Minutes Arts Commission 5 27 08MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 3:30 p.m.
Board Room, Carnegie Stout Public Library
360 W. 11t" Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Meeting was called to order at 3:45 p.m. following staff assurance of compliance
with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Paul Kohl, Louise Kames, Sue Riedel, Ellen Henkels and Geri
Shafer. Paul Hemmer arrived at 4:00 p.m.
Absent: Amy Weber, Paul Kohl left at 4:10 p.m.
Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor, Liz Willems
Others in Attendance: Sarah Davidson representing Step by Step, Lenore Howard,
representing Fly by Night Productions, Doug Donald, representing Loras College
Players, Jay Potter, representing Four Mounds, Jerry Enzler representing Dubuque
County Historical Society and Miki Robinson from the Bell Tower Theater
Approval of Minutes of May 20, 2008.
Motion by Riedel, second by Kohl to approve minutes. Motion passed 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
FY2009 Special Project Grants
Commission agreed to review each grant and discuss any questions/concerns. The
consensus of the commission was to defer ranking the applications since it was
possible for only four commissioners who had scored the applications to attend this
meeting.
Commissioner Kohl noted that he is an employee of Loras College. Fly-by-Night
Productions has submitted a grant request which involves a collaboration with the Loras
College Players. However, since Paul Kohl has no direct involvement with the Players,
the Commission did not feel it was necessary for him to abstain.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra:
There were questions on what was funded last year, is this the same project? There
was discussion that is was a continuation of the same project. Last year, grant funds
were provided for marketing the "final four." This request is for funding the free concert.
Sue Riedel noted that she was impressed with the amount of support for this program
from other funders and businesses and would like to see the Arts Commission support it
as well.
Step by Step:
Paul Hemmer questioned whether Step by Step is an eligible organization since it is not
an arts and culture organization. Staff member O'Connor clarified that eligible
applicants are 501 c (3) organizations whose mission is consistent with furthering the
City's arts and culture goals. Commissioners questioned whether the proposal is a sign
or art. Is there any interpretation of the logo?
Dubuque County Historical Society:
Special Project Grant request was for "At the Lead Mines Historic Interpretation of the
Landscape". Commissioners asked Jerry Enzler what specifically the project entails.
He clarified that there would be historic landscaping, change of planting and signage,
lead miner interpretation on what life was like at a lead mine including a mock lead
mine, and a carriage lane will be rebuilt along the porch at the Ham House. Project
deadline is June 2009. This will be marketed in all signage and brochures.
Dubuque Museum of Art:
There was discussion on whether the Dubuque Museum of Art's Special Project Grant
request "School Year 2009 Museum Arts Trek Programming" is a new or expanded
program. Staff member O'Connor noted that the Commission provided grant funding in
FY 2006 for this program to pay for bus transportation and for the substitute teacher in
the classroom which allowed the art specialist to attend Arts Trek with the instructor and
the class.
Four Mounds:
Special Project Grant request was for a community event held at the Four Mounds
property. Art & Antique Road Show: A Celebration of 100 Years at Four Mounds.
Commissioner Kames asked why they were not paying the visual artists. There were
questions whether Four Mounds has had experience hosting this type of event and how
the event would be marketed. The free community event encompasses art, history, and
music and will be marketed as a 175th Anniversary event.
Fly by Night Productions:
Special Project Grant request was for staging two plays, Hamlet and Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern are Dead. There were positive comments about the collaboration between
Fly-by-Night and the Loras College Players and the repertory selections. Lenore
Howard stated that Fly-By-Night would handle the marketing.
Bell Tower Theatre:
Special Project Grant request was for children's classes at the Bell Tower, "Kids Take
the Stage Youth Theater Classes". Miki Robinson mentioned that there has been a
tremendous growth in participation in their youth theater programs and they appreciated
the Special Projects grant which helped launch that. Classes cost $50 per student and
scholarships are available. Geri Shafer stated that she liked the tie in to Every
Child/Every Promise.
Dubuque Arts Council:
Special Project Grant "I LOVE APIANO" -First in a planned series of touring Broadway
revues and shows planned in cooperation with Five Flags Theater. Paul Hemmer
clarified that the grant request is for $2,500.
Motion to score the grants at the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission
regularly scheduled meeting on June 24t" at 4:00 p.m. by Riedel, seconded by Kames.
Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
FY2009 Operating Support Funding Program.
Staff member O'Connor reviewed that the Commission approved funding awards at the
last meeting at 4.5%, 3%, and 2% of operating expenses depending on rating score and
to distribute the remaining dollars to the top six scoring organizations. However, this
resulted in funding two smaller organizations over the 6% maximum specified in the
program guidelines. Commissioner Weber planned to present an alternative for the
Commission's consideration but she was unable to attend this meeting. Motion by
Henkels to table this item to the next scheduled meeting. Second by Kames. Motion
carried
Motion to adjourn by Kames, second by Riedel. All approved. Meeting adjourned 5:40
p.m.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~t~ ` 4. la ~.~
Liz Willems
These minutes passed and approved on June 24, 2008.
Paul Kohl, Secretary
City Clerk
City Council:
City Manager:
File: