The annual business meeting of the Gay and Lesbian Caucus was called to order by Ray Anne Lockard, co-chair, at 3:30 p.m. on 23 February 2000. Approximately sixteen people were present. Approval of the agenda was the first item of business. It was suggested that items 5 (discussion of approaches to revision of bylaws) and 9 (report from Policies and Procedures Committee) should be discussed together. It was also suggested that we should discuss where we want to be in five years and in ten years. The agenda was approved as amended.
The minutes of the 1999 meeting were then discussed. Noreen Dean Dresser noted that she and Jim Saslow had agreed to do local arrangements for the 2000 conference but had not understood that they were doing any program planning for the 2001 conference. The 1999 minutes were then approved with clarification of Dean and Jim’s role to be noted in these minutes.
Ray Anne asked attendees to introduce themselves and then described events for the CAA conference days. Dean stated that she had received a lot of feedback on the exhibition which she and Jim arranged at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center. Dean also distributed a listing of galleries and other venues which will serve as a model for future conference planners. Several announcements of other shows, new publications (e.g. Harmony Hammond’s new history of lesbian art), and events were made.
Membership forms were distributed and attendees were reminded of the importance of renewing. Jonathan Weinberg, membership coordinator, now has deposit privileges for the banking account(s) and this will make for more timely deposit of checks.
Erica Rand and Sallie McCorkle presented the report of the Policies and Procedures Committee which had been published in the fall 1999 newsletter. The importance of publishing the business meeting agenda in the pre-conference newsletter was emphasized. Joe Ansell reiterated that CAA’s concern was that an affiliated society had some structure and that most members were also members of College Art, but that they did not require a particular sort of structure. The new procedures were accepted, and modified consensus will be the method of conducting business. If complete consensus is not possible, a vote will be taken and 4/5 majority will pass on a topic. Joe Thomas, co-chair, distributed a revised version of the by-laws with suggestions for sections of text to be added, deleted or modified. The board of directors has been an amorphous group over the years and clarifying the role (or eliminating the board) is important. It was further suggested that there should be standing committees for panel selection and for exhibition planning. The new co-chairs will compile revised by-laws which will be published in the newsletter and a vote will be taken at next year’s business meeting.
The next topic of discussion was the renaming of the Caucus to be more inclusive. A proposal was made for Queer Caucus: the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Caucus for Art, Artists & Art Historians. Concern was expressed that “queer” made some potential members uncomfortable, but that younger members would probably come to the meetings regardless of the name. It was stated that a name like “Rainbowville” or “Lambda Caucus” needed to be explained. In some circles, “gay and lesbian” is seen as a prissy class thing. After significant discussion, the name was tweaked to Queer Caucus for Art: the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Caucus for Art, Artists & Historians and the new name was approved with two negative votes.
No specific proposals have come forward for a program in 2002. Dean and Jonathan Katz agreed to work on a proposal. Joe Ansell reminded folks that CAA will send out a notice to affiliates in the spring. Sponsorship by an affiliate may help, but does not guarantee acceptance of the proposal. It was also stated that more sessions on queer topics, whether sponsored by the Caucus or not, should be sought and proposed.
Suggestions for local arrangements for Chicago in 2001 were entertained. A hospitality suite is expensive (ca. $700 for 24 hours; L.A. reception cost $300 for cookies) but helpful. An arrangement could be made with some person or institution that would allow the Caucus to have a suite the first day. A reception and/or gallery opening at the beginning of the conference is a means of gathering and publicizing activities later in the conference. New co-chairs Jonathan Katz and Erica Rand met with Chicagoans after the general business meeting.
Elections were held for officers. Jonathan Katz and Erica Rand were nominated and approved as new co-chairs. Sherman Clarke was nominated and approved as secretary. Joe Ansell was nominated and approved as treasurer. Tee Corinne signed on a newsletter co-editor with Sherman Clarke.
Jonathan Katz and others intended on being at the CAA board meeting the next day when PIPs (professional development and personal interest committees) were on the agenda.
Among the dreams for five or ten years hence: advocacy on promotion and tenure issues (a hospitality suite at the beginning of conference could provide support to candidates); political role in, for example, urging boycott of California if the Knight Amendment passes; establishing an award for the best work around, both art and book awards; lecture series; speakers bureau (it was noted that the directory could be expanded to include specialties, etc.); GLAAD-like list of “good” and “bad” museums, etc.; more members and participation; vision messages in newsletter; doubling in number of publications on lesbian and gay topics; mentoring program; preparing “A lists” for every conference city (building on Dean’s model for NYC); inviting heterosexuals to hospitality suite.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 5 p.m.
Recorded by Sherman Clarke, newsletter co-editor (and secretary, 2000- )