Transmission of Application Guidelines for Fiscal Year 2024 Arts & Culture Special Projects Grant ProgramCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Consent Items # 012.
Copyrighted
April 3, 2023
ITEM TITLE: Transmission of Application Guidelines for Fiscal Year 2024 Arts &
Culture Special Projects Grant Program
SUMMARY: City Manager sharing information with City Council for the guidelines,
scoring rubric, and application requirements for the FY 2024 Arts &
Culture Special Projects Grant Program as approved by the Arts &
Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission on February 28, 2023, be received
and filed.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
MVM Memo
Staff Memo
Guidelines
Questions
Rubric
Type
City Manager Memo
Staff Memo
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
THE C
Dubuque
DUj!BQTE
WAWca 914
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
YP pp
aoo�•o 13
z0i7*20*�oi9
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Transmission of Application Guidelines for FY 2024 Arts & Culture Special
Projects Grant Program
DATE: March 23, 2023
Economic Development Director Jill Connors is sharing information with City Council for
the guidelines, scoring rubric, and application requirements for the FY 2024 Arts &
Culture Special Projects Grant Program as approved by the Arts & Cultural Affairs
Advisory Commission on February 28, 2023, be received and filed.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
All -America My
nni K xvni , nz: a:u�ir,
DUB E
2007-2012.2013
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2019
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Jill M. Connors, Economic Development Director
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
SUBJECT: Transmission of Application Guidelines for FY 2024 Arts & Culture Special
Projects Grant Program
DATE: March 23, 2023
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to acquaint City leadership with the guidelines,
scoring rubric, and application requirements for the FY 2024 Arts & Culture Special
Projects Grant Program as approved by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission
on February 28, 2023.
BACKGROUND
Since FY 2005, the City of Dubuque has funded, through its annual budget review and
approval process, a competitive grant program that provides funds to cultivate unique and
innovative creative arts and cultural experiences for the public that prioritize community
engagement and active partnership in which all parties may experience change and
growth. The program is administered by the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs in the
Economic Development Department with oversight from the Arts & Cultural Affairs
Advisory Commission.
DISCUSSION
The Arts & Culture Special Projects grant program has been a recurring, competitive grant
program administered by the City since FY 2005. The program's initial budget of $30,000
increased to $35,000 in FY 2006. The FY 2024 recommended budget maintains the
$35,000 funding level. Eligible organizations and groups can request a minimum of
$1,000 up to a maximum of $8,000 to cover eligible project expenses as noted in the
program guidelines; a 1:1 match must be provided to demonstrate organizational and
community investment in the project.
The program aims to increase the community's access to a wide range of inclusive and
diverse arts and cultural experiences by supporting unique and innovative arts and culture
projects and programs that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into the
development and execution of the project and that advances City goals and priorities.
Staff and the grants subcommittee of the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee
reviews and adjusts program guidelines, applicant requirements, and scoring rubrics
annually to ensure the program aligns with City Council goals and community needs.
Timely and equitable funding best practices in the arts and culture sector on a state and
national level are also considered. Adjustments are reviewed and approved by the
Commission prior to release of application materials.
FY 2024 program guidelines, scoring rubric, and application questions, process, and
timeline are noted in the materials provided.
BUDGETIMPACT
There is no new budget impact.
N :14101 Ly� I iyi 14 LI I my -A 9 M LIWIT"9I:s]kiIM94�
respectfully request that the FY 2024 Special Projects Grant Program application
materials provided be received and filed.
2
THE COF
DtUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
City of Dubuque, Iowa
ARTS AND CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM
GUIDELINES
FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS
FY 2024 FUNDING
PURPOSE
Through this program, the City of Dubuque provides funds to cultivate unique and innovative creative
arts and cultural experiences for the public that prioritize community engagement and active
partnership in which all parties may experience change and growth. Special Projects must integrate
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices into the development and execution of the project and
provide evidence that the project advances City goals and priorities.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
• Dubuque -based organizations who operate as a nonprofit, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)
of IRS Organizations;
• Dubuque -based groups with their own specific mission, governing structure and budget,
operating under the incorporated status of a Dubuque -based fiscal agent;
• Established Dubuque -based groups operating in service to the broader community but not
incorporated as a nonprofit or operating under a fiscal agent.
• Only 1 application per eligible applicant will be accepted; an applicant can be identified as a
partnering entity within another application but that application can not be for the same project.
INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
• For -profit organizations or businesses;
• Individual artists;
• Any organization or group based outside of Dubuque city limits;
• An organization with an outstanding Final Report associated with previous grant awards from
FY22 or prior Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs funding opportunities.
FUNDING GUIDELINES
Minimum Request: $1,000
Maximum Request: $8,000
1:1 match required. Applicants must demonstrate investment in a project by providing one-to-
one matching funds to the grant request for project expenses. 50% of the required 1:1 match
must be cash. The remaining 50% may be either in -kind or cash, or a combination. For
example, an applicant that requests $1,000 in grant funds must have at least $1,000 in
matching funds with $500 of that made up of cash match expenses for a minimum total project
budget of $2,000.
GRANT IMPERATIVES
Grant applicants must demonstrate all of the following in their project narrative:
Uniqueness / Relevance = Projects should create unique and innovative arts and cultural
experiences or arts and cultural learning opportunities that stand out from the applicant's previous
offerings in significant ways. Activities may be produced within an established series of
programming.
Partnership = Active and collaborative partnership with one or more entities, supported by the
submission of at least one letter of commitment that demonstrates active engagement in the
project development or implementation.
DEI = Planning efforts and stated outcomes integrate practices that engage and/or represent
diverse populations, advance equity, and create inclusive access to project activities.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES AND EXPENSES
Proposed public activities requesting grant funding must be conducted within Dubuque city limits;
eligible expenses may be paid to vendors based outside of Dubuque.
Projects may include the creation, performance, exhibition, publication, or presentation of arts and
cultural experiences or arts and cultural learning opportunities related to:
• Cultural and Historic Resources
• Folk and Traditional Arts
• Theater, Performing Arts
• Spoken Word
• Literature
• Dance
• Music
• Film
• Visual Art: 2D or 3D, Digital, New Media,
Installation Art, Murals or Public Art,
Performance Art
• Other Arts and Cultural Learning Opportunities
Eligible expenses are those dedicated specifically to the project and can include:
• Artist or Contractor Fees • Marketing and Publicity
• Licensing or Subscription Fees • Equipment purchases under $500
• Supplies and Materials • Employee or volunteer costs essential to
• Space and Equipment Rental meeting project outcomes
• Domestic Travel
INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES AND EXPENSES
• Projects that occur prior to or after the
funding period
• Ongoing projects or programs with arbitrary
beginning and end dates
• Projects or activities not open to the public
• General operating expenses
• Religious, political, and sports activities
• Fundraising or benefit events
• Competitions, contests, or awards to honor
or recognize achievement
• Food, beverage, or catering costs
• International travel
• Capital projects, ie. construction, property
renovation
• Major equipment purchases (over $500)
• Regranting
• Lobbying activities
a Acquisition or purchase of artwork for
permanent collections
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59PM on Friday, May 12, 2023. Include only
the materials requested in the online application. Changes or additional materials outside of the
submission deadline will not be accepted.
111IJi14111111010
• Friday, March 10 — FY24 program materials available at www.citVofdubuque.org/artsgrants
• Friday, April 7 from 2-3PM - Informational Webinar via GoToWebinar
• Friday, May 12 by 11:59PM - Special Projects grant applications due
• July — Notifications and contracts released
• August — Anticipated disbursement of funds
RATING CRITERIA
1. Project goals and objectives highlight what makes the project unique, innovative, and timely
regarding potential community impact and addresses how the project fits within the applicant's
mission. (3 points)
2. Evidence of active partnership through explanation of roles and responsibilities of all partners
involved in the project development and implementation. (3 points)
3. Planning efforts and stated outcomes integrate DEI practices to engage and/or represent
diverse populations, advance equity, and create inclusive access to culturally relevant activities.
(3 points)
4. Organizational readiness to implement the project based on timeline, budget appropriateness,
and evaluation methods. (3 points)
5. Evidence of the project actively advances the City of Dubuque's goals, priorities, and plans,
especially but not explicitly, the Arts & Culture Master Plan. (3 points)
IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)
The City of Dubuque strives to be an equitable community of choice and prioritizes support to
organizations and programs that intentionally apply an equity lens, explicit of but not limited to race, to
program access and inclusion. It is important that grantees are able to share examples of their
commitment to welcoming and serving any and all Dubuque residents by presenting diverse and
culturally aware experiences, representing diverse voices, and expanding access.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Applications are scored by a panel of professionals in the arts, culture, or nonprofit management fields.
Scoring is reviewed by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission to provide a recommendation
for City Council approval.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
If awarded funding, the applicant must acknowledge the City of Dubuque's support in appropriate
communications pertaining to this grant. Recognition guidelines and logos are available for download at
the City's website.
REPORTING
Applicants must submit a performance report within 60 days of the end of the funding cycle no later
than August 31, 2024. The applicant agrees to retain all financial records, reporting documents, and all
other records pertinent to the City of Dubuque grant program for a period of three calendar years
beyond the contract.
ACCESSIBILITY AND QUESTIONS
We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to everyone. Please contact the
Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs at 563.690.6059 or artsculture@cityofdubuque.org to request any
accommodations, translation, interpretation, or other assistance you need in completing this process.
The applicant is solely responsible for the content and timely submission of this grant.
SCORING RUBRIC
1. Project goals and objectives highlight what makes the project unique, innovative, and timely
regarding potential community impact and addresses how the project fits within the applicant's
mission: 3 points
3
2
1
Project description is clear with
Project description is satisfactory
Project description fails to
stated goals and objectives that
with stated goals and objectives
communicate the goals and
address community needs or
that loosely take into consideration
objectives; project does not
interests. It is obvious that the
the needs or interests of the
consider community needs or
project aims to maximize the impact
community. The project's impact as
interests and the potential impact is
of an arts and cultural experience
an arts and cultural experience is
scant. The project does not differ
that is unique, innovative, and
moderate. Elements that make the
from the applicant's established
timely. Several factors make the
project unique, innovative, or timely
programs or duplicates offerings
project substantially different from
are modest.
already available to the community.
applicant's past programming,
Project activities are conventional.
independent of or within an ongoing
series.
2. Evidence of active partnership through explanation of roles and responsibilities of all
partners involved in the project development and implementation: 3 points
3
2
1
Partnership roles and
Partnership roles are loosely
Demonstration of active
responsibilities are clearly defined.
defined. Stated responsibilities of
collaboration partnership is lacking.
Partners are actively engaged in
partners demonstrate limited active
Partners are not actively involved in
development and successful
collaboration. Letter(s) of
the development or execution of the
execution of the project. Letter(s) of
commitment from partner(s)
project. Letter(s) of commitment
commitment from partner(s) aligns
generally support the applicant's
from partner(s) do not support the
directly with applicant's narrative.
narrative.
applicant's narrative.
3. Planning efforts and stated outcomes integrate DEI practices to engage and/or represent
diverse populations, advance equity, and create inclusive access to culturally relevant
activities: 3 points
3
2
1
Project clearly incorporates DEI
Project moderately incorporates
Project demonstrates little
practices in planning, outreach, and
DEI practices in aspects of the
understanding of what diversity,
execution. Efforts to include,
project's planning, marketing, and
equity, and inclusion means or
connect with, or represent diverse
execution. Diverse populations or
minimally demonstrates an effort to
populations or cultural experiences
cultural experiences are somewhat
include or represent diverse
are prioritized. Project accessibility
associated with or included in the
populations. The marketing plan is
is maximized. Marketing strategy is
project. Proposed marketing plan is
insufficient and outreach to diverse
well defined and incorporates
adequate and attempts to reach
groups is not considered.
innovative strategies to reach
diverse audiences.
diverse audiences.
4. Organizational readiness to implement the project based on timeline, budget appropriateness,
and evaluation methods: 3 points
3
2
1
Project timeline demonstrates
Timeline is generally defined but
Timeline of tasks is insufficient and
thoughtful planning and detailed
some key tasks are overlooked or
raises concerns about project
consideration of major tasks
not considered. Methods for
achievability. Evaluation methods
needed for successful
measuring and evaluating project
and measures are weak, unclear,
implementation within the funding
outcomes are loosely defined or
or inadequate. Project budget or
period. Methods for measuring and
irrelevant to the project. Budget and
intended use of requested funds is
evaluating project outcomes are
proposed use of funds are
unclear.
clearly defined. Project budget and
disproportionate to project scope;
proposed use of funds are clear
some expenses are ineligible for
and appropriate.
grant support.
5. Evidence of the organization's activities advancing the City of Dubuque's goals, priorities,
and plans, specifically, but not limited to, the Arts & Culture Master Plan: 3 points
3
2
1
Project offers creative arts and
Applicant identifies ways the project
How the project aligns with the
cultural experiences that directly
will advance the City's Arts and
City's Arts and Culture Master Plan
connect to the City of Dubuque's
Culture Master Plan but is unable
is ambiguous and minimal evidence
Arts and Culture Master Plan
to clearly describe how the project
is provided of how the project
strategies. Applicant clearly
advances the Plan's goals and
advances the City's Arts and
describes how the project actively
priorities.
Culture Master Plan goals and
advances the Plan's priorities.
priorities.
Connection to other City goals,
priorities, and plans may be
discussed.
FOR REFERENCE
CITY OF DUBUQUE ARTS AND CULTURE GOALS
FROM THE ARTS AND CULTURE MASTER PLAN
1. Economic Development: Encouragement and support of arts and culture are not only quality
of life issues, but also a serious economic development strategy. The contributions of the arts
and artists are supported and leveraged for economic development, boosting the city's brand
and aiding talent attraction and retention.
2. Inclusivity: Arts and culture in Dubuque promote inclusivity, diversity, harmony and
understanding.
3. Integration of Arts and Cultural Community into City Leadership: The arts and cultural
community — artists, performers, administrators, and so on — are fully integrated into the City's
decision -making conversations. They are incorporated into economic development, planning,
commercial, education strategies. Leadership in these sectors communicate well with the arts
community and vice -versa. In addition, the contributions of the arts and of artists to the city's
prosperity are recognized.
4. Opportunity and Accessibility: Dubuque is a city with participatory cultural opportunities in all
corners of the community. Barriers to participation, whether physical, intellectual, economic or
other, are minimized or removed to encourage equitable opportunities for cultural engagement.
5. Involvement and Participation: Residents of Dubuque actively participate in the arts and
culture. Arts and cultural entities and other sectors enable greater involvement and participation
among Dubuque's citizens and visitors.
6. Clear Policies and Strong Management: Clear policies, guidelines and procedures enable
governance of the city's arts and cultural sector and the municipality's involvement with it.
PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES TOWARDS THE GOALS OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE
MASTER PLAN
Priority A: Promote and support arts and culture as Dubuque's competitive edge.
a. Establish multiple funding streams to support arts and cultural activity.
b. Develop, attract and retain creative talent.
c. Develop a regulatory or business incentive framework that promotes and protects Dubuque's
arts and cultural assets.
d. Undertake a strategic branding, marketing and communications campaign promoting awareness
of Dubuque's arts and cultural community at home and in other markets and attracting
participants from outside Dubuque.
Priority B: Boost capacity for arts and culture to thrive
a. Designate and empower an individual or entity to lead development of the cultural sector
b. Clarify roles, responsibilities and guidelines for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission to best leverage their energy and knowledge to the benefit of arts and culture in
Dubuque.
c. Establish a public art policy framework conducive to the arts and cultural activity.
d. Facilitate communication and coordination among the arts and cultural sector.
e. Right -size facilities to meet capacity needs for rehearsal, exhibition/performance, education and
administration.
f. Develop organizational and professional capacity.
Priority C: Foster engagement at all levels
a. Deepen appreciation for arts and culture among the general public.
b. Provide arts education opportunities to people of all ages, skill levels, and income levels.
c. Increase availability and accessibility of arts and cultural offerings.
d. Nurture individual artists, from student to amateur to professional.
e. Stimulate volunteerism.
f. Inspire and diversify leadership.
Priority D: Cultivate connections
a. Ensure arts and culture in Dubuque is inclusive and welcoming of people of all backgrounds and
interests.
b. Develop ties among the arts and the broader community, increasing visibility and relevance of
arts and culture.
c. Integrate leadership of the arts and cultural sector with leaders in other sectors of Dubuque by
forging new relationships and strengthening existing ones between the arts and cultural sector
and the business, public, non-profit and educational sectors.
Additional sub -strategies are outlined in the City of Dubuque Arts and Culture Master Plan at
https.//www. cityofdubugue. orgIDocumentCenter/View/36680/Master-Plan-Priorities-and-Strategies.
Additional documents for consideration when discussing how your organization advances the City of
Dubuque's goals, priorities, and plans:
• City Council Goals and Priorities
• Imagine Dubuque Plan
• 50% by 2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan
• Equitable Poverty Reduction & Prevention Plan
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
DESCRIPTION
City of Dubuque, Iowa
ARTS AND CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS
FY 2024 FUNDING
Through this program, the City of Dubuque provides grant funds to cultivate unique and innovative
creative arts and culture experiences that prioritize community engagement and active partnership in
which all parties may experience change and growth. Special projects must incorporate DEI into the
development and execution of the project and demonstrate alignment with City goals and priorities.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59PM on Friday, May 12, 2023. Include only
the materials requested in the online application. Changes or additional materials outside of the
submission deadline will not be accepted.
We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to everyone. Please contact the
Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs at 563.690.6059 or artsculture(cDcityofdubugue.org to request any
accommodations, translation, interpretation, or other assistance you need in completing this process.
The organization submitting the application is solely responsible for the content and timely submission
of this grant.
CONTACT INFORMATION
1. Name of Applicant Organization *
2. Address of Applicant Organization
3. City, State, Zip of Applicant Organization
4. Website of Applicant Organization
5. Other Electronic Presence
If the organization's Facebook page or other online site not listed above demonstrates the quality of
the applicant's previous programming, enter the URL here.
6. Name of Executive Director or Board Chair
7. Email of Executive Director or Board Chair
8. Phone of Executive Director or Board Chair
9. Name of Grant Coordinator (if different from above)
10. Email of Grant Coordinator (if one is noted)
11. Phone of Grant Coordinator (if one is noted)
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
1. State the applicant's mission and briefly describe its primary programs. *
If arts and cultural activities are not part of the applicant's primary mission, discuss how arts and
culture connects to or advances the applicant's goals and priorities.
Max. 2,000 characters including spaces
2. Select the eligibility status that best applies to the applicant.
• Dubuque -based organization that operates as a nonprofit, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of IRS
Organizations.
• Dubuque -based group with its own specific mission, governing structure, and budget operating under
the incorporated status of a Dubuque -based umbrella nonprofit as their fiscal agent.
• Established Dubuque -based group acting as a nonprofit.
3. Upload documentation that affirms the eligibility status you selected above. This documentation
could include: *
• Evidence of 501(c)3 Status
If the applicant is a recognized 501(c)3, upload IRS determination letter.
• Evidence of Fiscal Sponsorship
If the applicant operates under the fiscal umbrella of another 501(c)3, upload a letter signed by an
authorized representative of the umbrella 501(c)3 affirming fiscal sponsorship.
• Evidence of Applicant History working for Public Good
If the applicant operates as a non-profit but is not recognized as such by the IRS or does not
operate under a fiscal sponsor, upload evidence of the applicant's previous programming or
projects that serve the community.
4. Upload documentation listing the applicant's leadership personnel.
• List of the Applicant's Leadership Personnel *
This list could include leadership staff, key volunteers, board of directors, etc as well as those
directly involved with the development and implementation of the proposed project. Include name,
role, duration of appointment; if involved with the proposed project, provide a brief statement of
why they were chosen for this project. Limit to 1 page.
PROJECT NARRATIVE
1. Project Title *
2. Project Start Date *
The start date is the date within the funding period that the applicant will begin actively working on
implementing the special project (i.e. marketing, ordering supplies, contracting artists, etc). Start
dates for FY24 Special Projects must be July 1, 2023 or later.
3. Project End Date *
The end date is the date within the funding period that all project activities will have concluded. End
dates for FY24 Special Projects must be June 30, 2024 or earlier.
4. Briefly describe the proposed project. *
Summarize the proposed project in 3-5 sentences including:
• Primary use of requested funds.
• Primary purpose of the arts and cultural experience to be created.
Max. 1,500 characters including spaces
5. Describe the project's goals and objectives as they relate to the goals of the applicant
organization and the needs of the community. This should include: * (3 points)
• What makes the project unique, innovative, and timely for the applicant and the community?
• How does the project differ from your previous program offerings?
• If the project is part of an ongoing series of events, how does this particular project expand on
prior offerings or elevate new priorities or needs of the applicant or community?
Max. 3,000 characters including spaces
6. Provide evidence of active partnership by identifying and describing the roles and
responsibilities of all partners involved in project activities. * (3 points)
Max. 3,000 characters including spaces
7. Upload a letter of commitment from at least one collaborating partner.
a. Additional letters can be provided. All letters should be combined into a single PDF.
8. Describe how DEI practices are or will be integrated into the planning, outreach, and execution
of the proposed project. * (3 points)
Max. 3,000 characters including spaces
9. Describe your organization's readiness to implement the project by outlining the following: * (3
points)
• Detailed timeline of project activities.
• Describe how project outcomes will be measured and evaluated.
• Budget information provided in the next section will also be considered in Project Readiness
score.
Max. 3,000 characters including spaces
PROJECT BUDGET
1. Grant Request Expenses
List eligible project expenses to be funded by the grant request, including a description and the
dollar amount for each. Round to the nearest dollar. Do not enter decimal signs or commas. Add a
final "TOTAL" row at the bottom that identifies the total grant request.
2. Match Expenses
Detail the expenses to be covered by cash or in -kind sources, including the funding type and source,
and whether the funding has been secured or is pending. Round to the nearest dollar. Add a final
"TOTAL" row at the bottom that identifies the total cash expenses and total value of in -kind
contributions.
Reminder: A 1:1 match is required. Applicants must demonstrate investment in a project by providing
one-to-one matching funds to the grant request for project expenses. 50% of the required 1:1 match
must be cash. The remaining 50% may be either in -kind, cash, or a combination.
3. Estimated Total Project Cost
Enter the total estimated cost of the project. This value should equal the sum of the grant request,
cash match expenses, and in -kind contributions. Round to the nearest dollar. Do not enter decimal
signs or commas.
daARTS & CULTURE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Select only those that the proposed project most actively seeks to advance. Use the narrative
question at the end of the form to describe how and why the project supports the selected
strategy(s). Review the City of Dubuque's Arts and Culture Master Plan goals, priorities, and
associated strategies online.
1. Priority A: Promote and support arts and culture as Dubuque's competitive edge.
Establish multiple funding streams to support arts and cultural activity.
Develop, attract and retain creative talent.
Develop a regulatory or business incentive framework that promotes and protects Dubuque's arts and
cultural assets.
Undertake a strategic branding, marketing and communications campaign promoting awareness of
Dubuque's arts and cultural community at home and in other markets and attracting participants from
outside Dubuque.
2. Priority B: Boost capacity for arts and culture to thrive
Designate and empower an individual or entity to lead development of the cultural sector.
Clarify roles, responsibilities and guidelines for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission to
best leverage their energy and knowledge to the benefit of arts and culture in Dubuque.
Establish a public art policy framework conducive to the arts and cultural activity.
Facilitate communication and coordination among the arts and cultural sector.
Right -size facilities to meet capacity needs for rehearsal, exhibition/performance, education and
administration.
Develop organizational and professional capacity.
3. Priority C: Foster engagement at all levels
Deepen appreciation for arts and culture among the general public.
Provide arts education opportunities to people of all ages, skill levels, and income levels.
Increase availability and accessibility of arts and cultural offerings.
Nurture individual artists, from student to amateur to professional.
Stimulate volunteerism.
Inspire and diversify leadership.
4. Priority D: Cultivate connections
Ensure arts and culture in Dubuque is inclusive and welcoming of people of all backgrounds and
interests.
Develop ties among the arts and the broader community, increasing visibility and relevance of arts
and culture.
Integrate leadership of the arts and cultural sector with leaders in other sectors of Dubuque by forging
new relationships and strengthening existing ones between the arts and cultural sector and the
business, public, non-profit and educational sectors.
5. Describe how the applicant's mission and programs actively advance the strategies selected
above. *
• Discuss factors that lead the applicant to develop a project that aligns with the selected
strategy(s).
4
• Identify and discuss any sub-strategy(s) from the Arts & Culture Master plan that the project
better aligns with if applicable.
• As applicable, discussion on specific efforts to align with other City goals, priorities, and plans is
welcomed, including reference to:
0 City Council Goals and Priorities
o Imagine Dubuque Plan
0 50% by 2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan
0 Equitable Poverty Reduction & Prevention Plan
Max. 3,000 characters including spaces
ASSURANCES
1. I, as the authorizing official of the applicant, have read and understand the program guidelines
and funding policies.
• Yes • No
2. I, as the authorizing official of the applicant, certify that all representations and statements made
in this application are true and correct.
• Yes • No
3. I, as the authorizing official of the applicant, understand that further documents may be
requested by the City of Dubuque to determine organizational and/or project eligibility.
• Yes • No
4. I, as the authorizing official of the applicant, understand that all information and material
submitted with this application is a public record.
• Yes • No
5. I, as the authorizing official of the applicant, agree to acknowledge the City of Dubuque support
in all materials and announcements, audio and visual, for all grant funded activities according to
published logo and credit line guidelines.
• Yes • No
6. I, as the authorizing official of the applicant, request subscription to the City of Dubuque Arts &
Culture News newsletter.
• Yes • No
7. Authorizing Official Name
8. Authorizing Official Title
5
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
City of Dubuque, Iowa
ARTS AND CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM
SCORING RUBRIC
FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS
FY 2024 FUNDING
1. Project goals and objectives highlight what makes the project unique, innovative, and timely
regarding potential community impact and addresses how the project fits within the applicant's
mission: 3 points
3
2
1
Project description is clear with
Project description is satisfactory
Project description fails to
stated goals and objectives that
with stated goals and objectives
communicate the goals and
address community needs or
that loosely take into consideration
objectives; project does not
interests. It is obvious that the
the needs or interests of the
consider community needs or
project aims to maximize the impact
community. The project's impact as
interests and the potential impact is
of an arts and cultural experience
an arts and cultural experience is
scant. The project does not differ
that is unique, innovative, and
moderate. Elements that make the
from the applicant's established
timely. Several factors make the
project unique, innovative, or timely
programs or duplicates offerings
project substantially different from
are modest.
already available to the community.
applicant's past programming,
Project activities are conventional.
independent of or within an ongoing
series.
2. Evidence of active partnership through explanation of roles and responsibilities of all
partners involved in the project development and implementation: 3 points
3
2
1
Partnership roles and
Partnership roles are loosely
Demonstration of active
responsibilities are clearly defined.
defined. Stated responsibilities of
collaboration partnership is lacking.
Partners are actively engaged in
partners demonstrate limited active
Partners are not actively involved in
development and successful
collaboration. Letter(s) of
the development or execution of the
execution of the project. Letter(s) of
commitment from partner(s)
project. Letter(s) of commitment
commitment from partner(s) aligns
generally support the applicant's
from partner(s) do not support the
directly with applicant's narrative.
narrative.
applicant's narrative.
3. Planning efforts and stated outcomes integrate DEI practices to engage and/or represent
diverse populations, advance equity, and create inclusive access to culturally relevant
activities: 3 points
3
2
1
Project clearly incorporates DEI
Project moderately incorporates
Project demonstrates little
practices in planning, outreach, and
DEI practices in aspects of the
understanding of what diversity,
execution. Efforts to include,
project's planning, marketing, and
equity, and inclusion means or
connect with, or represent diverse
execution. Diverse populations or
minimally demonstrates an effort to
populations or cultural experiences
cultural experiences are somewhat
include or represent diverse
are prioritized. Project accessibility
associated with or included in the
populations. The marketing plan is
is maximized. Marketing strategy is
project. Proposed marketing plan is
insufficient and outreach to diverse
well defined and incorporates
adequate and attempts to reach
groups is not considered.
innovative strategies to reach
diverse audiences.
diverse audiences.
4. Organizational readiness to implement the project based on timeline, budget appropriateness,
and evaluation methods: 3 points
3
2
1
Project timeline demonstrates
Timeline is generally defined but
Timeline of tasks is insufficient and
thoughtful planning and detailed
some key tasks are overlooked or
raises concerns about project
consideration of major tasks
not considered. Methods for
achievability. Evaluation methods
needed for successful
measuring and evaluating project
and measures are weak, unclear,
implementation within the funding
outcomes are loosely defined or
or inadequate. Project budget or
period. Methods for measuring and
irrelevant to the project. Budget and
intended use of requested funds is
evaluating project outcomes are
proposed use of funds are
unclear.
clearly defined. Project budget and
disproportionate to project scope;
proposed use of funds are clear
some expenses are ineligible for
and appropriate.
grant support.
5. Evidence of the organization's activities advancing the City of Dubuque's goals, priorities,
and plans, specifically, but not limited to, the Arts & Culture Master Plan: 3 points
3
2
1
Project offers creative arts and
Applicant identifies ways the project
How the project aligns with the
cultural experiences that directly
will advance the City's Arts and
City's Arts and Culture Master Plan
connect to the City of Dubuque's
Culture Master Plan but is unable
is ambiguous and minimal evidence
Arts and Culture Master Plan
to clearly describe how the project
is provided of how the project
strategies. Applicant clearly
advances the Plan's goals and
advances the City's Arts and
describes how the project actively
priorities.
Culture Master Plan goals and
advances the Plan's priorities.
priorities.
Connection to other City goals,
priorities, and plans may be
discussed.
N