Loading...
Minutes 03-02-12 MINUTES OF THE ARTS COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL KINETIC ART SYMPOSIUM STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP HELD ON FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012 AT 10 A.M. IN THE PROGRAM ROOM AT THE BOYNTON BEACH LIBRARY, 208 SOUTH SEACREST BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Barbara Ready, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Deborah Bottorff Administrator William Combes Robyn Lorenz Christine Moeller ABSENT: Anderson Slocombe, Vice Chair Halena Wolf At 10:18 a.m. Ms. Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator, introduced herself and welcomed everyone to the workshop to learn about the International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium coming February 8 – 10 , 2013, to the City of Boynton Beach. The workshop was intended to give an idea about the intent of the symposium and how it can be marketed throughout the coming year. A special thanks was extended to the Arts Commission, an advisory board, for their hard work and planning to make the event come to fruition. Self-introductions of those Board members present were made. Many participants and representatives from the sponsors were present. A presentation of the all components of the symposium would be explained including all the activities throughout the entire year. A light lunch would be served and then those present would break into groups for feedback on suggestions for improvement. The intent was to continue the event every other year and expand the programs and exhibits. A video was shown of what constituted kinetic art and displayed various examples of sculptures and exhibits throughout the world. Ralfonso, a kinetic artist, was present and narrated some of the video and described the art work shown as did Ms. Coles-Dobay. There was a show in Tampa in 2008. 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 Ralfonso, President and co-founder of the Kinetic Art Organization and an international kinetic artist was introduced by Ms. Coles-Dobay. The art connects people and motivates the creative mind. It transcends all boundaries of art forms for everyone. A mission of the Arts Commission was to create a unique, public art and cultural event that goes beyond the typical art fairs that are done throughout the area. There is a kinetic art museum in the United Kingdom and there was an event done recently in China. There is no symposium format that incorporates the kinetic art exhibits with other art. The Arts Commission wanted to bring international attention to Boynton Beach and educate the public about kinetic art and how it is made. Ralfonso shared similar initiatives and had worked with the Arts Commission to create the event. Ms. Coles-Dobay indicated Ralfonso was a well-respected, international artist who has global experience with universities, organizations and corporations to create unique kinetic art projects. The Arts Commission was honored to have Ralfonso working with them. Ralfonso noted he had two passions in his life; first his wife Martha and second was kinetic art. The symposium would be a unique opportunity for kinetic art and Boynton Beach to create an event within the United States. The term kinetic art was from the late 1800s referring to a sculpture that incorporates motion. The art can be driven by water, wind, motor or by viewer interaction to fall under the umbrella of kinetic art. Everyone, especially children, are intrigued by kinetic art because it is unpredictable and moves. It takes into account the fourth dimension of time and change over time. This type of art form exploded into the art scene in the 1950s. The Kinetic Art Organization was started over 12 years ago thinking there would only be a few artists interested. By now there are over 1,000 members from over 60 countries. It is a virtual organization that tries to connect artists and provide them with resources and those interested in kinetic art such as stakeholders, galleries, collectors and museums. There is a yearly art competition to bring kinetic art awareness to schools and students and the public in general. It is a green art form because it is driven by the environment and the elements. Nancy Byrne, Interim Development Director, advised the first phase is a green building code for commercial building that will expand to a second phase for residential buildings. It works by reducing the overall carbon footprint for the City. It attempts to incentivize developers and homeowners to make energy and water improvements to their homes for a more sustainable future. The ongoing outreach to the community teaches about kinetic energy using wind and solar energy. The art aspect would be a fabulous way to interest children in the use of energy. The City of Boynton Beach is the most green government in South Florida according to the US Green Building Council. Ralfonso continued the Kinetic Art Symposium would be the first of its kind in the United States. There have been exhibitions, but to combine the exhibits with the stakeholders 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 and artists, as well as the learning side, was very unique. Sponsorships were needed. The scope of the first year would be expanding as the educational aspect and how to structure programs would have tremendous growth potential for both students and teachers to participate. Ms. Coles-Dobay reported on the education component of the plans that had been prepared by Halena Wolfe who was unable to attend. It would involve working with schools such as Palm Beach State College and the Palm Beach County School District to partner to create a kinetic art project. The concept was for the schools to develop an idea for a project in an interdisciplinary way and integrate art into the schools using the disciplines of science, art, math, engineering and technology. The international kinetic artist who would be working on the project would be Rein Triefeldt, co-founder of the Kinetic Art Organization. He has been very successful with his work. A mock up would be created, with his assistance before a full-size piece would be fabricated. It would then be displayed at the symposium and connect the learning experience into the event. A video featuring the works of Rein Triefeldt was shown to illustrate his involvement in the educational aspects of kinetic art. He indicated he looked forward to the upcoming event. Vice Chair Slocombe was the Chair of the committee for the outdoor and indoor exhibits. The Avenue of Art bases that are in place with lighting would be utilized for the outdoor exhibits. A call to artists would be done soon to commence the submittal and approval process. The pieces are on display for a year and the artists are given a stipend for the use of the art and the art is featured in the marketing materials. Additional iconic kinetic art work would be placed along the Avenue of the Arts. A walking loop in and around the exhibits would be created in the cultural district. Future plans call for an extension of the loop down to the Marina area. The indoor exhibits would be displayed in the Library program room and also in the Civic Center. Other sites utilized for the various events during the symposium would have kinetic art displayed as well. There would not be a limit on the number of pieces to be displayed. It would depend on the ability to compensate the artists who participate. Robyn Lorenz reported there would be vendor booths and indoor kinetic art in the City Library and Civic Center. The hours of operation would be 9 to 6 on Saturday and 10 to 5 on Sunday. There would not be any charge for entry into the vendor areas. Visitors would experience mobiles, stabiles, wall pieces, kinetic art jewelry and items for the garden. Solar, LED lighting and a wind turbine would be on display. Vendors would be on site for artists to see and purchase bearings, robotics, gears and welding supplies. Companies will demonstrate how their products work to appeal to the public and artists. There were 40 to 50 vendor spaces available for $199 for the duration of the weekend. The marketing information would include information on the local fare for the public and participants convenience. Honored guests would be given a free booth at no additional charge. Sponsors and partners would be intertwined with the vendors for networking. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 Christine Moeller discussed speakers and presenters with the first presenter being Ralfonso on Saturday from 10 to 11:30, speaking about the history of kinetic art. The other speakers were outlined with a brief description of their expertise. Many of the artists started as engineers and mechanics and then transitioned into the art world. There would be a board of speakers to address the public regarding kinetic art to learn how it is made, some art forms, the motion involved and the resulting synergy. The students who have worked on their project will also have a presentation to complete the education aspects of the symposium. The youth workshop was discussed by Nubia Richman. There would be two youth workshops on Saturday. One for ages 2 to 12 years old who will create a mobile made of light materials so the shapes and motion can be projected on the wall. The other group would cover ages 13 to 17 who will create a giant pinwheel garden. The workshops will be held at the Arts Center and the Recreation and Parks Department will be marketing the workshops in conjunction with the Palm Beach County School District. City staff would collect the fees for the classes limited to 20 to 30 students selected through the school system and public advertisement. Deborah Bottorff addressed the marketing and the branding that would be a motivational tool to encourage participation. A number of collateral materials and marketing initiatives would assist to educate people, entertain the visitors, facilitate the programs and exhibits and entice attendees. A glossy, high-quality show book could be done that could be purchased for under $20 showing sponsors and participating artists. A history of kinetic art would be included with bios of the artists that could be used for autographs as a keepsake. Approximately 3,000 would be printed with a break-even point at 1,000 sold. They can also be used to promote education about kinetic art in all levels of learning. It would be sold before, during and after the symposium. Ms. Bottorff described the type of booklet that would be created and hopefully include a DVD to show how the art functions. The program would be a smaller, foldable piece and include activities, dates, times and a map showing the location of all indoor and outdoor events. It will include a list of accommodations in the area that would be available. The program can be used as a useful marketing piece and even as a pre-mailer announcing the event. Signs would also have to be designed to assist in directing exhibitors and visitors to the symposium so they would all be knowledgeable about the event. Ms. Bottorff hoped there would be a great deal of support from advertisers. The use of the news media would be essential, as well as social media sites. There were a few magazines that may help to get some national exposure to the event. The symposium web site would be continually updated. There would be sponsorship opportunities listed and a list of the artists together with updates on the event. Hopefully all the items would work together to provide a significant impact on public and artist participation. 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 Ms. Coles-Dobay advised the web site was up and was a work in progress. There was a link to the movie that had been seen promoting kinetic art. th Barbara Ready reported on the VIP event on Friday, February 8. Sponsors, officials, kinetic artists, presenters, partners and volunteers will be invited for the kickoff party. There will be food, wine and entertainment. The event will hopefully take place in one of the two buildings that are on the national register. The Children’s Schoolhouse Museum is downtown and will be the gem of the area as the City downtown evolves and grows. The VIP reception would be held at the Museum. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the idea was to bring people to the downtown area that is under development. Arts can help to bring energy to the area and stimulate the revitalization. The events will all be in the immediate area and walking distance to see the exhibits and wander through the many demonstrations and workshop presentations and vendor booths. The location is close to I-95. There is a heavy duty planning schedule for the symposium. It was time to start initiating all the various aspects of the symposium. Ms. Ready recognized the City leaders who embrace the art and development of the City. Mayor Hay was present as well as “Buck” Buchanan from the Community Redevelopment Agency Board. (Lunch was served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:09 p.m.) The participants broke into specific topic groups for the workshop portion of the meeting. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted the discussion question was, how the process could be streamlined or improved and to make it more dynamic. The ideas garnered from the various groups would be the focus of future meetings and planning. Ms. Coles-Dobay and the Arts Commission would be open for any ideas or input. (Groups met from 12:13 p.m. to 12:46 p.m.) Ms. Coles-Dobay called the groups together for their presentations. Nancy Byrne presented for the group on speakers and presenters. Upon reviewing the current list of presenters it was suggested there be an explanation of kinetic art, what the movement is and why it has become so popular. It should be given at each session to compensate for different audiences for an educational component. There was discussion on including a session on the research attached to kinetic arts and a speaker from the psychological perspective was another idea. The new School Superintendent would be a nice addition to discuss the new Galaxy school concept that had the potential to change the course of how curriculums are done in Palm Beach County. By utilizing the Superintendent it would assist in getting the word out to families and students. The school would be opening in 2015 and the next symposium would be 2015, so a synergy could be created for the next event. Ms. Ready was hopeful the use 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 of wind turbines could be incorporated into the program as an art feature. The proposed designs were very artistic. Another component that could be added would be the business community using Florida Power & Light and NextEnergy to discuss alternative energy sources such as electric vehicles. There will be a charging station at the Library that could be utilized. Craig Clark, Library Director, added the Executive Director from the League of Cities could be contacted and educated about the event to encourage students, businesses and residents from all the municipalities to participate in the overall program. Theo Jansen who created the “wind monster” piece could be contacted for a possible presentation on the beach or utilize an international speaker, if not in person, via Skype. Ms. Coles-Dobay advised the international organization had been contacted for another speaker via Skype. The Wind Capital Group had also been contacted because they are installing a wind farm on Lake Okeechobee and possible integration into the program was being discussed. Ms. Coles-Dobay advised there was work being done to find the right people to write the introductions on the sessions and exhibits to make the program and booklet more than a souvenir, as a literary piece. Carisse LeJeune, Interim Assistant City Manager, reported on the education aspect. The group first identified the targets of higher education being Palm Beach State College and the Palm Beach County School Board. They are prepared to start the curriculum in their institutions. The challenge has been the funding for the curriculum development. Mr. Triefeldt was willing to come to Palm Beach County and work with both institutions at a cost of $5,000 for a maquette. Materials and installation costs would also need funding. At the college level the project would be circulated to the science, mathematics, engineering or computer technology departments. Advocacy would be needed to maintain the art and cultures budget at the county, state and federal levels. Sponsorships may be appropriate from private industries that would help. Raising awareness and exposure through local programming could be done at practically no cost. Grant opportunities are continually sought. In the future, curriculum development for K-12 and including additional higher education institutions could be instituted as a standard curriculum with interdisciplinary concepts. Ms. Coles-Dobay added Mr. Triefeldt is working with Drexel University to make kinetic art a national curriculum. Ralfonso added he had created a curriculum in China that he would be glad to share with the local educators. Mayor Hay felt it would be an opportune time to integrate the art into Galaxy Elementary School. Debbie Bottorff presented on the area of marketing and generally there was a need to get local media attention and hyperlink the web site to any interested individuals across 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 the entire country. It was suggested there be a major presence within the Art Dazzle group. Hopefully information could be sent to all schools and academies and integrated onto their web sites. A blog needed to be established and maintained, as well as a YouTube video. Sharing any press connections would be helpful. There was another suggestion of getting involved in the WXEL pledge drive with tickets to a special event. Asking the artists who are participating who their advocates are could generate partnerships and open channels. Many of the artists are represented by major galleries that may lead to international attention. Placing some smaller pieces in the local galleries with promotional information of the event may be beneficial. The Palm Beach Cultural Council needs to be involved to promote the symposium at any activity that promotes art and cultural events. Banners with the logo displayed in prominent places would be helpful too. A live feed on event days would be promotional and market the next symposium. Encouraging participation by the youth will get the parents involved. In advance of the show there could be a kinetic art week. The performing groups could be a part of the program and be a creative resource to use for advertising. Ms. Coles-Dobay had talked with the Duncan Theater about two groups, Strange Fruit and Flexino, which do kinetic art performances. They are not local groups and it would cost about $20,000 to have them participate in the event. It was mentioned there was a high wire installed in West Palm Beach that offers lessons and may be persuaded to participate in the event. Ms. Bottorff suggested the COWBRA (Coalition of West Boynton Beach Residential Associations) be contacted to make donations to further the arts and the event. Every event is a media event and the world should know about the Kinetic Art Symposium and each addition to the program. Regular press releases that would build the excitement about the event all over the country are essential. The international appeal also has to be maintained. The magazine, Southern Living, has a free section that advertizes local events that would be another means of promoting the event. Even Architectural Digest might be a resource for marketing and airlines could advertise the event also. It was suggested that the book that was being created, be made in a way that has moving pieces or pop ups. It certainly has to have a DVD. There also needs to be give- aways to promote the event for the next symposium and bring back the children and adults alike. It would also help to promote the banners of any vendors that assist with the event to ensure their continued support and commitment. An email address would be useful to answer questions and concerns. Ralfonso agreed everything leading up to the event had a public relations factor. It might be worthwhile to document the process by students filming the meetings, artists, preparation work, installation and speakers. Ralfonso also suggested that QR (Quick Response) Codes be used on everything to link to websites or artists or vendors. 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 Commissioner Marlene Ross advised a framework that helps everybody is a press release for any aspect of the event that can be sent to a comprehensive media outlet list. Press releases are critical. A public relations (PR) company would be a good investment, but cost would be an issue. Commissioner Ross stressed multi-media cross promotions are needed so the releases are carried out appropriately and concisely. By adding vendors and partners, to link together, creates an in-kind resource. Exhibits was another group that was presented by Rick Beau Lieu and how to make the exhibit route flow. The idea was to shuttle everyone to the starting point to get a clear flow through the art district and expand the route to come into the Library parking lot. Teachers from the Art Center could be involved to create kinetic art that could be displayed the month before the event to promote it. It was noted the annual installation of art along the downtown streets would be a call to artists for solely kinetic art in advance of the event. Expansion of the displays may be possible. Areas for bigger pieces may be required. QR Codes should be included with all exhibits so visitors could scan the Code to get the information on the upcoming exhibit. The City does carry insurance and liability coverage. The discussion for 2015 involved expanding the successful segments of the 2013 event, increase the area, increase the cash flow, get more sponsorships and expand the media coverage for the event. Ms. Coles-Dobay indicated some projects would have to be site specific to accommodate the available space once they are designed. Concrete slabs were not always necessary and alternative anchoring could be done. The concrete pads cost approximately $3,000 to $6,000 with lighting. Robyn Lorenz presented the results of the discussion on vendors. A marketing letter would be sent to the vendors including an application for a booth. There could be tables with vendors who supply the small type items and suppliers for people who make products that can be incorporated in the kinetic arts such as gears, solar panels or welding supplies. Galleries could have a booth, fabricators or engineering firms, or robotics suppliers could be contacted to exhibit. Periodicals could be utilized to attract attention to the event and artists. The marketing information needs to be tightened with a little sizzle. Maps for the vendors and visitors should be supplied. The letters would be sent soon with some minor adjustments to be made. For the 2015 event, the successes of the 2013 event would be duplicated and adjustments made to improve the overall event for all the participants. Ms. Coles- Dobay mentioned that listing places where visitors, vendors and artist can stay, dine and shop are a very important component of attracting exhibitors and vendors. Contact with the Chamber of Commerce would be vital and a good partner. Giving the sponsor as much recognition as possible would be beneficial for the next symposium including 8 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission - Kinetic Art Symposium Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 2, 2012 attracting businesses to our City. Ralfonso added sponsorship for a sculpture is a good idea and every pad could have a corporate sponsor. The more that is done for sponsors, the more successful the event will be 2015 with repeat business and bigger budgets. Ms. Coles -Dobay indicated there was a sponsor package that had been developed with various levels. Nubia Richman made the presentation on the group discussion relating to the Youth exhibit. An experienced artist would be needed to work with children and mobiles. The Recreation Department staff members advised the maximum number of children in one room would be 25 with two to three volunteer assistants. If a charge of $25 per child was collected, it would be $625 and could cover the costs of the artist. There was discussion about the idea of having one large piece or many individual pieces. It was determined it would be more visual to have one piece with contributions from all the children. The children would need to have something that recognized their contribution to the project. Ultimately the piece could be placed at another location after the event. Ms. Coles -Dobay indicated the Children's Schoolhouse Museum would also have programming ongoing during the event. Ms. Richman advised further funding would be needed for supplies .The right people have to be found to implement the programs into the schools prior to the event. Ms. Coles -Dobay thanked everyone for their great suggestions. Additional suggestions included merchandizing presales to get some funding or small art pieces that could be sold. Ms. Coles -Dobay remarked she hoped those type of vendors would participate to sell their art. The meeting concluded at 1:55 p.m. i alefea ' 0‘.. dith A. Pyle, C eputy City Cler 9