04.10.2025 TC Arts Agenda Packet
TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB
MEETING AGENDA
TROPHY CLUB COUNCIL
FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
1 Trophy Wood Drive
Trophy Club, Texas 76262
April 10, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCE A QUORUM
PUBLIC COMMENT(S)
This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board/Commission on any matter pursuant
to Texas Government Code Sec. 551.007. The Board/Commission is not permitted to
discuss or take action on any presentations made concerning matters that are not listed on
the agenda. Presentations are limited to matters over which the Board/Commission has
authority. Speakers have up to three (3) minutes or the time limit determined by the
Presiding Officer. Each speaker must have submitted their request to speak by completing
the Speaker’s Form or may email tdixon@trophyclub.org
REGULAR ITEMS
1. Board Training (Brandon Wright, Town Manager)
1. Introduction of Members
2. Board Training and Trophy Club Council for Arts & Culture Operating Procedures
2. Consider the appointment of an Arts Council chair, vice chair, and secretary. (Brandon
Wright, Town Manager)
3. Discuss proposed initiatives, including programs and projects, for enhancing art in public
places. (Tamara Smith, Assistant to the Town Manager)
ADJOURN
The Board/Commission may convene into executive session to discuss posted items as
allowed by Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 through 551.076 and Section
551.087.
Notice is hereby given that a quorum of the Town of Trophy Club Town Council may be in
attendance at this meeting. The Town Council will not deliberate or take any action.
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CERTIFICATION
I do hereby certify that the Notice of Meeting was posted on the bulletin board at the Town Hall
for the Town of Trophy Club, Texas, in a place convenient and readily accessible to the general
public at all times on the following date and time: April 7, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., and said Notice of
Meeting was also posted concurrently on the Town’s website in accordance with Texas
Government Code Ch. 551 at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of said meeting.
/s/ Tammy Dixon
Tammy Dixon, Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs,
please contact the Town Secretary’s Office at 6822372900, 48 hours in advance, and
reasonable accommodations will be made to assist you.
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TROPHY CLUB COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND
CULTURE COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: April 10, 2025
FROM: Brandon Wright, Town Manager
AGENDA ITEM: Board Training (Brandon Wright, Town Manager)
1. Introduction of Members
2. Board Training and Trophy Club Council for Arts & Culture Operating
Procedures
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The purpose of the Trophy Club Council for Arts and Culture is to
be an advisory body to the Town Council and Town Manager. Its purposes are to promote and
facilitate art and cultural activities as essential components of community enrichment and to
increase exposure to high-quality art. The Arts Council will help promote lifelong learning
through various creative activities, inviting residents of all ages to explore the arts, discover
their creative potential, and expand their cultural horizons with the mission to promote,
present, and support high-quality, accessible art and cultural activities that benefit the public.
The Arts Council is responsible for identifying and pursuing possible external funding
opportunities, soliciting financial support for specific projects, representing the Arts Council to
the community at large, and engaging the public in Arts Council undertakings. The Arts Council
will also review and recommend updates, if necessary, to the Arts Council's procedures and
rules periodically, at least once every two years.
BOARD REVIEW/CITIZEN FEEDBACK: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
1. TC Board Training General
2. TC Arts Council Training
3. Operating Procedures
ACTIONS/OPTIONS:
This agenda item is being presented for discussion purposes only. No action will be taken by
the Trophy Club Council for Arts and Culture.
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Board & Commission
Orientation/Training
FY 2024-2025
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Purpose/Overview
To provide new and existing members with information to
help them perform professionally and effectively.
ü Roles
ü Meetings/Agendas
ü Rules/Parliamentary
Procedures
ü Attendance
ü Conflict of Interest
General Session Topics to be Covered:
(Some information may not be applicable to the board you serve on)
ü External Training
ü Town Email
ü Boards & Commissions
Manual
ü Questions
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Roles
Staff Liaison
ü Town Manager assigns staff liaisons
ü Board Members may not direct or manage staff
ü Prepare and distribute meeting calendars, agendas, etc.
ü Ensure board activities adhere to Texas Open Meetings
Act.
ü Support staff takes meeting minutes
ü Boards may request staff assistance, but significant work
must be approved by the Town Manager
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Roles
Chair/Vice Chair
ü The Town Council appoints chair and in some instances
vice chair for certain boards.
ü All other chair/vice chair elected by the board.
ü Appointed/Elected each October for one year.
ü Chair presides over meetings and may vote.
ü Vice Chair presides in the absence of chair.
ü If both Chair and Vice Chair are absent, the board shall
appoint one of its members to act as the presiding officer.
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Roles
ü Representation
ü Avoidance of Contacts & Individual Discussions
ü Authority of Board Members
Responsibilities
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Roles
ü Be prepared
ü Ask Questions
ü Know the law
ü Maintain focus
ü Be courteous
ü Be punctual
ü Active participation
ü Watch/Listen
Being an Effective Board Member
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Meetings/Agendas
•Meeting: The Texas Open Meetings act defines a “meeting” as any
deliberation between a quorum of members of a governmental body at
which any public business or public policy is discussed.
•Notice of Meeting
•Notice of each meeting must be posted 72 hours prior to the
meeting.
•Each agenda must state time, place and provide “full and adequate
notice” of the subjects to be considered
•Agenda
•Call to Order
•Public Comment (required on all agendas)
•Law only allows Board to make a factual comment, recite an
existing policy, or advise that subject will be placed on agenda
at a later date.
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Meetings/Agendas
•Regular Items
•Executive Session
•All boards, commissions, committees and corporations must
consult with the Town Attorney’s Office prior to scheduling a
closed session.
•Closed meetings are authorized under the Texas Open
Meetings Act only under certain cases
•Adjourn
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Rules/ Parliamentary Procedure
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by…I move to end debateParliamentary Procedure is a set of rules for conduct at meetings, that allows everyone to be heard & to
make decisions without confusion. The Town uses Robert’s Rules as a “guide”.
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Attendance
Your attendance at meetings is
very important and is documented
by your staff liaison. A report is
provided to Town Council during
the annual appointment/
reappointment process for review
& consideration.
Applicable to all members – regular or alternate positions.
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Conflict of Interest
Members must carefully review the City Code of Ethics upon appointment. If a
Member has a conflict of interest regarding any item that is presented or
required to be presented to the body for discussion or approval, the Member
must
(1)file a written statement to disclose the conflict of interest to the Chair and
remaining Members;
(2)abstain from any discussion on the matter with City staff or any other
Members; and
(3)recuse themselves from the meeting when the item is being discussed or
considered by the body
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External Training
Opportunities
Periodically, and if funds are available in the budget, the staff Periodically, and if funds are available in the budget, the staff
liaison and/or the Town Secretary’s Office will make you aware liaison and/or the Town Secretary’s Office will make you aware
of local training opportunities that would be beneficial in your of local training opportunities that would be beneficial in your
role as a board member that you may want to take advantage role as a board member that you may want to take advantage
of.of.
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Media Relations
& Social Media Postings
Word of Caution:
Be cautious when communicating with the media or
posting information on social media sites using your
title so it doesn’t give the impression you are making
a statement or opinion that is representative of the
entire board or commission you serve on.
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All board members receive a town e-mail.
•Use of Town Email for Official Business
•Compliance with Texas Public Information Act.
•Texas Open Meetings Act Considerations
•Requests for Information
Town Email
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•Provides for policies and
procedures.
•Use it for reference.
BOARD & COMMISSION MANUAL
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Questions
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Trophy Club Arts Council
for Arts and Culture
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General Roles and
Responsibilities
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Overview of the Arts Council
Established by Ordinance 2024-28.
Consists of up to 7 members appointed by the Town Council.
Members serve 2-year terms, with staggered appointments.
Commission appoints the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary.
Quorum is a majority of appointed members.
Meetings held at least quarterly.
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Purpose and Mission
The Arts Council’s purpose is to promote and facilitate art and cultural
activities as essential components of community enrichment and to
increase exposure to high quality art. The Arts Council promotes lifelong
learning through various creative activities, inviting residents of all ages
to explore the arts, discover their creative potential, and expand their
cultural horizons.
The Arts Council’s mission is to promote, present, and support high-
quality, accessible art and cultural activities that benefit the public.
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Primary Functions
Present and promote accessible arts and cultural programming.
Support art education and the promotion of events and initiatives.
Establish protocols for undertaking public art projects.
Advise Town decision makers on the allocation of public funding for arts
and cultural events.
Manage Town-funded grants that support Arts Council goals, upon
Council approval.
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Primary Functions
Undertake projects as approved by the Town Council.
Perform additional functions that align with Town Council initiatives and
Arts Council goals.
Help uphold transparency and accountability.
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Public Art Project Objectives
Support local artists.
Promote tourism and economic development
Foster community engagement.
Use sustainable materials.
Connect project areas among neighborhoods to create a town network
of public art.
Ensure minimal impact on the natural landscape.
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Evaluation Criteria for Public Art
Leverages financial support.
Cost-effective and timely.
Avoids environmental or legal concerns.
When appropriate, and to the extent helpful, the project should be a
cooperative effort of multiple departments.
Must be culturally enriching, non-political, non-religious.
Projects must resonate with the public, not one organization or
viewpoint.
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Funding Restrictions
Funds cannot be used for:
•Tuition, prizes, or capital expenditures
•Lobbying or legal fees
•Retroactive expenses or private gifts
•Anything outside of approved, public-benefit projects
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Facilities Support
With the approval of the Town Manager, the Arts Council may
collaborate with community centers, schools, churches, and public
spaces in Trophy Club to host art exhibitions, workshops, performances,
and other projects that celebrate art and cultural engagement that are
open to the general public. Furthermore, the Arts Council can assist
these venues in developing programs that promote artistic expression,
cultural education, and accessibility to the arts.
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1
TROPHY CLUB COUNCIL
FOR
ARTS AND CULTURE
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Prepared by the:
Trophy Club Council for Arts
and Culture
Approved by the Town Council: October 28, 2024
Contents
•Purpose
•Mission
•Overview
•Definitions
•Primary Functions of the Arts Council
•Governance
•Responsibilities of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
•Duties of Art Council Members
•Meetings
•Public Arts Projects
•General Considerations
•Evaluation Standards for Proposed Projects
•Facilities Support
•Resources
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2
Trophy Club
Council for Arts and Culture
Purpose
Trophy Club’s Council for Arts and Culture (hereafter “Arts Council”) is an advisory
body to the Town Council and Town Manager. Its purposes are to promote and
facilitate art and cultural activities as essential components of community
enrichment and to increase exposure to high quality art. The Arts Council promotes
lifelong learning through various creative activities, inviting residents of all ages to
explore the arts, discover their creative potential, and expand their cultural
horizons.
Mission Statement
Promote, present, and support high-quality, accessible art and cultural activities
that benefit the public.
OVERVIEW
Definitions
Arts: A wide-ranging subset of culture, composed of varied creative endeavors and
disciplines. Arts encompass visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, and narratives
(e.g., story-telling) among other disciplines that allow creative expression of ideas
and culture.
Culture: A set of generally shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that
define a group of people, such as those of a particular region or community. (For
Examples may include information about the history of a town or area.
Public Art: Art that is placed in public spaces and expresses community values,
enhances the environment, transforms the landscape, and/or heightens public
awareness of the role of the arts in reflecting the identity of the town. Public art is
accessible to everyone and a form of community expression.
Majority: A number or percentage that is more than half of a total.
Primary Functions of the Arts Council
In encouraging lifelong learning and expanded cultural horizons, the Arts Council
performs the following functions:
1. Present and promote accessible arts and cultural programming.
2. Support art education.
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3. Establish protocols for undertaking public art projects.
4. Advise town decision makers regarding the allocation of public funding for
arts and cultural events.
5. Upon approval of the Town Council, manage town-funded grants that
support Arts Council goals.
6. Undertake projects as approved by Town Council.
7. Perform other functions consistent with accomplishing Town Council
initiatives and Arts Council goals.
GOVERNANCE
Membership: Members of the Arts Council are appointed by the Town Council.
Residency: A person serving as a member of the Arts Council must reside within
the Town of Trophy Club throughout his or her term of service.
Arts Council Size: Total Arts Council membership may not exceed seven.
Term of Office: Members of the Arts Council shall serve two-year terms. Terms
shall be staggered. Four of the member terms shall expire in a year followed by the
expiration of three member terms in the following year.
Boards and Commission Manual: The Arts Council shall follow the requirements
set forth in the adopted Board and Commission Manual.
Election of a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary: At the first Arts Council Meeting
following the appointment of new and/or returning members in October, the Arts
Council shall elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary. The term shall be for one year
until the election of a new chair, vice-chair, and secretary the following year. Upon
the resignation or removal of the chair, vice-chair, or secretary, the Arts Council
shall elect a member to replace the vacated office.
Responsibilities of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
Chair: The chair presides over Arts Council meetings and represents the Arts
Council in official capacities. The chair ensures the fulfillment of the Arts Council’s
mission. The chair may vote on all matters of the Arts Commission and has no veto
authority.
Vice-Chair: The vice-chair assists the chair and performs duties of the chair when
the chair is unable to do so.
Secretary: The secretary works with the staff liaison to create agenda minutes.
The secretary performs other administrative duties as requested by the Arts
Council.
Subcommittees: The Arts Council may establish subcommittees consisting of Arts
Council membership as needed to facilitate specific projects or initiatives. From
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time to time, the Arts Council Chair may appoint ad hoc content experts to offer
specialized knowledge essential for making effective recommendations to the Town
Council.
Duties of Arts Council Members
Identify and pursue possible external funding opportunities.
With prior approval of the Town Manager, solicit financial support for specific
projects.
Represent the Arts Council to the community at large and solicit public reactions to,
and engagement in, Arts Council undertakings.
Review and recommend updates, if necessary, to the Arts Council’s procedures and
rules periodically, at least every two years.
Meetings
Regular Meetings: The Arts Council shall meet at least quarterly. The schedule for
regular meetings shall be established at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the Chair or by two
members of the Arts Council members with at least 72 hours’ notice. Special
Meetings may also be called by the Town Manager.
Quorum: A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Arts Council.
Action: All actions of the Arts Council shall be approved with a vote of a majority of
members present.
Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Opens Meeting Act and adopted
Boards and Commissions Manual.
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
General Considerations
Projects should achieve one or more of the following objectives:
• Support artists who work and live in Trophy Club.
• Enhance the reputation of the Town by publicizing public art projects. Help
foster dialogue between the artist and the neighborhood/area where the
project shall reside.
• Increase the numbers of visitors to Trophy Club, with attending secondary
benefits (restaurant and other commercial traffic).
• Connect project areas among neighborhoods to create a town network of
public art.
• Leave minimal or no impact on the area’s wildlife, habitat, or natural
landscape.
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• Where possible and fitting, use environmentally benign materials.
Evaluation Standards for Proposed Projects
The following standards shall serve as a guide for evaluating projects that are
supported by the Arts Council:
• Leverage financial support to the maximum extent possible, whether
obtained through grant awards, partnerships, cooperative agreements, or in-
kind donations.
• The project should be designed, constructed and maintained at a reasonable
cost in a reasonable amount of time, with minimal land or other acquisition
needs.
• Exhibit minimal physical constraints (topography, negative environmental
consequences, etc.).
• Consider minimal legal and ownership constraints or unwanted interruption of
existing property use.
• Recognize and allow for timely response to rare or unique opportunities.
• When appropriate, and to the extent helpful, the project should be a
cooperative effort of multiple departments.
• Proposed projects must have a cultural or artistic focus, not primarily
religious, political, or aimed at fund-raising.
• Projects must resonate with the general public, not one organization or
viewpoint.
• Arts Council funds may not be used: to pay tuition; for cash prizes; to meet a
curriculum requirement; to underwrite capital expenditures (buildings, land,
or permanent equipment); for fees (lobbying, attorneys, etc.); or for
activities that occurred prior to approval of the Town Council through the
Town Manager.
Facilities Support
With the approval of the Town Manager, the Arts Council may collaborate with
community centers, schools, churches, and public spaces in Trophy Club to host art
exhibitions, workshops, performances, and other projects that celebrate art and
cultural engagement that are open to the general public. Furthermore, the Arts
Council can assist these venues in developing programs that promote artistic
expression, cultural education, and accessibility to the arts.
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RESOURCES
Texas Commission on the Arts: The mission of the Texas Commission on the
Arts (TCA) is to advance our state economically and culturally by investing in a
creative Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas,
throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance
economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability
initiatives.
https://www.arts.texas.gov/tca/
Candid: Foundation Directory is a searchable application that provides unsurpassed
levels of comprehensive and accurate information on U.S. Grantmakers and their
grants. You can search based on subject, geography, Grantmaker type, type of
support, trustee names, and many other search fields.
https://help.candid.org/s/
Texas Commission on the Humanities: Humanities Texas grants enable
communities throughout the state to develop programs of local interest promoting
history, culture, and education.
https://www.humanitiestexas.org/grants
grants@humanitiestexas.org.
Texas Cultural Trust: To be the leading voice for the arts in education, advocacy,
and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of our state.
https://txculturaltrust.org/about/us/
TACA: TACA’s mission is to support excellence and impact in the arts through
grant-making, capacity building, and thought leadership. We envision an
innovative, inclusive, sustainable cultural sector, recognized for its essential
contribution to a vibrant, prosperous community.
https://taca-arts.org/
Grant News: Grant news about arts and culture
https://www.grantwatch.com/grantnews/
Texas Historical Foundation: Since 1954 the mission of the Texas Historical
Foundation (THF) has been to preserve Texas history. That includes conserving
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artifacts, restoring buildings, archiving documents, gathering and sharing stories,
and safeguarding Lone Star culture.
https://texashistoricalfoundation.org/
Community Foundation of Texas
https://cftexas.org/
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TROPHY CLUB COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND
CULTURE COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: April 10, 2025
FROM: Brandon Wright, Town Manager
AGENDA ITEM: Consider the appointment of an Arts Council chair, vice chair, and secretary.
(Brandon Wright, Town Manager)
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: According to the Ordinance passed by the Town Council on
October 28, 2024, election of a chair, vice-chair, and secretary will commence at the first Arts
Council meeting following the appointment of new and/or returning members. The Arts
Council shall elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary. The term shall be for one year until the
election of a new chair, vice-chair, and secretary the following year. Upon the resignation or
removal of the chair, vice-chair, or secretary, the Arts Council shall elect a member to replace
the vacated office.
Responsibilities of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary:
Chair: The chair presides over Arts Council meetings and represents the Arts Council in official
capacities. The chair ensures the fulfillment of the Arts Council's mission. The chair may vote on
all matters of the Arts Commission and has no veto authority.
Vice-Chair: The vice-chair assists the chair and performs the duties of the chair when the chair
is unable to do so.
Secretary: The secretary works with the staff liaison to create agenda minutes. The secretary
performs other administrative duties as requested by the Arts Council.
BOARD REVIEW/CITIZEN FEEDBACK: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
None
ACTIONS/OPTIONS:
Staff recommends that the Arts Council discuss and move to appoint an Arts Council chair, vice
chair, and secretary.
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TROPHY CLUB COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND
CULTURE COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: April 10, 2025
FROM: Tamara Smith, MSL, Assistant to the Town Manager
AGENDA ITEM: Discuss proposed initiatives, including programs and projects, for enhancing
art in public places. (Tamara Smith, Assistant to the Town Manager)
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: On September 25, 2023, the Town Council adopted a resolution
establishing the Arts and Culture Ad Hoc Committee (the Committee) to help guide the
development of public art and cultural programming in Trophy Club. The Committee was
tasked with recommending a framework for a permanent advisory board, including defining its
goals, creating an action plan, and identifying key priorities.
Between November 2023 and October 2024, the Committee met ten times, conducted five
community interviews, and visited Harmony Park, Trophy Club Park, Freedom Dog Park,
Independence Park, and the Veteran's Memorial to assess potential public art sites. A progress
update was presented to Town Council on July 22, 2024. To support the Committee’s efforts,
arts consultant Margie Reese was engaged in March 2024 to help develop the vision and
framework for the new advisory board.
As a result of this work, the Trophy Club Council for Arts and Culture (Arts Council) was
officially established by Town Council on October 28, 2024. As the Arts Council begins to form
and identify potential programs and projects, the Arts Council may recommend funding
opportunities to Town Council for inclusion in future budgets or as individual amendments.
Tonight, the Arts Council will begin discussions on proposed initiatives, programs, and projects
to advance public art in Trophy Club. With guidance from Ms. Reese's suggested direction, the
following initiatives are proposed for consideration and discussion:
Initiative One: Invest in Public Art and Historical Markers
Develop maintenance guidelines for current and future public artworks. Create criteria for
determining historical significance using factors such as:
• Age (typically 50+ years),
• Architectural uniqueness or style,
• Association with important people, events, or movements,
• Cultural significance and rarity.
Example: Consider preserving historically relevant properties like the original Fire Station.
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Initiative Two: Art in Public Places Projects
Public art contributes to community identity, enhances visual appeal, attracts cultural tourism,
and supports local economies. Proposed actions include:
• Public Art Program Launch: Draft procedures and criteria for identifying and executing
public art projects.
Cost: None.
• Artist Commissions: Engage local artists to create community-informed temporary or
permanent works.
Cost: To be determined.
• Public Art Webpage: Establish a dedicated online presence to promote public art
initiatives.
Cost: None.
• Sculpture Trail Collaboration: Partner with the Parks Department to integrate art into
park planning.
Estimated cost (3–5 years): $50,000–$250,000.
• Historic Research Project: Commission a historian to document the Town’s unique
story and potential Texas Historical Commission connections.
Estimated cost: $6,500–$10,000.
Potential funding: Summerlee Foundation – Texas History Program.
Letter of Intent Deadline: September 30, 20XX.
Initiative Three: Trophy Club Artist Grants and Awards
While a fully developed Arts Grants Program is not recommended at this time, it is important
to build visibility for local professional artists. Therefore, the proposed Trophy Club Artist
Fellowship (TCAF) program would demonstrate to the public the artists' roles in civic
development and public participation.
The TCAF program would provide monetary awards to outstanding professional artists—those
individuals who, by education, experience, or natural talent, engage in a particular art form or
discipline—who live in the Town of Trophy Club or within a designated adjoining community.
This program is proposed as a three-year initiative to be evaluated annually by the Trophy Club
Arts Commission and Town Manager to determine need and impact.
• Trophy Club Arts Fellows would present culminating exhibitions and activities or offer
programs, classes, or workshops in accordance with their artistic practice. The schedule
of these activities would be agreed upon with the Trophy Club Arts Commission at the
time of the award.
• Fellowship Duration: The term of the Fellowship is 12 months. Fellows will meet
quarterly with City staff and/or the Arts Commission to report on activities and
progress. Collaborative ventures among TCAF participants are encouraged. Fellows
could also be paired with “host city departments” to design and facilitate arts and
cultural programming that aligns with strategic departmental plans.
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• Estimated Project Cost (to be determined): Fellowship awards should be between
$5,000 to $8,000 per award.
Proposed Categories for Fellowships:
• Visual Art
• Crafts
• Film and Photography
• Dance Instruction
• Music Performance (Instrumental or Vocal)
• Theatre
o Acting or Directing
o Instruction
• Literary Arts
o Children’s Literature/Young Adult Literature
o Poetry
Eligibility
Fellowship applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Individual artists, artist ensembles, or arts organizations based in the Town of Trophy
Club.
• Applicants must be professional, practicing artists in their chosen discipline.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of the Town of Trophy Club.
• Applicants may apply for only one fellowship per fiscal year.
Ineligible Applicants:
• Previous fellowship recipients (either full or partial awards).
• Minors (individuals under 18 years of age).
• Full-time students (elementary, secondary, college, or university).
• Full-time Town of Trophy Club employees, Arts Commission members, or staff, or their
immediate family members.
Application Process:
• Applications must be submitted to the Trophy Club Arts Commission for review.
• The primary evaluation criterion is based on work samples and professional references
submitted with the application.
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Initiative Four: Trophy Club Presents
This initiative envisions hosting professional artists and cultural groups for performances,
exhibitions, or residencies. The program will be shaped by community interests and available
venues. Example partnerships could include:
• Greater Dallas Youth Orchestras
• Dallas Black Dance Theatre
• Local storytellers, poets, and puppetry artists
Programs may be hosted in spaces such as Trophy Club Park and designed to engage multi-
generational audiences.
Estimated budget: $38,000 for presenting activities.
Project coordinator cost: TBD.
BOARD REVIEW/CITIZEN FEEDBACK: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: As potential public art projects and programs are identified, the Arts Council
may recommend funding specific projects to the Town Council. These projects will be included
in future annual budgets or considered as individual budget amendments, as appropriate.
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Concept Model
ACTIONS/OPTIONS:
This agenda item is being presented for discussion purposes only. No action will be taken by
the Trophy Club Council for Arts and Culture.
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MJR
PARTNERS
Observations and Opportunities
Creating an Arts and Culture Commission
for
The Town of Trophy Club, Texas
Update on activities and work plan
Presented to the Mayor and Town Council
July 22, 2024
Margie J. Reese, Facilitator
Ad Hoc Arts and Culture Committee Members:
Candace Dillard Chairperson
Wanda Brewster Committee Member
Melissa Eason Vice Chairperson
Jean Frazier Committee Member
Janet Greedy Committee Member
Beth Ann Sands Committee Member
Carol Tombari Committee Member
margie.reese@gmail.com
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2 margie.reese@gmail.com
Observations and Opportunities
Creating an Arts and Culture Commission
for
The Town of Trophy Club, Texas
July 22, 2024
Background and Introduction
Through the Town Manager's O1ice, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Trophy Club are
considering new ways to formalize and provide civic-funded arts and culture services for
the public's benefit. To achieve this goal, The Town Manager contracted with Margie J.
Reese, Arts Management Consulting Services, to engage in conversations and work
sessions to explore possibilities for formalizing the city’s role in supporting arts
programming to enhance civic pride and further establish the Town’s identity.
Margie Johnson Reese has a 45-year portfolio in arts management. She was Executive
Director and General Manager for Cultural A1airs in Dallas and Los Angeles. The Ford
Foundation appointed her as their Media, Arts, and Culture Program O1icer based in
Lagos, Nigeria. Returning to the United States, she accepted the task of creating an arts
council for Wichita Falls, Texas. She served as Executive Director of that agency and hired
and trained her successor. She is currently Consultant-in-Residence for Mid-America Arts
Alliance, based in Kansas City, MO, and the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) in
Denver, CO.
Margie contributes to arts policy nationwide, advising on grantmaking, cultural planning,
public art, and change management. She is a Board Member Emeritus at Americans for
the Arts in Washington, D.C.
Since March 2024, facilitated in-person and virtual conversations with members of the
Ad Hoc Arts and Culture committee, Trophy Club artists, and Town sta1. Those
discussions inform the following report. The conversations were structured to allow
interviewees to think out loud about definitions of art, heritage, and culture.
With help from the Ad Hoc Arts and Culture Committee members, input from residents
was also gathered around a few baseline questions to gather observations, ideas, and
aspirations that would be helpful in creating a system to support arts and cultural programs
in the Town of Trophy Club. The following report summarizes the listening process,
proposes a Concept Model for creating a local arts agency in the Town of Trophy Club, and
suggests a series of initiatives for consideration.
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Concept Model
Arts and Culture Commission
for
The Town of Trophy Club, Texas
The Ad Hoc Arts and Culture Committee investigated the role and potential structure of an
arts agency for Trophy Club. They discussed and adopted the following Concept Model,
which is presented to the Town Council and leadership for consideration. Based on the
strong interest in the arts expressed by interviewees, including resident artists and
educators, The Town of Trophy Club is well positioned to successfully create an agency
within the Town Manager’s o1ice to support, promote, and coordinate the arts for the
benefit of the public.
Proposed Advisory Body
The Trophy Club Arts and Culture Commission
The Trophy Club Arts and Culture Commission (the Commission) is the agency that
promotes arts and cultural activities as essential components of community development,
enriching the lives of residents and visitors to our community.
Proposed Mission Statement
The Trophy Club Arts and Culture Commission's mission is to promote, present, and
support high-quality, accessible arts and cultural activities that benefit the public.
The Work of the Commission
The Trophy Club Arts Commission is an advisory body to the Mayor, Town Council, and
Town Manager. It promotes lifelong learning through various creative activities, inviting
residents of all ages to explore the arts and discover their creative potential. The primary
role of the Commission is to:
1. Advise on the allocation of public funding
2. Present and promote accessible arts and cultural programming
3. Solicit and manage grants and encourage private-sector investment in the arts
4. Support arts education
5. Establish protocols for commissioning Public Art Projects
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Recommendations for launching the Arts and Culture Commission
Four initiatives are proposed for consideration:
Initiative One - Invest in Public Art and Historic Markers
1) Develop and adopt measures to maintain existing and future objects of art in public
places and,
2) Develop criteria for Determining Historical Significance.
Several key criteria must be considered to determine whether a property is historic. The
following are some of the most often-used guiding principles:
• Age of the Property: Age is often one of the first considerations when evaluating a
property for historical significance. Properties that are 50 years or older are typically
considered historic. However, the age of a property alone does not guarantee its
historical significance.
• Architectural Style and Rarity: Another important consideration is the style and rarity
of a property’s architecture. Properties that show a unique or innovative
architectural design or represent a particular style or period are usually considered
historic.
• Association with Important Events, people, or architectural movements: Properties
directly associated with significant events, people, or architectural movements are
typically considered historically substantial—for example, a property associated
with a famous historical figure or a significant historical event. (For example: the
original Fire Station in Trophy Club should be preserved)
• Uniqueness and Cultural Significance: Properties that are unique in terms of their
design, materials, construction techniques, or cultural significance are also often
considered historically significant. Even for a planned or newly created community
like Trophy Club, strategic foresight is important to prevent the loss of significant
traces of the community’s origin story.
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Initiative Two-Art in Public Places Projects
Public art enhances the visual attractiveness of communities, gives cities local distinctiveness,
and could further attract investment, boost cultural tourism, create local employment,
maximizes the use of land and spaces, and gives a community a stronger sense of place and
identity.
• The Town of Trophy Club should consider drafting criteria for designating local
historic sites, existing structures, art on public and private property, and designation
of historic markers. Launching this process now can connect the area's history to
Texas history, and provide background information for educational purposes.
Resource: Texas Historical Commission https://thc.texas.gov/preserve/preservation-
programs/historical-markers
The Town of Trophy Club should commission a historian/researcher to document
the full story of the Town’s unique history and connection to Texas history. Solicit
recommendations for the project from the Texas Historical Commission.
Estimated project cost: $6,500-$10,000
Potential funding resource: The Summerlee Foundation – “Texas History Program
Since 1988, the Texas History Program has embraced a broad and diverse group
of projects from all regions of Texas. These projects have included the disciplines
of archaeology, archives, libraries, media, museums, middle and secondary
schools, higher education, preservation, publications, and scholarly research”.
https://summerlee.org/texas-history-program-overview/
Submit the Letter of Intent to the Sumerlee Foundation before the next deadline of
September 30, 2024. Estimated project cost: No cost
• Draft a Public Art Procedures
statement. This statement should
frame a process for launching a
public art program in the Town of
Trophy Club. No cost
• Determine a reasonable budget to
commission an artist or artist team to
design and facilitate an inaugural
temporary or permanent public art
activity informed by community
participation. Estimated project cost
(TBD)
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Public Art Projects continued
• Commission local artist(s) to produce a community-informed temporary or
permanent work of art to be sited in a public/accessible space. (Budget to be
determined)
• Create a Public Art Information page on the city’s website to build public awareness
of the value of public art in building local identity. No cost
• Collaborate with the Parks Department to develop a Sculpture Trail as part of the
Park Department Master Plan.
Estimated Project cost to be reserved for art projects over a 3–5-year period:
$50,000 up to $250,000, depending on project size and intended impact.
Examples of public art
Street art in Abu Dhabi in the UAE
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Ai Weiwei – Forever Bicycles, 2014, 1,254 bicycles.
The Contemporary Austin – Museum Without Walls Program
Austin, Texas, 2017, photo: Brian Fitzsimmons/The Contemporary Austin.
Skate
(Fiberglass) Paul Quilter, artist
Salt Lake City, Uta
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Initiative Three - Trophy Club Artist Grants and Awards
A fully developed Arts Grants Program is not recommended at this point. However, as a
foundational step, it is important to build visibility for local professional artists. Therefore,
the proposed Fellowship program would demonstrate to the public the artists' roles in civic
development and public participation.
The Trophy Club Artist Fellowship
The Trophy Club Artist Fellowship (TCAF) program would provide monetary awards to
outstanding professional artists (i.e., those individuals who, by education, experience, or
natural talent, engage in a particular art form or discipline) who live in The Town of Trophy
Club or within a designated adjoining community. This program is proposed as a three-year
initiative to be evaluated annually by the Trophy Club Arts Commission and Town Manager
to determine need and impact.
Trophy Club Arts Fellows would present or culminating exhibitions and activities; or offer
programs, classes, or workshops as appropriate to their artistic practice. The schedule of
these activities would be agreed upon with the Trophy Cub Arts Commission at the time of
the award. The term of the Fellowship is 12 months. Fellows will meet quarterly with City
staff and/or the Arts Commission to report on activities and progress. Collaborative
ventures among the TCAF are encouraged. Fellows could be paired with “host city
departments” to design and facilitate arts and cultural programming that supports
strategic departmental plans.
Estimated Project Cost (to be determined): Fellowship awards should be between $5,000
to $8,000 per award.
Proposed categories for Fellowships:
• Visual Art
• Crafts
Film and Photography
• Dance Instruction
• Music Performance (Instrumental or Vocal)
• Theatre
o Acting or Directing
o Instruction
• Literary Arts
o Children’s Literature/Young Adult Literature
o Poetry
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Eligibility
• Fellowship applicants may be individual artists, ensembles of artists, or
organizations based in The Town of Trophy Club that provide arts programs to the
public. They must be professional, practicing artists working in their chosen
discipline.
• Fellowship applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be residents of The Town
of Trophy Club.
• Applicants may apply for only one fellowship each fiscal year.
• Those not eligible to apply include past fellowship and partial fellowship recipients,
minors (individuals under 18 years of age), full-time students (elementary,
secondary, college, or university), full-time Town of Trophy Club employees,
Commission or staff members, or members of their families.
Applications for consideration must be submitted to the Trophy Club Arts Commission for
review. The primary evaluation criterion is based on the work samples and references
submitted with the application.
Initiative Four - Trophy Club Presents
This initiative might be launched following several stages of community engagement and
will require some investigation regarding community interests and possible venues. The
goal is to begin building audiences for presenting guest artists, touring exhibitions, or
creating an artist residency program. Organizations like the Greater Dallas Youth
Orchestras and Dallas Black Dance Theatre might be considered as potential guest artists.
Storytellers and poets are interesting resources for multi-generational audiences. The
Trophy Club Park is an inviting space for “presenting” puppetry artists, storytellers, or
writing coaches that would encourage adult groups to write the “great American novel.
Estimated Project Costs:
Project Coordinator - (TBD)
Budget for presenting activities –$ 38,000
These ideas are suggested directions for the Town Council to consider and are drafted for discussion
purposes only.
Margie J. Reese
MJR PARTNERS
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