MACC sets strategic development for arts

MEEKER I The Meeker Arts and Cultural Council [MACC] board of directors met Monday, Aug. 6 at the old elementary school gymnasium at 6:30 p.m.
Board president Gary Zellers opened the meeting with a discussion on the recently held dinner theatre production of “Sagebrush Sidekicks” and reviewed comments from surveys completed by audience members. The surveys unanimously were positive and showed very strong support for additional community performing and fine arts cultural events on a regular basis. Strong support was shown for development of a performing arts and fine arts cultural center for the community.
Because of popular demand, an encore performance of “Sagebrush Sidekicks” may be held during the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials in September, again at the old elementary school. This comedy performance will not be a dinner theatre, but the play will still feature the zany antics of the cast and should be a delight for all who attend. Details will follow in the near future.
MACC will host a performing and fine arts summit to facilitate a community development brainstorming workshop in the near future. The vision of this event is to create a litany of strategic planning goals and objectives which will cover many topics that may include (but are not limited to):
n What performing and fine arts productions and cultural events appeal to the youth and adults of the community?
n How often should these productions and events be held?
n What are the most optimal venues to present these events?
n How can funding for these events be derived (grants, donations, admission fees, fundraisers, etc.)?
n Community based coalition involvement of other arts and cultural organizations, businesses, corporations, schools, special districts, governments, chamber of commerce and youth and adult members to promote and implement such entertainment and cultural opportunities.
n Designation of Meeker as a “creative district” through the Colorado Creative Industries.
n Section of the State of Colorado to seek grants and special district recognition.
n How can MACC help stimulate performing and fine arts as an economic engine to benefit local businesses and create jobs for the economy throughout the year?
The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture website was discussed and may serve as a model for MACC programs. The Grand Junction “Theatre Project” organization also parallels programs that MACC would eventually like to emulate for the community youth and adult performing arts enrichment programs. (Visit www.gjarts.org or theaterprojectgj.com for more information.)
The “Paint the Wall” downtown mural design contest on the Shepherd Office Outfitter’s east outside store wall is progressing with considerable interest expressed from many artists throughout the state. More information is available on the store website: www.shepsoffice.com.
The position of Special Youth Representative to the board of directors was created and McKenna Kummer was nominated and elected to that position to represent Meeker Youth at MACC board meetings.
The Range Call Committee has requested that MACC in cooperation with the Rio Blanco County Historical Society assume the primary responsibility for presenting the annual Meeker Pageant and the reenactment of the Meeker Bank Robbery during the annual celebration. Details and agreements of this proposal will be discussed at the next board meetings of the respective organizations as a cooperative effort. MACC continues to be involved with the chamber of commerce in promoting the Capitol Christmas Tree celebration commencing in the fall.
The next MACC meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 10 at the old elementary school gymnasium at 6:30 p.m.
MACC invites any interested youth or adult of the community to join the organization and participate in the events and activities being offered or proposed. For more information please contact board president Gary Zellers at 878-0554 or email [email protected]