Minutes Arts & Cult. Adv. 4 13 05
MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY
COMMISSION
SPECIAL SESSION
Tuesday, April 13, 2005,4:00 p.m.
Third-Floor Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Public Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. following staff Assurance of Compliance
with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners Present: Rebecca Fabricius, William Intriligator, Jane
Kenworthy, Paul Kohl, Amy Link, Susan Riedel, Mark Wahlert.
Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor, Kevin Firnstahl
Approval of Minutes of March 22, 2005
Motion by Link, Second by Intriligator, passed unanimously
New Business
FY 2005 Arts and Culture Grant Program for Special Projects Review/Rank
Applications.
Commissioner Fabricius suggested that Commissioners be timed to one-minute
comments per application. The Commission agreed, and staff person O'Connor
would time.
After brief discussion, it was decided that any Commissioner having a conflict of
interest with any application would step away from the table and recuse
themselves from commenting on or ranking the application(s) in question.
It was also decided that comments would be solicited from any applicant
representatives present after the Commission reviewed their application. If no
representative is present and there is a need for more information about an
application, requests would be made in writing to the grant administrator.
Application Review
Cable Car Quilters Guild
Sue Riedel
Application met the City's goals, high tourism element, realistic timeline
and good downtown placement.
Amy Link
Application was well done and organized but did not display a new or
expanded element
Mark Wahlert
A solid application that met the City's goals. It has a niche focus that met
the requirements but did not have a wide audience appeal. Questioned
whether grant was needed since application indicated project income
exceeds expenses by $2,500.
Rebecca Fabricius
Application is not new or expanded programming. Biennial timeline,
historical experience, uniqueness, and all-volunteer event are positive
components.
William Intriligator
Application is not new or expanded programming. Good downtown
location would create interest and large audience draw. Application most
other met requirements. Nice historical element. Recommends minimal
award.
Jane Kenworthy
Well-organized and well-written application. Few craft applications
received. Nice draw for senior audience.
Paul Kohl
Each application is capable of doing the proposed project. However, this
application is not innovative, new or expanded. Although it is a unique art
form, it is low-impact.
Colts Drum & Bugle Corps.
Amy Link
Application was done well and fulfills a special need. However, it is similar
to other Colts programming and would appeal to the mid-aged kid
demographic.
Mark Wahlert
A worthwhile program, but not new or expanded. Similar programming.
Rebecca Fabricius
Program has odd weekday timeframe. Application does not meet goals,
nor is it explained well. July 4 event date not detailed. Anticipated
revenue indicates commercial purpose.
William Intriligator
The new band ensemble element indicates expanded program. Town
Clock location is good and will draw audience. Program is accessible,
affordable, organized, but low-impact.
Jane Kenworthy
Questioned eligibility of "opportunity cost" and "foregone revenue" as
project costs. Also questioned the lack of detail for the July 4 event date.
Programming has broad appeal.
Paul Kohl
Programming is not new and minimally expanded, but the Colts have a
large following.
Sue Riedel
Good youth program. Presents opportunity to see our youth at their best.
Daytime hours are odd. Nice to have them back to town.
Applicant comment:
This group strived for new and expanded programming. It is difficult to
schedule dates for shows in town as out-of-town shows that are already
scheduled and meet their expenses would have to be dropped. Rising
costs also prevent the Colts from performing locally. They hope to gain
funding from the Lunch with the Colts program.
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Mark Wahlert
Application is solid but not challenging. Large grant request.
Rebecca Fabricius
Good public access and on-going programming element.
William Intriligator
Good on-going programming, impressive application and organized event.
Questioned other funding sources. Recommended partial funding.
Jane Kenworthy
Meets cultural goals. Affordable, impressive event. A timeline was not
included in the application. Liked the idea of a real Japanese Garden.
Paul Kohl
New, unique project with good cultural and public access elements.
Sue Riedel
Too large to fund at this time. Interesting 20-year timeline. Event will
have tourism impact and good attendance. Nice to have authentic
Japanese garden. This project needs a partnership, other funding. Well-
written application.
Amy Link
Liked the incorporation of expert talent. Although it is a high funding
amount requested, project does meet the City's goals and will have
community impact.
Dubuque Arts Council
Rebecca Fabricius
Similarity to other applications may hinder audience draw. Connection to
City's goals not detailed. Questioned organization contract. Recommend
re-submission if not funded this time. Also recommended the National
Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium as a natural partner.
William Intriligator
Project has broad appeal. Organization has 20 years of experience. No
groups have been contracted and grant figures are misleading. However,
good over all.
Jane Kenworthy
Project lacks planning detail. Questioned City funds being used for
religious services. Lacks administrative capacity. No venues or
headliners contracted.
Paul Kohl
Good timeframe to hold event. Project will have impact.
Sue Riedel
Good idea but questioned lack of planning details (who & what). Inclusion
of private and business dollars adds to credibility and other granting.
Liked variety of locations.
Amy Link
Liked the involvement of businesses and variety of venues as well as the
appeal to high school students through workshops. Multi-day schedule
nice. Needs more organization.
Mark Wahlert
Great idea at nice time of year. Questioned relationship with venues and
possible profiting. Recommends re-submission for next year.
Dubuque County Historical Society
(Mark Wahlert recused)
William Intriligator
Impressive, organized grant. New project. Questioned how museum is
different from Loras College Center for Dubuque History. High cultural
impact and planned well. Recommend partial funding.
Jane Kenworthy
Tremendous tourism value. Pleased to see elements pertaining to the
history of minorities in the community. Questioned if any of project costs
are included in other grant applications. Appeals to all ages.
Paul Kohl
Good appeal. New project with high cultural value. Organization has
capability of completing the project.
Sue Riedel
Favorite application. Well written with long-term value and impact on
schools and public. High credibility with project having support already.
Amy Link
Liked this application. Organization has good reputation. Project involves
every demographic, opens partnership opportunities, and involves many
volunteers. Recommends partial or full support.
Rebecca Fabricius
Application reflects organization's expertise. Questioned whether or not
script described the project's scope well enough. Large funding request.
Project is already underway. How will be it be funded.
Applicant representative - Mark Wahlert
Since this project is open to the public and not just academic research, it
differs from the Loras archive. Educational programming is also planned.
In addition to Dubuque history, exhibits would include Dubuque's minority
history and folklore; thereby, incorporating an underserved section of the
community. Permanent museum exhibits would be supplemented with a
variety of rotating ones. In contrast to other DCHS properties (e.g. the
Ham House), this project would be open year round.
Dubuque Museum of Art
(Mark Wahlert recused)
Jane Kenworthy
Displays expanded programming. Limited impact with appeal to pre-
schoolers. Excellent organizational capacity. Important, active
programming. Big return on small investment.
Paul Kohl
Small potential audience. Minimal funding request is a positive element
but not necessary to project.
Sue Riedel
Good program. Free admission and weekend timeline good for families.
Project meets City's goals. Had questions regarding the use of a
consultant. What will consultant be doing? Project provides life-long
learning and accessible arts elements. Minimal request worthwhile.
Amy Link
Organization provides good after-school arts programs. This project is
interpretive of the arts and hits a good demographic. Although it is a
limited project, it has a non-recurring cost element. Also questioned the
use of a consultant.
Rebecca Fabricius
Passed comment.
William Intriligator
Project is consistent with city's cultural arts goals. Application doesn't
show expansion. Good planning, but questioned workshop and long-term
impact. Impressive organization. Asked what other organizations would
pay for. Request is for too much.
Applicant comment: Mark Wahlert
Group has only purchased some furniture, but no other implementation
has taken place. There is no other activity as of yet. Questions regarding
the use of a consultant should be directed to DUMA staff.
Dubuque Music Men's Barbershop Chorus
Paul Kohl
Project is not new and does not broaden audience. Existing program.
Sue Riedel
Project is not new. It is successful but a continuing program. Budget
shows successful, profitable event that is good for tourism. Organization
has a reputable history and does bring in quartets.
Amy Link
Agreed with Riedel. Likes the musical theme. Project pulls good
demographics, but is not new programming. Questioned why funding is
needed.
Mark Wahlert
Project lacks new or expanded goals. Application has sound budget and
questioned why funding is needed.
Rebecca Fabricius
Project is not new. City funding won't impact this project.
William Intriligator
Project is not new or expanded. Application didn't refer to City's arts goals
or mission statement. Questioned whether airfare and stipends are the
right use of funds. Project does not have a large audience draw.
Jane Kenworthy
Questioned large amount for lodging guest performers and suggested
using volunteer homes. Not a strong application.
Applicant representative
This group is new to the grant process. Since the grant did not allow the
purchase of equipment, they chose to expand the quartets. They are
working on other ideas.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra
(Intriligator & Kenworthy recused)
Sue Riedel
Unique festival idea especially with the national element. Liked the multi-
event aspect, which provides educational opportunities. Would like to see
more of the project groups meet regularly. Variety of programming
offered. Organization is well established and makes use of volunteers.
Amy Link
Appreciated the element of many partnership forms coming together.
Project would draw different demographics, met City's goals, shows
commitment, and is a minimal request.
Mark Wahlert
Project has nice educational impact and uses a variety of media. It
reaches a different audience, a strong application, and a reasonable
request.
Rebecca Fabricius
Similar to other applications for funding. Marketing capacity and
partnerships not spelled out well. Specific project goals not identified.
Paul Kohl
Project has a good, wide scope. Small request i~ a positive element.
Applicant comment: Jane Kenworthy
Jane noted that $15,000 from the Iowa Arts Council will help to publish the
brochure, which in turn will help promote all of the groups involved.
Project holds adult education and history opportunities with the 250th
anniversary of Mozart's birth. Additional funding would go toward special
pieces of the festival that could not normally be done. Partial funding
would mean paring down the festival elements not covered by other
funding. This project is coordinated by the DSO, and they are capable of
tracking the impact on attendance vs. an average audience.
Fly-By-Night Productions
Amy Link
Liked the application and the aspect that the project uses a different venue
idea, involves audience participation. The project brings name recognition
to the organization. Offers a different style of theater. Recommended for
partial funding.
Mark Wahlert
Top application. Project has potential and would be a unique production.
High funding request recommended for partial funding.
Rebecca Fabricius
Highly rated application, which met the purpose of the funding. Project
meets and dovetails well with the City's goals well. Project is timed well.
Views this as a capacity building grant. Liked the non-traditional theater
element. Questioned the use of revenue within the organization.
William Intriligator
Exceptional program that furthers the City's comprehensive plan. It is a
well-planned, good idea. Questioned the exorbitant funding request and
. asked if the grant would cover all expenses. Further questioned the lack
of profit figures for a ticketed event.
Jane Kenworthy.
Noted the Commission should ask for revenue and expense outlines to be
included with each application. Liked the pre-play/post-play discussions
as well as the message and risk elements.
Paul Kohl
Unique and educational opportunity presented by a good group. High
funding request recommended for partial funding.
Sue Riedel
Worthy project. Creative, interactive idea, which makes use of an
interesting venue. Project is timed well for tourism. Organization is
established with a large volunteer base. Affordable art form. Liked
element of free discussions. Suggested that Fly-By-Night should consider
scheduling play for a longer run.
Applicant Comment: Lenore Howard
FBNP is interested in theater that engages the audience and actors. They
are a small group that fills a niche and is new to the grant process. The
organization has never incurred debt and has no paid staff. Stipends are
paid per project. Tickets for this project would be priced at $17, which
included the venue service fee. It is an expensive, expanded project.
Revenue from all projects is carried over to the next project. May consider
longer run.
Four Mounds Foundation
Mark Wahlert
Application presented some challenges. Application not signed. Section 2
C was not checked as new or expanded programming. Questioned
funding a City-owned building.
Rebecca Fabricius
This application had potential obstacles. However, it is a significant
structure that is linked to the City's cultural goals and comprehensive plan.
Has public accessibility element.
William Intriligatof
Application not signed. Project is very impressive, outstanding, furthers
the City's goals well, has a broad impact, good planning and timeline, as
well as an additional donor. It is modest request.
Jane Kenworthy
Agreed with Commissioner Intriligator.
Paul Kohl
Project has broad cultural and architectural impact as well as an historical
preservation element. It is not new or expanded and believes that Four
Mounds is not well known enough.
Sue Riedel
Questioned the use of funding for a City Building. Project meets City
goals and will promote visitors. It is a modest request.
Amy Link
Liked the historical element and the organization is good, but this is not
the best use of funds.
Grand Opera House
(Sue Riedel and William lntriligator recused)
Rebecca Fabricius
Project is expanded but questioned why funding was needed to expand it.
Unsure of what demographics the project is reaching. Limited
participation.
Jane Kenworthy
Project has limited impact and is not expanded. Questioned why there are
no to-date registrations. Project does involve low-income participants.
Despite a very complete cover page, budget figures do not compare well
on pages 14-16. This is an on-going project.
Paul Kohl
This is a good program, which is open to variety but has a limited
audience.
Amy Link
The lack of other support appears fiscally irresponsible. Project is directed
at youth in need, but questioned whether City funds should be spent out of
the City.
Mark Wahlert
Project is not new or expanded and has limited audience. Funding should
be keep within the City.
Northeast Iowa School of Music/Bell Tower Theater
(Sue Riedel and William Intriligator recused)
Jane Kenworthy
This is a new project that meets the City's goals. Liked kids' programming
element. Questioned why the Bell Tower was not the project applicant as
NISOM has a stretched organizational capacity.
Paul Kohl
Project has an innovative quality, but narrow potential audience.
Amy Link
Project appeals to the important demographic of children and families.
Liked spacing of events. Partnership seemed stretched throughout
application.
Mark Wahlert
Nice application that supports two organizations in need of programming,
which is important to cultural success.
Rebecca Fabricius
Project is directed to only kids and needs an educational component.
Questioned how programmed would be advertised and the number of
performances.
Applicant representative: Sue Riedel
Performances are scheduled the first Saturday of each month over an
eight-month period with different artists each month. This program would
utilize the west end youth, many within walking distance. It is a true
partnership with NISOM handling the artistic duties and the Bell Tower
handling the facility/theatrical duties. This pilot program is designed for
family activity. Ticket prices are only $5 with a 50/50 minimal revenue split
between the partners.
University of Dubuque
William Intriligator
This project furthers the City's goals. Organization is experienced, but
questioned the off-campus impact. Project seems to be all about lecture.
Jane Kenworthy
Project is not available to adults off campus. Impact is on UD students
only.
Paul Kohl.
Application has a nice sister-city aspect, but is not new or expanded.
Impact is on UD students.
Sue Riedel
Application is written well. It is an interesting project that appeals to a
selected audience, which creates an advertising problem. Program has a
unique sister-city element, which is of benefit to the City, and recommends
partial funding.
Amy Link
Project has an international appeal. Questioned ,how much of the funding
would cover the different components of the program.
Mark Wahlert
Liked the application, but it is too narrow and specific to the University of
Dubuque. Would consider funding if the program had broader appeal.
Rebecca Fabricius
Agreed with the other commissioners. Nothing new to add
Discussion
The Commission then agreed to rank the applications from 1-13 with 1 being the
best. Staff member O'Connor will then tabulate the rankings and averages by
the number of Commissioners who reviewed the applications. This information
will be used at the April 26 meeting for developing a grant award
recommendation to City Council.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Wahlert, Second by Intriligator, all
approved. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 26 at 4 p.m. in the Carnegie-Stout Public Library
board room.
These minutes passed, approved and adO::,t:~/tdav:::n
. Mark Wahlert, Secretary ~/
City Council:
City Manager:
File: