Cultural Council · April 7, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Cultural Council Meeting
Agenda includes a presentation of a proposed fund-raising plan, and discussions of Open Studios 2026, Art @ City Hall, and other public art projects.
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Key decisions
Two members volunteered to track grant recipients' events for inclusion in the ACC calendar (Sally Nutt and Margaret Leahy).
Cultural Center rental system launched on the City site and the Center received its first reservation.
Bonnie Brady will host four makers' classes and the first two events in the Center's Speakers Series (Markets 101; Applying for Grants) are planned.
ACC will staff only two weekends for the North of Boston Print Collaborative exhibit (scheduled 6/20–7/3); other visits by appointment through Bonnie Brady.
Trolley deposit for Open Studios 2026 has been paid.
LaMacchia Realty has requested to sponsor Open Studios 2026.
Public art process for 20 Friend Street (former CommSat building) to proceed with a two-phase call for art: 1) Request for Qualifications, then 2) Request for Proposals with a stipend for artists’ proposal work; ACC has solicited pricing from mural artists and is discussing potential matching funds with the developer.
ACC met with artist Emily Jewett about a mural for Hanley Court/82 Main Street; artist will propose ideas to the building owners' board.
Poetry Month activities underway; funding for the 'Tapestry of Voices' contest awards is unclear and the possibility of ACC funding will be discussed at the May meeting.
Agenda
Minutes
1. Meeting Minutes
Review and approval of previous meeting minutes.
Reports
3. Treasurer Report
Financial update from the treasurer.
Presentation
4. Proposed fund-raising plan
Presentation of proposed fund-raising plan by Lindsay Haight.
Reports
5. Grants Report
Update on grant activity and opportunities.
Reports
6. Marketing Report
Update on marketing activities and plans.
Updates
7. Cultural Center Update
Status update on the Cultural Center.
Events
8. Open Studios 2026
Planning and discussion for Open Studios 2026.
Programs
9. Art @ City Hall
Discussion of the Art @ City Hall program.
Projects
10. Public Art Projects
Discussion of current and proposed public art projects.
Reports
11. Poet Laureate Report
Report from the Poet Laureate.
Discussion
12. Discuss core values for the ACC
Discussion to define core values for the Amesbury Cultural Council.
Discussion
13. Discuss goals for 2026
Discussion of goals and priorities for 2026.
New Business
14. New Business
New business matters brought before the council.
Calendar
15. Review upcoming important dates
Review of upcoming important dates.
Other
16. Matters not reasonably anticipated in advance of the meeting
Matters not reasonably anticipated in advance of the meeting.