In recognition of the contribution that arts and culture make
to the quality of life within the community, the Town of Fairfield
hereby establishes a "Fairfield Arts Commission."
The purpose of the Fairfield Arts Commission shall be to stimulate,
foster, facilitate and encourage the development and appreciation
of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of Fairfield,
to explore the possibility of designating a "cultural district" within
the Town of Fairfield pursuant to Section 10-401a of the Connecticut
General Statutes (the "Cultural District Statute") and the regulations
and procedures promulgated thereunder by the Department of Economic
and Community Development ("DECD"). If such a cultural district is
designated within the Town, the Fairfield Arts Commission shall act
as the "Cultural District Commission" pursuant to such statute. If
a cultural district is not so designated, the Commission shall promote
and foster the arts within the Town of Fairfield.
The Fairfield Arts Commission shall, at its first meeting following
the effective date of its establishment, elect a Chair and a Secretary
from amongst its members and other such officers as the Commission
may determine. Annually thereafter, at the December organizational
meeting, the Commission shall elect a Chair and a Secretary from amongst
its members and other such officers as the Commission may determine.
The Commission shall hold at least 10 regular stated meetings
a year and shall give annual notice of such meetings as required by
the General Statutes.
The Fairfield Arts Commission shall have the following duties
and responsibilities:
A. The Commission, working with the First Selectperson, the Board of
Selectmen, the RTM and other boards, commissions, task forces and
staff, as appropriate, shall work to establish a cultural district
pursuant to the requirements of the Cultural District Statute and DECD and shall work with the Director of Community
and Economic Development and other appropriate staff to complete all
such requirements.
B. Upon Fairfield's successful designation by DECD as a qualified
cultural district, the Commission shall be empowered to exercise any
power and perform any duties necessary or desirable for the purpose
of managing the district, including, but not limited to, consulting/collaborating
with the Offices of the Arts and Tourism (state and local) and the
Designated Regional Service Organizations for assistance with marketing,
connecting with and/or convening local arts and culture community
representatives, asset mapping, advocacy, directing resources, and
applying for or soliciting and accepting any grant, contribution,
or other funding from any source. The Fairfield Department of Economic
Development shall support the Commission in this work.
C. If the Commission's efforts to have DECD designate a cultural
district are unsuccessful, the Commission shall generally encourage
and assist in the display and presentation of art, artistic performance,
and cultural activities in Town, as well as the recognition of Town
artists. The Commission shall develop, and revise as necessary, a
formal arts policy for the Town, subject to the approval of the Board
of Selectmen, and may engage in activities in accordance therewith.
The Commission may make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen,
the RTM, and other appropriate Town Boards and Commissions on art-related
matters in furtherance of the Town's art policy, including the
potential creation of an arts district in the Town.
D. The Commission may engage in other activities necessary and appropriate
to carry out its objectives and purposes.
E. No later than January of each year, the Commission shall present
an annual report describing its activities for the previous calendar
year to the Board of Selectmen, the RTM, and any other board or commission
that makes such request from time to time.