Cultural Commission

CULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025 AL LARSON PRAIRIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS / CONFERENCE ROOM A MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Linda Cain Jon Cunningham Marilyn Karr Michael Kozakis Bobbi Marchuk Kevin Miller Michael Nejman Marilyn Pande Bette Solomon MEMBERS ABSENT: Minal Patel Rob Ward STAFF PRESENT: Eddie Sugarman, Assistant Director Alissa Brunet, Programming Manager STAFF ABSENT: Tiana Weiler AUDIENCE: None CALL TO ORDER Ms. Cain called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ms. Solomon motioned to approve the minutes from the Cultural Commission meeting of September 29, 2025. Ms. Marchuk seconded. A voice vote took place. All ayes. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Cunningham noted that, while not mentioned in the September minutes, he had volunteered during that meeting to research and share the list of ordinances pertaining to Schaumburg’s commissions and committees. Mr. Cunningham reported that he found the information on the village’s website and sent the information to the commission after the September meeting. NEW BUSINESS: 1. New Member Info Packet Mr. Nejman made a motion to advise that an informational packet including the village ordinance related to the Cultural Commission be made available to any future new member of the Cultural Commission. Ms. Solomon seconded. A voice vote was held; all ayes. MOTION CARRIED.  Ms. Marchuk asked if QR code signage for digital programs could be made more prominent at performances. Mr. Sugarman advised that some shows no longer have program material to share, but that additional signage will be considered when applicable. Discussion took place regarding potential program advertising opportunities and the history of playbill advertising at the Prairie Center. Ms. Brunet confirmed that program ads were phased out several years ago as ad revenue declined and printing costs increased. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Long-Term Planning Mr. Sugarman advised the commission that he sent them information detailing the steps and responsibilities involved in creating and maintaining a subcommittee. Mr. Nejman stated that greater advance notice of Prairie Center projects and operations would be helpful for the commission in its advisory role. Ms. Karr asked about the process for determining goals and projects of the Cultural Services Department. Mr. Sugarman clarified that Ms Weiler works with village leadership to set annual department goals and KPIs. Discussions took place at length about the role of the commission and how it can most effectively fulfill its purpose. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: On behalf of Ms. Weiler, Mr. Sugarman reported that Ms. Patel has decided to step off the Cultural Commission. The village president has asked Cultural Services staff to provide recommendations for new members. Mr. Sugarman asked the commission to share any recommendations they may have for new members with Cultural Services staff for consideration as well. Discussion took place about the number of members and ex-officio members allotted to serve on the commission. Ms. Brunet confirmed that she will double-check this information and report back at the next meeting. Mr. Kozakis asked about the status of the rebranding project. Mr. Sugarman reported that potential names have been supplied by the rebranding consultants and are currently being reviewed by village leadership. CONTINUING ITEMS: 1. Young Artist Programs Mr. Sugarman reported that the new Schaumburg Youth Jazz Orchestra is holding its first rehearsal of the season tonight. The ensemble will perform a winter concert on Wednesday, December 17 at 7pm. Mr. Sugarman reported that ensembles from Schaumburg Youth Orchestra and Schaumburg Choral Program performed the Choral Masterworks Concert on Sunday, October 26. The program included Beethoven’s Leonore and Schumann’s Requiem. The performance featured 90 musicians from six ensembles including two orchestras from Conant High School. The event was very successful and drew an audience of 200 people. Mr. Sugarman reported that he applied for and won a $12,000 Creative Projects grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, which provided support for the Choral Masterworks Concert.  Mr. Sugarman reported that Schaumburg Dance Ensemble is busy rehearsing for The Nutcracker and that tickets are on sale for the production, which opens Thursday, December 4. 2. 2025-26 Programming Mr. Sugarman shared a ticket sales report hand-out and noted that three mainstage shows from the 2025-26 season have taken place since the last meeting, with four performances held in total, two of which were sell-outs. The next upcoming shows are Mutts Gone Nuts on Saturday, November 15 (two showtimes) and Simply Three on Sunday, November 16. Members from Schaumburg Youth Orchestra will join Simply Three to perform select pieces during their concert performance. Mr. Sugarman reported that he and Ms. Brunet will attend the APAP conference in New York in January to see and source new acts and network with artist agents. DEFERRALS: No report. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: No report. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Nejman motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 pm. Mr. Nejman motioned to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Solomon seconded. A voice vote was held. All ayes. MOTION CARRIED. NEXT MEETING: November 24, 2025. Respectfully Submitted, Alissa Brunet Production Coordinator, Cultural Services