Middletown Arts Commission Meeting – April 23, 2026

The Middletown Arts Commission met on April 23, 2026, from 5:04 PM to 6:12 PM to review and vote on the final batch of grants for Fiscal Year 2027, all tied to the America 250th celebration. No members of the public were present. The commission unanimously approved the grant slate subject to staff follow‑up with three applicants needing additional clarification.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Staff Report

• Keisha (staff) reported that this was the last grant batch for the fiscal year; she aimed to submit a draft resolution to the council agenda the following day. She urged commissioners to vote based on materials and interviews, noting that applicants needing more development could reapply later.
• Keisha also highlighted upcoming America 250th activities: a parade and a fireworks festival on June 27. The children’s circus summer program is hiring 29 city youth.

Discussion Items – Grant Applications

1. Middletown Symphonic Band ($5,500) – Summer patriotic concerts. Commission approved contingent on the band providing a matching‑funds letter.

2. Luciano Barios – “250th Story Circle” – Proposed public readings. Commissioners felt the concept needed more development and clearer connection to the 250th theme. Recommended further refinement.

3. Community Health Center (Vinny’s Jump and Jive) – Dance and music program exploring Middletown’s cultural history. Discussion centered on whether it was a special event or normal operations. Commission concluded it fit the 250th theme and did not object.

4. Connecticut Ballet – “Ballet Under the Stars” – Performance at Wadsworth Mansion with thematic programming for the 250th. Approved without objection.

5. Clesia (artist/applicant) – Application lacked a specific 250th event or performance. Commission agreed it did not meet the theme and recommended not funding at this time; staff will encourage a revised application.

6. Every Note Counts (Middlesex Music Academy) – “250 Years of American Music” – Lessons and a concert for children. Commission praised it as perfectly matching the theme and approved.

7. Kevin Wyman – Jazz program (Miles Davis, John Coltrane) – Teaching children about 250 years of American jazz. Approved enthusiastically.

8. Catherine Owens – River otter art project – Part of a prior series; commissioners struggled to see the 250th connection as presented. After discussion noting it was the final piece of a funded series, the commission included it in the slate subject to staff clarifying how the 250th tie‑in will be communicated.

9. Linia Salim – “250 Squares” mosaic – Community members create individual squares representing their connection to Middletown. Commission loved the inclusive, participatory concept. Approved.

10. Samuel Swap – Connecticut River art/woodworking project – Historical evolution of the river, engaging children. Commission found it well‑aligned with the 250th theme. Approved.

11. Church of Holy Trinity (Trinity Stage) – Summer stage series and history walk – Ongoing concerts and a new history walk. Commission approved after receiving a funding distribution breakdown.

12. Little Town Ujima Alliance – Juneteenth parade and festival – First‑time grantee for an established event. Commission approved, noting the event directly relates to American history and the 250th.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: The commission unanimously approved the entire grant slate (motion carried with no opposed or abstentions). Approval is conditioned on staff (Keisha) obtaining additional details from three applicants: Luciano Barios, Clesia, and Catherine Owens. If those details are not received in time for the next council deadline, those grants will be deferred to the June cycle.
• Next Steps: Keisha will submit the resolution to the council clerk; follow‑up with the three pending applicants will occur immediately. The next meeting will likely include any deferred items.