Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission 3 27 12Minutes
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday March, 27, 2012
Lacy Board Room
Carnegie -Stout Public Library
360 W. 11th St. Dubuque, IA
The meeting was called to order by Chair O'Rourke at 4:05 p.m. following staff
assurance of compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Paul Hemmer, Ellen Henkels, Marina O'Rourke, Sue Riedel,
Geri Shafer. Louise Kames was present by Skype. Julie Steffen joined the meeting at
4:30 p.m. Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor, Jan Stoffel,
Others present: Aggie Tauke, Community Development Specialist, City of Dubuque.
Approval of Minutes of February 28, 2011. Motion made by Riedel, seconded by
Shafer, to approve minutes as read. Motion carried 6 -0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve 2012 -2013 Art on the River Jury Selections (action). Shafer said
that she thought the proposed art work will be a very strong exhibit. Shafer
moved and O'Rourke seconded to accept the recommendations for the 2012 Art
on the River selections from the Art on the River Committee and forward them to
the City Council for final approval at the Council meeting of April 2, 2012. Motion
carried 6 -0.The selections are: Iowa, Zachary Bowman, Cedar Falls, Iowa;
Selective Memory, Chris Wubbena, Jackson, Missouri; Agrarian Thinking Space,
Greg Mueller, St. Peter, Minnesota; Metal Assisted Bramble Stack, V. Skip
Willits, Camanche, IA; Neried, John Cino, Patchogue, New York; Anchorlily 2,
William Grant Turnbull, Madison, Wisconsin; Ganzfeld 2, Jeff Harms, Chicago,
Illinois; Stanchion, Dan Perry, Waterloo, Iowa; Powerless, Dean Kugler,
Davenport, Iowa; and Lullaby, Scott Wallace, Hendricks, MN.
2. Review and Score FY Operating Grant Applications (action). Riedel
questioned whether all commissioners had reviewed complete grant applications
because some items were missing from Riedel's packet. All other
commissioners had complete applications. The missing items were provided to
Riedel. Commissioners reviewed the Grant Review Procedures and Guidelines
and took turns introducing each application for FY13 Operating Support grants.
• O'Rourke introduced the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. The organization does
an excellent job of out -reach programs using partnerships, such as the
Dubuque Fire and Drum Corps, offering free instruments, lending instruments
and involving older audiences. All programs are of high quality. Its mission
statement is excellent and reflects their partnership philosophy. The group
continues to show an excellent job of clearly showing its economic and
programmatic impact in the City.
• Henkels introduced Bell Tower Productions. Riedel abstained from the
discussion. The Bell Tower is in its 10th Anniversary season. The grant
narrative was well written. Audiences are of all ages and physical ability and
Bell Tower has made thoughtful accommodations for them. The organization
is making good Tong -range planning decisions and has a current five -year
plan and cash reserves. The artistic excellence remains high and the growth
in season ticket sales has been strong.
® Steffen introduced the Dubuque Art Center. The organization is responsive in
understanding grant opportunities and responding to funding money with
programs. Caution should be taken on relying on government and other grant
money because it could change dramatically. With four name changes and
locations in four years, the organization needs to stay true to its mission. The
new strategic model is not strong or outcome based. Narrative has much to
do with staff but Tess on programs. The organization seems key - person and
grant dependent. Not much information about its current involvement in the
Millwork District was explained. Hemmer noted that organization has great
artistic vision, but needs financial help. Shafer loves their artistic vision and
arts education component. Kames said the key is how to balance being a
fluid adaptable organization and stability as an organization.
® Shafer introduced the Dubuque Arts Council. Hemmer abstained from the
discussion. The application was well written and the breadth and depth of the
programs are impressive. Attracting those to the free Music in the Gardens
concerts who may not have transportation was an excellent idea. The board
is large, but with limited staff, it seems as if there is a good committee
structure. They have a niche and they do it very well. The five -year plan has
not been updated as to show progress. It is good to see they "course correct"
when needed.
o Hemmer introduced the Dubuque County Historical Society. The Historical
Society is exemplary in its offerings and is a world -class institution. Its impact
on the community is undisputed. With the level of financing and fundraising
they do, they are under a lot of scrutiny and they take it seriously, learning
what they need to do for an expanding organization. The implementation of
Everyone's a Museum Program is a creative accessibility from solution. They
utilize great partnerships.
® Kames introduced the Dubuque Museum of Art. Steffen abstained from the
discussion. The mission and the interest to fulfill it are strong. The
management is good, and the financials are improving. The strength of th e
collections is good and admission is free thanks to Prudential Retirement. The
brown bag art history program is strong. The strategic plan process needs to
be more transparent and accessible. The use of the word "constituents" for
audiences in the mission statement sounds political. The Museum has gained
great visibility with the American Gothic temporary work and the Dead Artist
series continues to be informative.
® Henkels introduced the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony
always writes a complete and compelling grant. The organization has an
active and loyal board, and meets youth needs. The business plan and
strategy are excellent. They further diversity through the choice of young
soloists. They are in a great position with an endowment for the future.
• O'Rourke introduced the Grand Opera House. Hemmer abstained from the
discussion. Programming meets City goals. Diverse and experienced acts are
presented. They have pared down debt and the gift cards seem to be working
well. They offer student opportunities. New partnerships, including the ballet,
have been strategic. There is a great variety and quality of programming. The
Grand enjoys good leadership that has made some recent big corrections to
the benefit of the organization.
• Riedel introduced Main St. /Downtown Cultural Corridor. The organization
shows good partnerships with the business sector. Architecture Days is
unique and a stand-out. They have a great reach throughout the City and
downtown. They have taken a leadership position in arts grants downtown.
The goals of the business and Cultural Corridor should be stated separately.
What will be their role as "manager" of the Millwork District?
O Riedel introduced NISOM's application. It meets their mission and aligns with
city goals. She noted they have high quality teachers. She would like to see
more action plans on how they're raising money. What are program goals for
the coming years? Hemmer noted they have made great strides in recent
years.
Commissioners then took a short break to finalize their scores. They were reported as
follows:
Hemmer Henkels Kames O'Rourke Riedel Shafer Steffen
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra 100 100 98 100 100 99 95
Dubuque County Historical Society 100 100 97 98 100 95 95
Dubuque Museum of Art 96 86 80 95 95 95 A
Dubuque Arts Council A 90 97 98 90 94 91
Bell Tower Productions 95 100 91 96 A 98 95
Grand Opera House A 89 92 96 95 95 93
Colts Drum and Bugle Corps 100 98 86 98 94 95 87
Northeast Iowa School of Music 96 87 84 90 90 95 89
Dubuque Main Street 97 84 86 96 93 82 84
Dubuque Art Center 93 84 67 81 80 87 81
Commissioners discussed funding formulas to disperse the allocated $210,000 for FY13
operating support grants. Staff will work on several funding scenarios, including one
with the maximum award capped at $45,000, and present them at the next meeting.
During the grants review process, Commissioners noted some ways in which the
application could be improved for FY14 for clarity and to make sure Commissioners
have the correct information to make funding decisions. They suggested that the grant
Review subcommittee be reactivated after the Special Projects finding review to make
recommendations. Some Items to consider in the review are:
® Standardize the response length (i.e. maximum number of words) so all
applicants have the same opportunities and that submitted information is vital
and succinct.
® Utilize a user friendly electronic application form.
O Have "other" be explained more on budget reporting. Allow for a narrative section
on the application for applicants to explain in more detail.
® Goals of the instruction should be clearly stated.
® All long -range plans should include progress reports.
• Full disclosure should be made about any other City funding being given to
applicants. It was brought to the attention of Commissioners that the Dubuque
Arts Center will be receiving operational funds through the Purchase of Service
(POS) program of the City starting in FY 13. The Commission will gather more
information on the new Purchase of Service process and possible impacts.
Information Sharing
1. City Expo is scheduled for April 10th at the Five Flags Center. Traditionally, Art on
the River is featured at a booth which encourages the public to vote for a favorite
sculpture and to sign up for the Notify Me art list. It will be held 5 -8 p.m. Staff
would welcome assistance from Commissioners who are available to help in one
hour shifts that evening. Henkels volunteered to help from 5- 6 p.m... Other
Commissioners will check their schedules.
Adjournment
Steffen moved and Shafer seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 p.m. Motion
passed 7 -0. The next meeting will be held on April 24, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall
Conference Room B, 50 West 13th Street.
Respectfully submitted,
These minutes were passed and approved on
(Nix 1477/1-(-2--
Louise Kames, Secretary