[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.
