Holyoke Local Cultural Council Meeting June 3, 2024

Holyoke Local Cultural Council June 3, 2024                                                                                                            Present were Navae, Anne, Tim, Chris F., and Mark. Absent were Chris D. and Gloria. The meeting was called to order at 6:35.

No grantee communications reported.

Treasurer’s Report- of the $101,905 granted in 2024, $20,102.55 has been reimbursed and $81,802.45 remains. For 2023 of the $87,578 granted, $71,210.28 has been reimbursed and $16,367.72 remains. Several grantees did not file for 2023 including One Holyoke CDC, Liz LaBrocca, the Arts Extension service, and Laura Hicks. Extensions:  The Holyoke Farmers Market and HPL did not meet the May 31 extension deadline, Bilingual Free Arts and Crafts Classes, and David Neill (brass band) did.

Tim reported on several recent HLCC sponsored events. Broadway Brings Joy, Xacarilla! (Baroque Spanish concert) , and MIFA’s Puerto Abierto concert were all successfully staged.                       

Grants reception- This year’s event was reviewed and there was discussion of plans for next year.  May be easier to have it at one single place (e.g. Fame last year) than in a hall where we  have to bring everything.

Previous Business- The possibility of surveys to HG&E was tabled to next year. Chris showed a sample mesh banner for the council to consider. Tabled for later date. Surveys need to be promoted.

Other business  – July 1st meeting is on as planned. The August meeting will be decided in July as we may not have quorum. Chris proposed inviting Aaron Vega to the next meeting (July).

Discussion of possible creation of Poet Laureate of Holyoke, potentially fundable as a grant through the HLCC’s 2025 grant cycle. An Artist in Residence position was discussed with the intention of elevating Holyoke through their art. Full committee asked to think about what this could look like and how it could happen for discussion at the July meeting.                                                                                  

Plans for the Cultural Council table at Holyoke Pride (Veterans  Park, 12-6pm) on June 22 were discussed. Tim will get tables and chairs, and tablecloths. Anne will bring the paperwork, and art kits to hand out. A tent is needed although optional (Pride is a rain or shine event). Tim, Chris F. and Navae will cover the table from 12-2, Tim and Chris D. from 2-4 and Mark and Chris D. from 4-6.  Tim will return at the end of the event to pick up tables, chairs, etc.  This will give us a chance to hand out surveys, talk about the council and grant cycle, and maybe recruit some new members.  Some discussion of bringing candy (Navae may bring).

The meeting adjourned at 7:45.