HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-11 Arts Diversity Subcommittee
ARTS DIVERSITY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 33 East Broadway Avenue Ste 206 Meridian,
Idaho
Monday, January 11, 2021 at 12:00 PM
MINUTES
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Limited seating is available at City Hall. Consider joining the meeting virtually:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/373655533
Or join by phone: 1 866 899 4679
Webinar ID: 373-655-533
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_x____ Thomas Vannucci, Chair
_x____ Maria Tzompa
_x____ Bonnie Zahn Griffith
_x____ Jessica Peters
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Review Reference Materials
Subcommittee members reviewed materials on their own time and discussed their
impressions together.
2. Learn the Individuals' and the Subcommittee's Understanding of Diversity
Each Subcommittee member shared their thoughts regarding the reference
materials and their thoughts on diversity. The overarching thoughts expressed
included:
A unanimous desire to make the appropriate changes to Arts Commission
programs in order to be more equitable. The Subcommittee recognized that
evaluations will need to be done in each Subcommittee (Events & Outreach,
Public Art, and Initial Point Gallery) and changes made to create
accommodations for underserved communities.
The thought to change the name of the subcommittee as the term “diversity”
does not cover all that the Subcommittee would like to accomplish.
3. Discuss Why Arts Diversity in Meridian is Important
After discussing the reference materials, the Subcommittee indicated a desire to
create goals, structure, and actionable items for the Subcommittee to work towards.
T. Vannucci requested that the Subcommittee verbalize, measure, and create a time
bound element to all their goals after the formula presented by Paloma Medina in
her TEDx talk. J. Peters informed the Subcommittee that Americans for the Arts has
a statement sheet for groups like the Subcommittee that are working towards these
goals. The Subcommittee also thought of the Idaho Commission on the Arts and
Boise’s Arts & History Department as references for how to go about making these
goals and taking action towards equity.
4. Review Demographical Information for Ada County
The Subcommittee reviewed the demographic information in our region and agreed
that diversity in our art programs would need to be tailored to our area. They also
acknowledged that it is a responsibility as an organization to create opportunities
for artists to develop their artwork. J. Peters informed the Subcommittee that
Crystal Campbell, another City employee and former organizer of the group Unity
Through Inclusion, and has documents that show a deeper dive into the
demographics of Ada County. These documents could be helpful and A. Belnap will
request them to discuss at the next meeting.
5. Determine the Need for Equity/Diversity Consultants
The Subcommittee also acknowledged that it is necessary to have the right people in
these conversations. They would like to look into hiring a consulting organization or
individual to facilitate their work. J. Peters suggested looking at Inclusive Idaho and
other Idaho non profits.
6. Identify Current Funding Opportunities
In order to hire a consultant, A. Belnap recommended that the Subcommittee look
into grants. Again, the Subcommittee thought to look into grants through the Idaho
Commission of the Arts.
NEXT MEETING – TBD
Because the Subcommittee roll call could change after the new Subcommittee Chairs are
introduced at the next Commission meeting, A. Belnap will send out a WhenIsGood form
after the Commission meeting to establish a regular meeting time for the Subcommittee.
ADJOURNMENT
B. Griffith made motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by J. Peters
All ayes