[Adopted 4-10-2001 (Secs. 2-212 to 2-214a of the 1996 Code)]
An Arts Commission is hereby established to encourage and generate community-wide participation in the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of Manchester; to advocate for and support the goals of the arts community; to create new economic opportunity for the people of Manchester through expansion of artistic and cultural programs and events; and to enhance learning opportunities in the arts for all residents through cooperation and collaboration of the various organizations associated with the arts.
[Amended 2-7-2012; 5-6-2014]
The Arts Commission shall consist of 13 members, six of whom shall be residents and electors and seven of whom shall be individuals recommended by organizations stated herein, all of whom shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The six appointments of resident electors shall be as follows: three persons with special interests in visual and performing arts and cultural enhancement and four persons from various areas of the arts to be recommended by the Arts Commission. The remaining six appointments shall be as follows: one person recommended by the Library Board; one person recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission; one person recommended by the President of Manchester Community College; one person recommended by the Board of Education; one person recommended by the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce; and one person recommended by the Youth Commission. All appointments shall be for three-year terms with the exception of the appointment recommended by the Youth Commission which shall be a two-year term. A member may be removed from the Arts Commission in accordance with the provisions for removal of board or commission members contained in the Town Charter.
[Amended 4-6-2004]
The Commission shall elect its own Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary to serve on an annual basis, with elections to take place in December of each year. The Commission shall establish its own rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings. A copy of said rules and regulations shall be filed with the Town Clerk and the Board Secretary. All rules, regulations and meetings' actions will conform with Town and state regulations regarding issues of ethics, public notice and freedom of information requirements. The Commission shall meet at least once every three months for a minimum of four meetings per calendar year. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman. An annual meeting schedule shall be posted with the Town Clerk and the Board Secretary. Minutes of all meetings should be submitted to the Town Clerk and the Board Secretary in a timely manner. The Commission may make an annual budget request through the General Manager's office in writing no later than January 31 of each year to obtain funds for the purpose of carrying out its official duties.
The duties of the Commission shall be:
A. 
To make an initial survey of all of the artistic and cultural resources of the Town and continue to maintain such list in a current state.
B. 
To submit an annual report by January 31 of each year documenting all activities and budget information to the Town Clerk and the General Manager.
C. 
To perform all other duties relating to the performing or fine arts as may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Commission may make recommendations to the Board of Directors, the Board of Education, Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools on art and cultural related matters that will enhance the quality of life of Manchester residents.
D. 
To act as a clearinghouse for information concerning federal, state, municipal and private sources of funding and programs for the arts, to make such information available to all community groups, public and private, profit and not for profit, that might benefit from such funding.
E. 
To provide a forum for discussion of artistic and cultural issues.