Communication and Education Committee Arts Group meeting notes

Communication and Education Committee

Arts Working Group

NOTES

April 4, 2016

Present: Chuck Keenan, Peter Harvey, Jaqueline Reynolds, Michelle Helba

1.       Bricolage Theater and consumer engagement

Peter briefly discussed the “civic practice” model that Bricolage is exploring and implications for our work. Through civic practice, which could include facilitating community conversations; conceiving and executing public events; articulating stories; and engaging decision makers, Bricolage could help us engage, validate, and amplify the voices of community experts and consumers. The group suggested several venues for community engagement:

·         A food related gathering at CHS or other venue

·         Homeless camps

·         Wellspring

·         SWES

·         Winter homeless memorial service

·         Veterans Stand Down

·         Mural projects

·         City “House” tour

There was recognition that any meaningful partnership with Bricolage will need to be funded. Peter offered to draft the outlines of a funding proposal and to set up a meeting with Bricolage and our group to discuss further.

2.       OSN Art Show

Jacqui discussed the OSN-Point Park art show happening on Friday, April 8. It is an event featuring art work by 15 people who are experiencing homelessness and designed to be empowering for the artists and an opportunity for our community to see, in a new way, people who are homeless. Jacqui noted the challenge of organizing an event with a population that lacks stability. There was some discussion about making this an annual event; how its reach might be broadened. Perhaps an opportunity for Bricolage expertise. Jacqui has been working with Point Park’s Confluence Psychology Alliance as part of their ethnography work. It was suggested that the group’s academic research and product might be the basis for something more creative with greater community impact. Perhaps another opportunity for Bricolage partnership.

3.       Comic Book Project

Peter updated the group on a project through the ToonSeum which seeks to create a comic book with stories that emerge from comic artists pairing with people who have experienced homelessness. Peter is hopeful about funding for the project and should have a decision soon with a potential funder. He sees opportunities for CEC involvement if the project is implemented.

4.       Word Play

There was a brief discussion about the Bricolage event happening on April 15 and 16. Peter and Adrienne will be attending and Adrienne has 2 tickets available for any consumers who want to attend. The event features community storytelling and CEC will assess whether we will want to encourage consumer participation in a future Word Play event.

Next meeting: TBD based on availability of Bricolage staff.