At the forefront of the meeting was a discussion about the logistics surrounding the public art project, particularly the dismantling of last year’s installations and the management of senior signs. To avoid clutter, it was suggested that signs should be removed promptly before senior pictures are displayed, with flexibility in dates to accommodate schedules.

Another issue involved the storage and retrieval of public art items, notably those contributed by the Tigers’ Den. The installations have posed unexpected challenges due to their more permanent setup, complicating their removal. The council deliberated on how to communicate with the Tigers’ Den to express gratitude for their participation while managing expectations about the reclaiming of items. A proposal was made to send an email thanking them and explaining the logistical issues, balancing transparency with maintaining good relationships.

The conversation extended to children’s artwork displayed publicly, with suggestions to approach parents about the future of their children’s pieces. The council discussed either reclaiming these pieces or allowing them to remain for future exhibitions. The need for clear and considerate communication was emphasized. It was agreed upon that a collective review of the communication would occur before reaching out to ensure sensitivity and clarity.

The council also explored innovative ideas to enhance the community’s involvement with the town labyrinth. One member noted the rapid disappearance of rocks used in the project. This concept, likened to a free library, would encourage ongoing community participation. Another creative initiative proposed was a “peaceful snake” project, where community members could contribute painted rocks to form a snake’s body. The idea was to foster a sense of community while respecting the original artist’s vision of peace and calm for the labyrinth area.

The need to maintain stewardship and monitor the labyrinth project was acknowledged, with plans to revisit its status in future meetings. The council expressed a commitment to its upkeep.

Moving beyond art installations, the meeting touched upon logistical aspects of upcoming events. There was a mention of confusion surrounding Third Thursdays, a recurring event slated to start in May, due to recent staff changes. The need for clarity and coordination with new parks and recreation personnel was identified as an action item.

Financial updates were also presented, with a positive report on the budget for Little Town in Bloom, which came in slightly under budget. This was a relief following previous concerns about administrative expenses. Additionally, the council processed another grant submission from the Axen Community Chorus, with eight more grants pending. The upcoming “Female Icons” performance by the chorus was highly anticipated, featuring songs from artists like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.

The council’s efforts in community engagement were further highlighted by discussions on enhancing social media interaction. Members expressed concerns about low engagement levels and proposed reaching out to other cultural councils for strategies to improve community involvement.