Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commssion 8 31 10MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Library Auditorium 3 Floor, Carnegie -Stout Library,
360 W. 11 Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Ellen Henkels, Louise Kames, Marina O'Rourke, Sue
Riedel, Julie Steffen, and Geri Shafer. Commissioners absent: Paul Hemmer.
Staff present: Jan Stoffel, Jerelyn O'Connor.
Approval of Minutes of July 27, 2010. Motion by O'Rourke and seconded by
Kames to approve the minutes. Motion carried 6 -0.
New Business: Annual Planning Session
Geri Shafer provided an introduction to the planning session format detailing the
commission's past history with goal setting and approach for today's session.
Arts Index Study and Arts and Economic Prosperity Study: In addition to the
written report Jan Stoffel provided a summary of the Arts Index Study. Dubuque
was one of 100 communities nationwide selected to participate in the pilot study
Local Arts Index through Americans for the Arts. This study will evaluate the
health, vitality and character of the arts and culture in the community of Dubuque
but not its economic impact. The study will be conducted over the next 18
months and although there is no charge, it will require staff time. Since we are
participating in the Arts Index Study, Dubuque was provided the opportunity to do
a scientific, highly regarded arts economic impact study customized for the City
of Dubuque at a discounted rate of $2,900. Jerelyn O'Connor presented some
possibilities for funding this study. The consensus of the commission was that
completing the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study will be extremely valuable to
the City, Council, arts and culture non profits, and private partners to use in
fundraising, grantmaking, advocacy, and benchmarking. Motion by Riedel,
Second by Henkels to recommend to the City Council that the City contract with
Americans for the Arts to conduct the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study and to
allocate the $2,000 budgeted in FY 2011 for commissioner professional
development towards the study because the study will provide benefit to the City
and Arts and Culture organizations throughout the community. All approved.
Geri Shafer suggested that commissioners review the suggested research tool
and provide any input or suggestions to Jan within two weeks.
Review and Discussion of Prepared Value Statements
Julie Steffen provided an overview. With the Commission's mission statement in
mind, each Commissioner was asked to prepare a values statement about their
vision for arts and culture in Dubuque. Each Commissioner shared their value
statements. Julie noted that there was a significant amount of overlap dealing
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with the themes of integrity, partnership, open process, accessibility and
education, abundance and variety of the arts.
2010 -2011 Commission Priorities
Geri Shafer facilitated the discussion on Commission goals. The main priorities
from the 2008 Goal Setting are (1) Advocacy and visibility, (2) Grant making and
(3) Access to the arts for all. Geri stated that she wants to define what staffs role
is and what the Commission's role is. It was suggested that the Commission's
role should be expanded as the leading action /policy /networking organization for
the arts. After extensive discussion, there was consensus to keep these three
main priorities. Geri Shafer suggested that we review and refine these priorities
at the September commission meeting.
Arts and Humanities Month
Arts and Humanities Month Proclamation will be on September 20 city council
agenda. Geri Shafer will accept on behalf of the Commission. Marina O'Rourke
will arrange for dancers to perform prior to the City Council meeting. Julie
Steffen offered to write an article for Juliens Journal. Ellen Henkels said she will
write a guest editorial for the Telegraph Herald to publish in October.
Information Sharing
Jan Stoffel provided the Commission an updated contact sheet and a calendar of
the Commission's activities for the coming year.
Adjournment
Riedel moved and Kames seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:08 p.m. The
next meeting will be held on September 29, 2010, at 4:30 p.m., at the Carnegie
Stout 3rd floor Auditorium.
Respectfully submitted,
J -relyn O'Connor, Neighb
rhood Development Specialist
These minutes were passed and approved on
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