Development Committee Agenda

Sunday May 31 11am-12noon

1) Grants: I have been too busy keeping up with day to day stuff to really work on the grants ... however, the normal funding channels appear to be clogged and it might be better to look into something new ... go for a different pie. Let's talk about 'going green'.

2) Our NLT proposal was turned down ... Jed is pursuing it on his own with Alex Case at UML ... hoping that once the program gets rollling it will attract support.

3) Lowell Cultural Center

    The discussion was initiated by Diane Testa from the RM .. they need a new space ... and by Steve Syverson who is looking for a new home for ALL. They approached 119 Gallery because -

    a) we are Lowell's contemporary gallery

    b) our rich & diverse programming [which others are now copying]

    The Grant Bldg [Merrimack Rug] was identified as a potential location but it was expensive and would require someone, a developer, to purchase and renovate the building. It was suggested that LTC might be interested in joining in and perhaps providing some $$$.

     LTC's Facilities Consultant recommended that they relocate and identified the Grant Bldg as a possible location.

     RM found a developer willing to purchase the building and renovate it exclusively for the arts ... no condos. At this point the City started to pay attention. They were proposing that the Smith Baker Center become the Lowell Cultural Center. The COOL board brought the idea up for discussion. Steve Syverson pointed out that the Smith Baker was not a good choice for the visual arts. Elllie Pye had already determined that the Smith Baker was not going to work for the LTC.

    The City, the Lowell Plan, & COOL now want to 'regain control' of the process. LZ has called a meeting for next Wednesday to review all proposals [see below].

    The basic issue is - what will get in exchange for what we have to give up?

    a) location ... we gain a central location but lose our 'off broadway' status

    b) programming ... they say they want our programming but it will have to change ... i suspect that we will lose a bit of our 'edge'.

    c) our independence will have to go once we move in with the other non-profits ... ALL wants to share the gallery space [ the RM does not! ] ... the LTC and Image Theater will want to control the studio/performance space. Image Theater wants a more traditional 'stage'.

    d) we will be able to merge our administrative needs ... the collective will have access to marketing, grant writing, accounting, etc.

    e) i don't know if the separate non-profits making up the LCC will retain their own memberships or if membership will be with the LCC?

    f)  we lose a great deal of flexibility once committed ...

    g) we may be able to get paid ... full-time for our curators and part-time for our events coordinators ...

    h) my guess is that the city will strike a deal in which they maintain a measure of control over the organization ... this will mean real $$$ for programs that they approve.

    I think it would be good to come up with a preliminary position statement ... this is what we are prepared to contribute and this is what we expect in exchange!

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From:      lznunn@lowellma.gov

Subject:   Meeting re: potential Cultural Center in Lowell

Date:       May 27, 2009 2:30:05 PM EDT

To:          epye@ltc.org, dtesta@revolvingmuseum.org, rosemary@prospeed.net, jcook@prospeed.net, Matthew.Coggins@ebtc.com, ABaacke@lowellma.gov, ysok@119gallery.org, walter_wright@verizon.net, steve@vangoghsgear.com

Cc:          melissa@prospeed.net

Event:      Meeting re: Potential Cultural Center

Date:       Wednesday, June 3

Time:      11am

Location: Lowell Plan Conference Room

Hi Everyone,

Recently, several organizations have discussed the opportunities to pool resources around a potential cultural center in downtown Lowell. This project could be really intriguing from the standpoint of further developing and fostering the city’s creative economy.

Can we gather for an informal conversation at the Lowell Plan next Wednesday? Our goal would be to determine the existing options and come away with some possible next steps for this kind of initiative.

Thanks in advance for your participation!

Best regards,

LZ