Meeting Notes
April 5, 2003
CAGW Offices
436 U St, NW
WDC 20009
10:00 to 12noon
Capitol Pride
Jill S. gave brief overview. She summarized conversation with Robert York,
who agreed to attend the next meeting (May). Larry Guillemette is still
attending the Pride meeting, as a liaison for the arts & theArts Corner
stage. The consortium now needs to find out what info Mr. Guillemette
has and if earlier request have been satisfied. David B. agreed to try
to find out where we are currently, and if we have missed any deadlines.
Spaces are still available to perform on the Arts Corner Stage. The 10 minute-time slots are listed on the website. Priority will be given to consortium members. Sign up with Carol.
All present agreed that marching in the parade (June 7) and carrying a banner would be good exposure. We need to follow-up with Capitol Pride, and get the details for the march. Pamela H. & Pamela J. agreed to be the banner carriers. Jill agreed to contact Scott Brooks with TAG- find out if TAG participating, using the puppets, if we can march behind them, and use the puppets for the stage on Sunday.
Panel Discussion
Jill located a possible space at the old Hoover Mansion, 1628 16th St,
NW. Space is inexpensive ($75) and conveniently located. A few suggestions
were made regarding the topics of the discussion for the panel. We agreed
on “Why Gay Art?” Sub- What is the role of the GLBT artist in
the 21st century? Why do we exist? Possible date would be June 2nd, and
we want to get into the Pride Guide. We agreed on a wide range of artists,
including a dancer, chorus member/singer, theatre person (actor/director/playwright),
and a visual artist. A suggestion was to ask Rhonda Smith, to moderate
the panel. David and
Pamela J. agreed to brainstorm and come up with a list of names.
Rhonda Smith
Pamela J. summarized her conversation with Rhonda Smith, feature editor
of the Washington Blade, inviting her to a future meeting, possibly in
May. Pamela H.agreed to follow-up with Ms. Smith and confirm. She will
be invited to the second half of the meeting. It was also suggested that
everyone bring a press kit with them to the next meeting. David B. agreed
to contact Carlos A. and reserve the conference room at the Whitman Walker
Clinic, 14th & S Streets., and invite Robert York, ( Capitol Pride)
to the 1st half of the meeting.
ARTS Fair
Possible date – 2nd Saturday in September. Jill also, contacted CHAMPS
(the organizers) And they were excited about the consortium getting involved.
The retail shops will stay open late, and performances will be outside
and inside shops. The participants from the consortium will perform outside,
and distribute information our group/groups. A suggestion was made that
we sponsor a workshop and open it to non-member artists, and try to get
media coverage. It was also suggested that we ask CHAW about using the
space.
Arts Advocacy Day
Jill has taken on the responsibility of leading a newly formed group called
DC Advocates for the Arts. The immediate focus of the group, was the $196,000
slated to be cut from the DCCAH budget. Since the commission is the district’s
sole government funding source, artists in DC rallied on behalf of the
commission. On Wednesday, March 26th, approximately 35 DC artists, representing
themselves and several different arts organizations, visited all 13 district
council members/ or their chiefs of staff. The artists were divided into
small groups of 3 to 4, and each group visited a council members office
for at least 15 minutes. The overall response was very favorable. A very
important point was also hear- the ARTS need to be more pro active throughout
the year, and not just on Arts Advocacy day. David B. was also a Arts
Advocacy Day participant. He summarized his visits with Council Members
Cropp and Catania. The next focus of the DC Advocates was the budget hearing,
on April 3rd. There was a good turn out, and the support from the GLBT
arts community was strong, visible and appreciated.
The consortium members agreed to begin posting arts advocacy information on the website, which will include all the DC Council Member’s email addresses. Jill also, shared one of the testimonies given, and requested it, too, be added to the site. We agreed.
Other Business
Youth Pride- April 12-Jill placed an ad for the consortium in their publication
David B. offered space for our brochures on the GMCWDC table at Youth
Pride.
Mikado- Auditions start Monday, April 7th , 7 PM, and Saturday, April 12th, 11AM-1PM at CHAW. The show opens July 31st and runs through August 9th.
Next Meeting
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Whitman Walker Clinic
14th & Streets, NW- WDC
Conference Room – 2nd Floor
10a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
--Pamela Jafari