Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission 2/28/12Minutes
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday February 28, 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 :30 p.m. following staff
assurance of compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Paul Hemmer, Ellen Henkels, Louise Kames, Marina
O'Rourke, Sue Riedel, Geri Shafer and Julie Steffen.
Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor, Jan Stoffel,
Approval of Minutes of January 24, 2011. Motion by Shafer, seconded by Riedel to
approve minutes. Motion carried 7 -0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Commission Attendance at American's for the Arts Conference. Staff noted
that there are professional development funds budgeted for a commissioner to
attend this conference June 8 -10 in San Antonio. Staff requested
Commissioners to notify Stoffel by March 15, 2012, if they are interested in
attending so that arrangements can be made. Marina O'Rourke stated that she is
interested.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Report to the City Council on How the Commission meets City Council Top
Priorities. The ad hoc committee of Shafer, Henkels and O'Connor met to
discuss this and possible approaches to preparing an updated "state of the arts"
report, with a specific reference to the Council Goals and Priorities. It was
suggested to include data from the economic impact and local arts index reports.
The economic impact study results will be released in June 2012. Committee
suggested using illustrative stories to show the impact of the city arts funding.
Commissioners will research stories to be included. The consensus of the
commission is to release the state of the arts report in October as part of National
Arts and Humanities Month. Commission will discuss this again at the June
meeting after they have concluded the grant reviews.
2. Review of timeline and application procedures for Commissioners.
Stoffel reported that applications are available online or in person through the
City Clerk's office and can be made at any time during the year. Applications stay
active for a year. In May, the Clerk will contact present commissioners whose
terms will expire and any applicants on record to see if they want to continue to
be considered for the new positions on the board. The Commissioners can
encourage applications and can recommend or not recommend applicants to the
Council. Stoffel will send a notice in May to the art Notify Me list when the notice
of vacancies is made by the City Clerk.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION
1. Shafer reported that the artist call for the 2012 Voices Exhibit has been sent and
is available on their website.
2. HenkeIs urged Commissioners to attend the Cracker - barrel session when
legislators are in town and speak on behalf of the arts. There is one scheduled
for March 3.
3. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Grand will feature a unique set by the new technical
director.
4. Riedel reported on the productions of Moving Mountains, Behold My Shorts and
Bikinis by Bell Tower Productions. Bell Tower will also produce a cookbook to
raise endowment funds.
5. O'Rourke reported about the production of Sleeping Beauty by Dubuque Youth
Ballet
INFORMATION SHARING
1. Art on the River Update. Stoffel reported that a record number of applications
for 2012 -2013 Art on the River were received — 100 entries from 66 artists. The
jury will convene in Dubuque on March 15 to select finalists and alternates.
2. Budget Recommendations for City Council. O'Rourke addressed the City
Council at the art budget hearing held on Feb. 9th. The city manager
recommended budget includes a $10,000 increase in funds for the operating
Support program. City Council will vote on the final budget on March 7.
3. Arts Advocacy Day in Des Moines. Stoffel reported that Arts Advocacy Day
was scheduled for March 19. Instead of only personal visits to legislators, the
Iowa Arts Coalition is recommending an email campaign on that day. Stoffel will
email the legislative contact information to constituents.
4. Update on Artspace Visit. O'Connor reported that we were incredibly
encouraged by the exit comments of Artspace after their two -day visit as part of
the NEA Our Town grant. They will deliver a report of recommendations later in
the spring.
Adjournment
Henkels moved and O'Rourke seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 p.m. The next
meeting will be held on March 27, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lacy Board Room at the
Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 W. 11th St., Dubuque, Iowa.
Respectfully submitted,
=
Jan Stoffel
These minutes were passed and approved on
Louise Kames, Secretary