Cultural Council Agenda and Packet 2023 10 19

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October 2023 Louisville Cultural Council Staff Report — Erica Schmitt Arts and Events Updates — Items Outside of the Cultural Council: The Ecotoberfest event was a great success this year! Julia Murray, our seasonal events assistant, was an amazing help planning and working this event with the Sustainability Division. The event sees the Towns of Superior and Erie and the Cities of Louisville and Lafayette coming together for a regional sustainability event. Ecotoberfest showcases a sustainable makers' market, and educational booths where attendees can learn about rebates, programs, and best practices. There was an electric vehicle and a -bike showcase, electronic recycling, and a Halloween costume exchange. Two bands performed at Ecotoberfest, and the Louisville Chamber of Commerce hosted a beer garden. The Farmers Market's 15t" season came to an end on October 14. This has been a great year for the market, as they were voted #1 in Colorado and #12 in the southwest region in the "America's Farmers Market Celebration" competition. On October 15, the outdoor ice rink installation began. The Downtown Business Association (DBA) pushed for a "recall" vote on the name ("The Ice On Front"), citing that not enough of their members had participated in the previous round of voting. Following a second round of voting, the rink's new name is "Old Town Skate". The ice rink is scheduled to open on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Full details, including opening day celebrations, will be released at a later time. The rink will be overseen by the Recreation Superintendent this year. We are delighted that she will provide her experience to this venue and its operations. Erica is working with Parks/Rec/Open Space to provide information about the rink management selection process, permitting, general operations, and ice rink history, but is no longer overseeing the rink or serving as the point of contact for the different vendors and stakeholders. The October First Friday had good attendance at both the Historical Museum and Library's events. The Museum reported 156 in attendance, and the Library had approximately 285. The Museum recreated spooky Halloween traditions recounted by a longtime Louisville resident, and had mystery jars full of eyeballs, guts, and other creepy sensations (that may or may not have been grapes, spaghetti, and other common kitchen ingredients!). The Library unveiled a new month of artwork in the Coal Creek Gallery, featuring works by the Louisville Art Association (LAA). Artists from the LAA and the community set up tables with small works for sale, and engaged with visitors of all ages. The Library provides all -ages arts and crafts for every First Friday; this month, they hosted "Mini Masterpieces", providing miniature canvases and easels for attendees to paint. Attendees were able to take their canvas and easel home to bring even more art into the community. Cultural Council —Staff Report Erica K. Schmitt, Oct. 2023