Annual Open & Public Meetings Training - Craig Wangsgard Mr. Wangsgard presented the Board with their annual training. He explained County Policy on the Open & Public Meetings. He took and answered questions from the Board members. Mr. Wangsgard will email training information to Mr. Castillo, who will forward it to all Board members. 5. Resident Review Presentation and Questions, Pygmalion Production - Fran Pruyn (Executive Director) Ms. Pruyn and Ms. Gandy gave a presentation and an overview of Pygmalion Productions, information on this resident was also emailed to the Board prior to this meeting. Their Mission Statement: Pygmalion Theatre Company creates performances that share the human experience through the eyes of women. Everything they do is seen through that lens. Ms. Pruyn explained how Covid affected them when it started, and how it is currently affecting them now. They are currently in the process of developing their upcoming 2024-2025 season. Their choice of projects reflects from what they have learned from their past three seasons and these choices address a few concerns: Older or very young female audience how do they attract more diversity and middle-age patrons, how to fill seats while maintaining artistic integrity, appealing to the non-theater patron and what will resonate most with their audiences. For the 2022-2023 season they launched 3 world premieres. Pygmalion reconfigured their seating which uses a platform and portable seating, this allowed them to give an intimate theatrical experience and higher sell-out rate, selling more seats in total/percentages than in previous seasons. 2 of the 3 shows were based on historic figures/events and had roots in Utah figures/events. The 3rd show deviated from their mission statement, lead character/playwright was not female, this show had lower attendance. Also important to women is their health issues, address these issues through their events. Ms. Pruyn went over the plays in detail and gave reasons as to why they were and were not received by the patrons. She advised the Board who they have partnered with, and with which plays; to name a couple Plan parenthood and Plan-B Theatre Company. Moving to the 2023-2024 season she mentioned they are doing very well. Their main goal is to create the best possible program, not create a program to obtain a grant. Attendance is up and they believe it is because of the type and quality of shows. Their research confirms that good scripts and performances help sell seats, although it is no guarantee. Historic works speak to their audiences, and they work on their plays 1 year in advance. Parking is a major issue for both the artists and patrons. To resolve parking issues for artists, the organization is now paying for parking for artists. On accessibility they provide written scripts in advance for hard of hearing patrons. Casting people of color in their plays has widened their casting pool and audiences seem acceptive to this change of having an African American playing a traditional white character role. Ms. Pruyn explained the upcoming shows and the reasons for performing them. Ms. Pruyn also discussed attendance, outreach, and audience development programs. Pygmalion is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, operating under a 501(c), their Board is responsible for the fiduciary health of the organization. Trusteeship is voluntary, and the Artistic Director chairs the Board. She explained that Board members have a significant staff assignment and went over this in detail. A production team is hired and compensated for each play they mount. They have a 3-5-year strategic plan, and a brief description of it was presented. To name a few goals the plan includes continued work with women playwrights, develop strategies to attract audiences for Thursday and Friday performances, attract more and different artist, managers, patrons, and identify organizations that align with their mission. The presentation ended with how Arts & Culture can support Pygmalion. Parking is an issue, establish a local art organization promotion campaign with Visit Salt Lake to make locals aware that they have professional arts organizations in town, and encourage local artists by connecting with local connects, with culture core. A question-and-answer period was present throughout the presentation. 6. Resident Review Presentation and Questions, Plan-B Theatre Company - Jerry Rapier (President and CEO) Mr. Rapier advised the Board they are in their 4th decade of operations, developing/producing socially conscious theatre created by Utah playwrights. Information on this resident was also emailed to the Board prior to this meeting. They are the only professional theatre company nationwide producing full seasons of new plays by local playwrights. He gave a history of the company and Reviews of their works. Explained how Covid impacted them during the last 3 years and how they are managing it now. Gave the Board an in-depth look into their last 3 seasons, including their high school performances and elementary school performances, tours and in-person work with students. Their upcoming programing intentionally reflects SL County's increasingly diverse population. He listed the plays and what they are addressing. Some plays will make the audience feel joy, some plays will make the audience feel uncomfortable. Hopefully, providing the patrons a place to learn, a space to respond. Mr. Rapier went over outreach and audience development programs and how they are set up to reach out to underserved segments of the population. They address: LGBTQ+, Title I schools, 'A week with a Play' program, In the classroom playwriting residencies, free elementary school tour (video-on-demand), 2021-2022 Subscription Series and what was promoted as examples. Since 2019 they have been part of the outreach program for Utah Schools, and they are very proud of it. They are expanding accessibility representation, he advised this was included in their packet that was sent out to the Board. Mr. Rapier went over their organizational structure and gave their 3-5-year strategic plan. They are financially strong, they have a $100K reserved fund, which is good for an organization their size. Key goals include: Consistently communicating to funders and patrons that larger audiences and more performances are the most obvious, but not the only-or even most important- measure of growth. Maintaining their standing as the regional and national model for small theatres focused on the development and production of new works by local playwrights. By maintaining their current standard of artistic excellence. Ensuring their commitment to representation equally supports and elevates artists, patrons, and students who are BIPOC, queer, female, and gender nonconforming, as well as those with visible or invisible disabilities. He gave an in-depth explanation of how Plan-B views diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization. They have collaborated with Ballet West, Repertory dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, Utah Opera & Utah Symphony to name a few, and hope to maintain these collaborative efforts. The presentation ended with Mr. Rapier thanking the County and Arts & Culture staff for their continued support and excellent work over the years. A question-and-answer period followed the presentation. 7. Abravanel Hall Master Plan and Update on Downtown Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District - Matthew Castillo Mr. Castillo advised there is no left time for a good discussion. He asked the Board if they'd be willing to attend another meeting to have a good discussion. Requested Thursday, June 6th at the same time, 11:30-1pm. Ms. Jones will find a location and set up the meeting. Mr. Castillo introduced Ms. Chalhoub, she emphasized to the Board the County will take the time to evaluate all options available and take every consideration into account. Mayor Wilson supports Arts and Culture and our interests will be presented in all discussions. 8. Art Event Discussion- No time for discussion. 9. Adjourn- Ms. Shaw adjourned meeting at 1:08pm 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 Essie Shaw - Chair o Ryan Riches - Vice Chair - Resident Review Committee (3-5 members - renews every three years) o Bing Fang o Don Tingey o Maria Chumbita-Garcia o Amanda Mulia o Cody Goetz o Erik Christiansen - Art Selection Committee (1 member - renews annually) o Jorge Rodriquez - Nominating Committee (2-3 members - renews annually) o Dustin Lewis o Megan West - ZAP Tier 1 Review Board (1 member - renews annually) o Don Tingey - ZAP Tier 2 Review Board (1-2 members - renews annually) o Ryan Riches o 2024 Advisory Board Meeting Schedule January 25 March 28 April 25 SPECIAL MEETING FOR RESIDENT REVIEWS May 23 June 27 SPECIAL MEETING FOR RESIDENT REVIEWS July 18 September 26 November 21 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.

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

NA

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

Eccles Theater- Tanner Lounge
131 S Main St.
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

May 23, 2024 02:46 PM

Notice Last Edited On

July 18, 2024 02:39 PM

Audio File Address

Audio File Location

https://slco.webex.com/slco/ldr.php?RCID=917b74e57c591431ddec1c9ae83e55ef

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