Middletown Commission on the Arts Meeting - October 26, 2026: Grant Approvals and Committee Restructuring

The Middletown Commission on the Arts (MCA) met on October 26, 2026, at 5:03 PM. No members of the public attended. The commission approved the minutes from April and the meeting agenda. The chair indicated willingness to remain in the position, with the officer slate to be voted on at the next meeting. Staff member Keisha reported on low membership, the need for a quorum of six members, and an effort to relocate a valuable Risley wire sculpture to Wesleyan University. Discussion was held on restructuring committees to be formed only as needed. The commission reviewed and approved four grants, including $1,500 for Christine Lucian's project and general operating support of $9,875 for Odd Fellows. A condition was attached to Sandra Lira's grant to ensure prioritization of Middletown residents. The meeting adjourned with a birthday announcement.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April meeting were approved unanimously.
• Approval of Agenda: The meeting agenda was approved without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present to comment.

Discussion Items

Staff Report

• Membership and Quorum: Keisha reported that membership attendance has been low and that six consistent members are required for a quorum. Members committed to improving attendance.
• Risley Sculpture: Keisha and David met with a curator from Wesleyan's Zilka Gallery regarding a valuable wire sculpture by former Wesleyan professor Mr. Risley. The curator was interested but did not make a commitment; the sculpture currently resides in the basement.
• Grant Administration: Keisha noted that spreading grants throughout the year has eased the workload and improved efficiency.

Committee Restructuring

• The chair proposed eliminating standing committees and creating ad hoc committees only when specific projects arise. The goal is to use time more efficiently and avoid incomplete projects. Members expressed agreement, and the proposal will be formalized at the next meeting in November.

MCA Grants Cycle Discussion

• Year 28 Proposal: The chair advocated for continuing the grant structure used during the semi-quincentennial, which distributes smaller, more equitable grants. This approach encourages new applicants and better use of taxpayer dollars.
• Intent-to-Apply Step: Keisha introduced a new "intent to apply" inquiry form that helps clarify applicants' planned use of funds before they submit full applications. This has already improved the process.
• Fundraising and Directed Projects: Pam mentioned the possibility of using leftover funds to directly commission specific organizations or individuals for larger projects. This idea will be explored further.

Grant Attachments Review and Approvals

• The commission reviewed four grant applications attached to the agenda:
  • Christine Lucian ($1,500): A motion to approve her unique artistic project was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Acclesia: The applicant had previously applied and was denied. The application was similar to the earlier one. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed.
  • Sandra Lira (Legal Toolbox): Lira proposed a workshop on legal issues for artists. David questioned how Middletown taxpayers would benefit, noting that Wesleyan students are not taxpayers. After discussion, a motion to approve was passed with the understanding that the grantee will be asked to prioritize Middletown residents.
  • Fellow (Odd Fellows): Requesting $9,875 in general operating support. The motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed.

Note: The commission acknowledged the grant history spreadsheet showing a total of $1,296,181 in grants distributed by the MCA since the 1980s.

Key Outcomes

• Grants Approved: Four grants were approved (Christine Lucian, Acclesia, Sandra Lira, Odd Fellows), with Lira's grant conditioned on prioritizing Middletown residents.
• Committee Restructuring: The proposal to replace standing committees with ad hoc committees will be discussed further at the November meeting.
• Officer Slate: The chair will continue in the role; the officer election will occur at the next meeting.
• Grant Cycle: The commission will continue the current format for Year 28 grants, with additional discussion scheduled for next month.