Dane Arts events scheduled for fall as commissioners raise concerns about attendance and participation

Dane County Arts staff presented an events update to the executive committee and described a Sept. 13 Dabble pop-up market featuring roughly 30 artists, music sets and food vendors. The commission also discussed outreach to local municipalities and plans for a business-of-arts series and gallery-night programming this fall.

Events and logistics: Staff said the Dabble pop-up market will include about 30 artists, 4 food carts and several music performances; print materials (1,000 posters/calendars) are being produced and a reception for the poster calendar is planned for October. Staff noted some program revenues and printing budgets were reduced as part of broader county budget adjustments.

Commissioner engagement: Several commissioners expressed frustration at uneven participation by some commissioners at events and in commission work. The chair said the commission handbook includes attendance expectations (three absences in a row is a trigger) and suggested she would follow up individually with members who are not participating. Commissioners discussed encouraging new applicants to replace members who do not renew but noted that final appointment and removal decisions rest with the county executive’s office.

Community outreach: Staff reported meetings with mayors and representatives from Sun Prairie, Middleton, Verona, Monona and other local partners to build relationships and potential programming collaboration. They also described meetings with juvenile-justice staff and the airport director exploring arts projects such as murals.

What’s next: Staff will continue event planning for fall, follow up with commissioners who have low participation, and solicit applications to fill commissioner vacancies when terms expire.