Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission 3 22 11MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Lacy Board Room, Carnegie Stout Public Library 3 Floor
360 W. 11 Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Meeting was called to order at 4:33 p.m. following staff assurance of compliance
with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Ellen Henkels, Louise Kames, Sue Riedel, Geri Shafer, Paul
Hemmer, and Mariana O'Rourke. Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor, Jessica Kurt.
Others present: Meg Wall -Wild
Approval of Minutes of February 22, 2011. Motion by Riedel, second by O'Rourke to
approve minutes. Motion carried 7 -0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve 2011 Art on the River Jury Selection. O'Connor presented slide
show with the jury selections and alternates for the 2011 Art on the River Exhibit.
O'Connor described the process of selection of artwork, applications received,
and the jury process. The selected exhibit has also been reviewed and approved
by the Art on the River Committee. Motion by Hemmer, second by Riedel to
approve the Art on the River selections. Motion carried 7 -0. Commissioner
Shafer formally thanked the jury for their time and commitment to choosing the
sculptures for the 2011 show.
O'Connor discussed with the commission the possibility of allowing the Best in
Show artist of the Art on the River program the opportunity to show again in the
following year's program. O'Rourke raised the issue that the site the artwork was
exhibited at would perhaps then be taken away from another artist's work which
would suit that space. The commission agreed that the issue would require more
thought and discussion in the future.
2. Review and Fund Operating Grant Applications.
Commission Chair Shafer reviewed the process and the changes in the process
for reviewing the Operating Support funding requests. She stated that each
commissioner will have an opportunity to comment on the applications and raise
any issues /questions, but will not direct questions to the applicants. If a
commissioner had a conflict of interest, he /she will physically step away from the
table. Minutes will reflect any issues raised and a summary of reviewers
comments will be made available to the applicants.
Bell Tower Productions - Riedel abstained from the discussion. Shafer stated
that the Bell Tower Productions narrative was very well written and it
demonstrated the organization's strong financial position. She also pointed out
that their strategic plan identifies their goals and exhibits thinking for the future.
She noted the positive outreach the Bell Tower provides to all ages and its
impressive growth over seven years. Henkels agreed and spoke about how the
Bell Tower has found ways to expand and grow. Kames noted that the
application was well written. She noted that many of their stated goals have
been met. Hemmer mentioned their dedication to young performers.
Downtown Dubuque Cultural Corridor — Steffen remarked that the positives of
the Downtown Dubuque Cultural Corridor are the inclusion of youth performers in
the Jazz series and that the organization supports working artists. She noted
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that their financials were not long range but that there was a tight control on the
budget. Steffen added that she would like to see more information on audiences
served and on their outreach efforts. Shafer said she would like to see a
strategic plan specific to the downtown cultural corridor. Riedel states she likes
that they provide accessible, free arts events which are open to all and she
appreciates the variety of their programs. Kames noted that they made many
connections to the city's cultural arts goals.
Dubuque Arboretum - Henkels said the Arboretum's application was laid out
quite well and provided a good connection to the city's cultural arts goals. She
noted the many positives the organization provides in regards to community pride
but felt it's a bit of a stretch to fit well as an arts and culture organization. Riedel
mentioned the fact that Arboretum is a tourist attraction —with 130,000 people
visiting each year and how the organization is working toward having an
administrator there that will help them there all the time. O'Rourke said she liked
that they work with other groups but mentioned that their goals were "physical"
and would like to see commitment to incorporate arts in this beautiful space.
Shafer recommended the organization provide an action timetable, a clear plan
for the future, and lay out the steps necessary and how they'll achieve those
goals.
Dubuque Arts Center- O'Rourke spoke of the organization's positives in
designing programs that are in line with the City's goals and their innovative
ideas for the future. Hemmer felt that the organization was trying to do too much
and that there is some duplication of services. He recommended the
organization narrow their focus. Steffen stated there may be some opportunities
for partnerships, such as partnering with Dubuque Main Street for monthly art
walks. Henkels remarked on the incredible amount of things the Dubuque Art
Center is doing but suggested they need to focus. Kames questioned the
organization's stability. She noted their current initiatives are not in their strategic
plan. She complimented them on their energy and enthusiasm. O'Rourke
recommended more specifics be included such as participation figures. Riedel
questioned whether the organization can sustain their programs if grants are not
received. Kames and Henkels agreed that there was not enough information.
Dubuque Arts Council – Hemmer abstained from the discussion. Karnes
commended Dubuque Arts Council for their multitude of excellent programs,
educational role, and exemplary management, and how they've long served the
community. She mentioned their progressive choices of genres, large
audiences, and noted that they received an Iowa Arts Council stability grant.
Steffen liked how the organization looked at their target audience and then
examined thoughtful ways of expanding it. Henkels remarked how the
organization provides children new experiences which helps them to grow.
Riedel spoke highly of the fact the group is reaching 20,000 students annually
and 12,000 citizens attended concerts. Shafer remarked that the organization
has done a great job addressing challenging economic times and noted their
phenomenal job of moving forward and making a big impact.
Dubuque Chorale – Hemmer spoke of the organization's demonstrated record
of excellence, modest but realistic financial document. Steffen liked the
outreach the organization is doing and how the Dubuque Chorale provides the
community an opportunity to perform. O'Rourke recommended the organization
be more specific in addressing how they further the City goals. Riedel
questioned what the mission was of the organization. Shafer stated that it is
commendable that they've establish an endowment.
Dubuque County Fine Arts Society - Steffen abstained from the discussion.
Riedel complimented the organization for trying to bring art to the community in a
variety of venues and spoke highly of the annual Dubuque Fest which is such an
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asset to the community. She recommended the inclusion of participation figures.
She noted Arts Trek, the Elisha Darlin award, and the One Act Play. They
provide affordable, accessible programs. O'Rourke suggested they provide more
specific data on attendance figures, participation, and impact. Hemmer
questioned whether the organization had a building and was informed that the
building was sold. He then asked the commissioners where this was listed in the
assets. Shafer said this was an issue that needed to be addressed and asked
staff member Jerelyn O'Connor to research this. Shafer also noted that the
organization needs to take a look at their long range plan and how they're going
to accomplish those goals.
Dubuque County Historical Society – Shafer made comments on the
organization's impact on the community and its standard of cultural excellence.
They have demonstrated leadership through accreditation and are a Smithsonian
affiliate. She also noted their Everyone's Museum Program as positive in
improving access to the museum. Hemmer stated he thought the City should
fund the Historical Society directly. Riedel said the organization was Dubuque's
biggest tourist attraction. Steffen liked their long range plans and O'Rourke liked
that the organization networks with national partners. Riedel also mentioned how
the economic impact of the Historical Society rolls into other businesses.
Dubuque Museum of Art – Steffen abstained from the discussion. Hemmer
commented that the museum has a good future plan that's concise and realistic.
He complimented the organization for its accessibility to everyone with free
admission and the wonderful plans they have for the coming year. Henkels is
enthused about the new leadership and Shafer applauds the organization for
continuing on a path toward the future while acknowledging its past history in
Dubuque. O'Rourke questioned why their budgeting for a deficit operation and
questioned bank charges included in their financials of $6,700. O'Rourke asked
that O'Connor address this issue with the organization. Kames had questions
about the organizations strategic plan since it ended in 2011.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra - Steffen complimented the Dubuque
Symphony Orchestra for the diversity of their programming but feels the
organization could do some further exploration to reach the underserved. She
applauded their work on an endowment campaign and appreciate their
participation with school age children. Kames noted how well written the
narrative was and Shafer added it could be a model to other applicants on how to
complete the application.
FIy -by- Night- Productions - Compliments were given to the organization for the
fact that its run entirely by volunteers and how the organization has been able to
provide the community with edgy performances for 28 years. The commission
recommended that FIy -By -Night connect the mission statement with goals and
state figures in regards to how many people attend performances. Henkels
mentioned that that organization is sustainable in that they keep themselves
going with sheer love of theatre. Steffen said its remarkable how FIy -by -Night
understands its niche and commends them for addressing some outreach efforts
this year. Riedel added that the organization does creative projects no one else
does. O'Rourke stated that the organization offers artists and directors to be
able to stretch —with no fear of failure.
Grand Opera House – Paul Hemmer abstained from participating in the
discussion. Kames noted that the Grand Opera House has strong leadership and
is keeping its mission with the City goals. The organization is looking at needs in
the community. The theatre itself is fabulous. O'Rourke said the leadership is
progressive and creative and complimented the organization's variety of
entertainment. Riedel noted that the Grand Opera House projected an $80,000
budget increase but questioned the plan of action required for that to happen.
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Shafer added that the economic impact of the organization is very large and the
quality of shows and productions is outstanding.
Colts Drum and Bugle Corps — O'Rourke complimented the organization for
addressing financial challenges— cutting back on travel and hosting events in
which the organization can make money —as well as the ideas the organization
has to generate funds. It's an outstanding organization dedicated to youth and
music and competitive excellence. Riedel questioned the organization's budget
as to why it reflected a financial loss rather than breaking even. Hemmer pointed
out the increase in gasoline prices and offered this as a possible reason for a
loss of funds. Hemmer noted their exceptional leadership and outreach in
challenged neighborhoods. Henkels appreciated that they noted how much of
their budget is spent locally. Commission asked O'Connor to research the
commission's history on funding the Colts.
Northeast Iowa School of Music — The Northeast Iowa School of Music
received positive comments on its clear mission as well as for its history of
success. O'Rourke recommended the organization provide information on their
figures, such as the number of students and the number of people attending
events. Steffen remarked that she liked the creativeness behind their fundraising
and how they've allowed everyone the ability to contribute.
Commissioners finalized their scoring sheets. Scores from each applicant were
read aloud and tabulated.
FY 11 Operating ' Scores;'
Support Funding Hemmer Henkels Kames O'rourke Riedel
Bell Tower Productions 87 97 91 95 Abstain 100 92 93.6
Colts Drum & Bugle 100 97 88 96 85 92 82 91.4
Dubuque Arboretum 99 85 81 83 94 89 82 87.6
Dubuque Art Center 81 78 61 80 80 93 84 79.6
Dubuque Arts Council Abstain 97 97 95 93 95 86 93.8
Dubuque Chorale 100 87 73 78 85 84 80 83.9
Dbq County Historical Society 100 100 94 91 100 100 90 96.4
Dubuque Fine Arts Society 88 87 86 91 85 85 Abstain 87
Dubuque Main Street Ltd. 91 83 84 96 95 85 77 87.3
Dubuque Museum of Art 95 95 90 89 95 100 Abstain 94
Dubuque Symphony 100 98 98 96 100 100 90 97.4
Fly by Night Productions 91 91 94 85 90 90 91 90.3
Grand Opera House Abstain 92 83 97 95 93 89 91.5
N.E. Iowa School of Music 92 93 89 82 90 93 86 89.3
Consensus of the commission was to have staff prepare some funding scenarios and
commission will finalize funding recommendations at the next meeting.
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Shafer Steffen Score
OLD BUSINESS
Geri Shafer informed the Commission that the City Council did not approve the two
budget requests to 1) increase funding for the Arts Coordinator position from 10 hours a
week to 20 hours a week and 2) to increase the operating support funding by 10 %, or a
$20,000 increase. Shafer advocated that the Commission continue to communicate to
Council the importance of the arts to the community.
O'Rourke stated that the weekend ballet audience participated in the Economic Impact
Study by completing audience surveys and she was impressed by how much people
spent in an evening. Steffen suggested local restaurants provide an economical special
to those planning to attend an arts event. O'Connor informed the Commission that 250
surveys will be submitted quarterly. The economic impact study will be not be completed
until 2012.
INFORMATION SHARING
Shafer informed the Commission that City Council unanimously approved
the commission's recommendation that the Bee Branch Parkway project integrate
permanent, functional public art.
Shafer also updated the Commission that Lynn Sutton was appointed to fill the vacant
Fourth Ward City Council seat. Shafer said she intended to write to Sutton to introduce
herself and the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Riedel moved and Hemmer seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m. The next
meeting will be held on April 26.
Res•ectfully submitted,
Oa—
essica Kurt
These minutes were passed and approved on
�-cretary
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