Kingston Arts Commission elects interim chair, moves to launch public art committee and pursue funding plan

The Kingston Arts Commission elected a new chair to complete an existing term and agreed to launch a public art committee and a funding-development effort to support public art and programming.

The actions came during the commission's regular meeting when commissioners nominated and voted to seat Lisa (commissioner) as chair to complete Marlena Barrington’s remaining term. The commission also discussed recruiting members for a new public art committee, steps to publicize applications, and a resource-development plan that would identify grants and other funding sources for 2025 and beyond.

The commission's director, Kit Potter, outlined several program priorities and upcoming events. Potter said the Hudson Valley Textile Arts Showcase, spearheaded by Carol Wood of Woodstock, is set for March 29 as a one-day exhibition and related programming tied to the commission’s Sojourner Truth/”Freedom” exhibition, which will remain on view through August. Potter also said staff are preparing concept papers to support grant applications and that the commission will focus on funding for activities the city itself can directly pursue.

The meeting included concerns about the Ground Floor gallery’s lighting and electrical issues. Potter noted multiple lights had failed and that resolving the problem requires addressing electrical infrastructure behind the gallery walls before new lighting can be installed.

On funding and strategy, commissioners and staff discussed creating a creative-economy or business alliance to encourage local businesses to support arts programming in non-solicitation ways and to assist with fundraising and in-kind donations. Potter and commissioners emphasized that the city’s ability to solicit direct gifts is limited by municipal rules, but an outside alliance or partners could accept support and help coordinate projects.

The commission reviewed elements of the arts master plan, including developing a percent-for-art policy tied to city capital projects. Members agreed a subcommittee focused on percent-for-art would be useful to research comparable cities, draft a municipal policy framework, and plan advocacy and benchmarking work before proposing formal recommendations to the Common Council.

Potter said the commission will pursue a grant-oriented strategy this year, preparing short concept papers for priority areas so grant managers can review potential opportunities with deadlines in summer, fall and early next year. Potter singled out resource guides and referrals to aid individual and immigrant artists seeking legal or benefits guidance, and highlighted a new house-share program that has already produced referrals.

The meeting also covered routine governance items: the commission’s rules and procedures (drafted and submitted for review), interviews with prospective commissioners and an intention to finalize appointments after the mayor reviews nominations. Commissioners agreed it was sensible to complete nominations before electing long-term leadership so new commissioners have input on chair selection.

Votes at a glance: The commission voted to seat Lisa (commissioner) as chair to complete the unexpired term of Marlena Barrington. The transcript records nominations and a vote; the motion’s mover/second and a roll-call tally were not specified in the meeting transcript.

Commissioners said they would continue the meeting in executive session to consider nominations and governance matters not appropriate for the public portion.

Why this matters: The move to stand up a public art committee, create funding concept papers, and pursue a percent-for-art policy are steps that could change how Kingston funds and sites public art, how local artists and arts organizations access support, and how the city leverages private-sector partners for arts-related capital needs.