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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-18 Livonia Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Date: May 18, 2026 Location: Bennett Civic Center Library / Arts Commission Meeting Chair: Paul Van De Ven Attendees: Paul Van De Ven, Jim Sercu, Pam Valentine, Richard Kent, Lindsay Space, Megan Duby, Dr. Lee Padula (guest). Call to Order Chair Paul Van De Ven called the meeting to order and welcomed guest Dr. Lee Padula, who introduced himself and shared his interest in Music From the Heart and other community arts programs. Public Comment Music From the Heart Promotion Dr. Padula suggested that promotional materials and online schedules include a brief description of each band’s musical style (e.g., rock, Motown, Beatles tribute, reggae, etc.) to help residents better understand what type of music to expect. Action Item:  Add genre/music descriptions to Music From the Heart promotional materials and website listings. Approval of Minutes Motion: Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Motion: Richard Kent Second: Jim Sercu Vote: Approved unanimously. Budget Review & Planning The Commission reviewed the 2026 budget, including:  Music From the Heart  Kids Art From the Heart  Shakespeare in the Park  Mini-grants  Scholarship funding  Potential Senior Center art installations Discussion Highlights  Mayor Brosnan's request for assistance funding public art installations at the Senior Center was reviewed.  Current estimates indicate the Commission does not yet have su?icient confirmed surplus funds to commit to the requested installation.  Members discussed refining budget tracking to better distinguish: o Actual expenditures o Committed expenditures o Estimated expenditures o Available surplus Shakespeare in the Park A budgeting discrepancy was identified. Action Item:  Correct Shakespeare in the Park budget line item from $3,300 to approximately $3,000. Sonatas in the Shadows Discussion continued regarding the proposed fall candlelight concert event at the Library. Potential funding sources:  Walmart Community Grants  Dow Foundation grants The Commission expressed support for continuing planning e?orts. Voting Action Balloon Artist for Kids Concert Series Discussion was held regarding bringing back "Bling Me Up by April" for the Tuesday children's concert series. Proposal:  Six appearances  Total cost: $1,050 Motion: Jim Sercu Second: Pam Valentine Vote: Approved unanimously. Result: Motion carried. Senior Center Public Art Discussion The Commission reviewed the Mayor's request regarding art installations at the Senior Center. Discussion included:  Preference among members for the wood-toned installation concept over the colorful installation concept.  Need for a more complete financial analysis before making any funding commitment.  Potential future partnership with the City regarding public art placement. No vote taken. Action Item:  Refine budget projections and revisit the request at a future meeting. Community Art & Maintenance Request A request was presented regarding replacement of a damaged drumhead component from a musical playground installation. Members requested additional information before considering funding. Information Requested:  What specifically failed?  Cause of damage  Original warranty/lifecycle expectations  Whether insurance coverage may apply No vote taken. Approval of Budget Motion: Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Motion: Richard Kent Second: Jim Sercu Vote: Approved unanimously. Music From the Heart Updates  Nine concerts are scheduled for 2026.  Discussion continued regarding themed evenings and ways to increase attendance.  Possibilities discussed: o Classic Car Night o Veterans Night o Enhanced promotion and event branding Action Item:  Continue exploring themed event opportunities and community partnerships. Gallery Updates City Hall Gallery Upcoming exhibit:  Linda Bedard  Oil paintings Library Gallery Report provided that the Birmingham Women Painters Society reception was successful. Highlights:  Strong attendance  One artwork sold for approximately $1,100 Kids Art From the Heart Lindsay presented preliminary budget estimates. Estimated costs:  Publicity and banners  Entertainment (face painters and balloon artists)  Art supplies  Food and refreshments Discussion included:  Eliminating backpack painting activity to reduce costs.  Exploring sponsorships and donations from: o Meijer o Busch's o Other local businesses Action Item:  Continue refining Kids Art From the Heart budget for final approval. Scholarships The scholarship application period remains open. Deadline Confirmed: May 29, 2026 Grants & Special Programs Three-in-One Series The recent event was reported as successful. Highlights:  Approximately 100 attendees  Strong participation  Positive feedback DIA Mural Project The selected mural design for the comfort station at Rotary Park was presented. Highlights:  Artist selected through the DIA process.  Painting expected to begin around June 1.  Design incorporates flowers and community-inspired imagery.  Potential exists for progress photography and future promotional content. Action Item:  Explore documenting the mural creation process through photos and video. University of Michigan Marketing Project Paul shared results from a University of Michigan student project that created:  Social media templates  Branding guidelines  Audience strategies  Marketing recommendations  KPI tracking tools The Commission expressed positive feedback regarding the quality of the materials. Action Item:  Review templates and incorporate into future Arts Commission marketing e?orts. Livonia Community Foundation Discussion regarding attendance at the upcoming Livonia Community Foundation grant presentation event. Action Item:  RSVP representative(s) from the Arts Commission. Adjournment Motion to Adjourn Motion: Richard Kent Second: Pam Valentine Vote: Approved unanimously. Meeting Adjourned.