Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission 4 22 14Minutes
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
April 22, 2014
Lacy Boardroom, Carnegie -Stout Library
The meeting was called to order by Chair Ellen Henkels at 4:30 P.M. following staff
assurance of compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Ellen Henkels, Katherine Kluseman, Sue Riedel, Marina O'Rourke,
Jessica Teckemeyer, and Gina Siegert and Julie Steffen.
Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor and Megan Starr
Approval of Minutes of April 1, 2014. A motion was made by Riedel and seconded by
O'Rourke to approve the minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Review FY 2014 Operating Support Grant Applications
Chair Henkels introduced the process to be utilized for today's meeting to review the grant
applications.
Bell Tower Productions; Sue Riedel recused herself from discussion on this application.
Henkels stated that the application was well written, and they've been true to their mission.
They have demonstrated community support, artistic excellence, detailed long range planning,
competent staff, 50 sold out performances in 2013. Steffen was impressed with their strategic
plan.
Colts Drum and Bugle Corps: Kay Kluseman summarized their funding request. The Colts has
a full detailed business plan. They have a national reputation, solid leadership, and are re-
engaging alumni. Riedel noted that their estimate is to lose $43,000 and she recommends they
have a goal of at least breaking even. O'Rourke expressed concern that the development
director position was eliminated.
Arboretum: Kay Kluseman recused herself from the discussion. O'Rourke reviewed this
organization. She said they have many wonderful programs and partnerships, liked the way
they addressed the goals of the city. Organization is going through a year-long financial
planning process. Strategy and long range plan looks good.
Dubuque Arts Council. Riedel noted that this organization has an excellent history of success
since 1969. Meet City's cultural arts goals #1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Provides services schools can't
provide. They share artists with the Dubuque Symphony. Organization serves tons of residents
and students. She noted that the Arts Council has an excellent evaluation system for visiting
artists.
Dubuque Chorale: Siegert provided overview of organization. She noted that the Dubuque has
a great diversity in programs. They are branching out into a children's choir. The Chorale
Director provides strong leadership. Organization strives to have a strong executive board and
they utilize many partnerships.
Dubuque County Fine Arts Society: Julie Steffen recused herself from this discussion. Jessica
Teckemeyer provided an overview of this organization. She noted that the organization has big
lofty goals, but how they implement them seems narrow. Nash Gallery has been a financial
strain on the organization. The financial statements were concerning. Marina noted that the
organization seems to be very much in transition. Riedel noted that the organization does some
wonderful things in the community.
Dubuque County Historical Society: Julie Steffen provided a summary of their application. The
organization is focusing on building their endowment. They have a history of high standards,
developed outreach programs. They have made significant progress in community outreach.
Teckemeyer questioned whether this organization needs funding from this program.
Dubuque Main Street/Cultural Corridor: Henkels noted that the organization has blossomed to
be an advocate for arts organizations. She suggested their narrative should be more direct in
specifying which of the City's cultural goals they meet. They have a long history and
partnerships and collaborations. They are working on an arts advocacy video. Commissioners
cited some confusion about the Master Plan and that the financial statements were for the entire
organization, not just the cultural corridor portion.
Dubuque Museum of Art: Steffen recused herself from the discussion. Kay Kluseman cited
their 140 year history, extensive partnerships, fiscal responsibility, fine collection of art, free
admission on Thursdays.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. O'Rourke provided overview stating that Dubuque Symphony
Orchestra is a stellar organization, new subscribers are up by 50%, excellence in programming,
and showing financial growth in all areas. She appreciated seeing that they had both a one
year and a longer range 3 year plan.
Fly-By-Night Productions: Kay Kluseman recused herself from the discussion. Riedel cited
their 31 year history, diverse range in repertory. FBNP is a good example of an organization
filling a niche very well. Marina noted that they have received 3 special project grants.
Teckemeyer thought their statement on artistic excellence was too brief.
Grand Opera House. Siegert provided overview. She noted that part of their organization's
mission is preservation of their building. They are improving the orchestra pit. The board is
very involved. Henkels noted the big improvement in the application over last year.
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Steffen noted that there was excellent progress in
defining the organization, but didn't see the mission outlined. Excellent progress on year long
events and has recently been named one of the 25 coolest film festivals. They've exhibited
strong continual engagement in the community. Fiscal and budget review are in process.
Matter Creative: Teckemeyer provided overview and stated there was a focus on goal 3 of the
City's cultural arts goals. The notion of corporate training was vague. They created a 3 year
action plan, but the long term goals are unclear. Grant was repetitive. There was some
concern about the stability of Matter Creative. O'Rourke and Siegert has some questions on
their financials.
Northeast Iowa School of Music: Henkels provided overview stating that application was well
written and organization has strong community based support, remarkable partnerships, new
stability in financial condition, 10 year strategic plan, and revised mission and vision statements.
She suggests that they specifically address which cultural arts goals they address. They serve
800 students annually.
Rising Star Theatre Company: Kluseman provided overview stating they focus on kids and
families, utilize unique locations. Since 2009, 15,000 people have attended their productions
and over 800 people have been involved on and off stage.
After a brief break, commissioners submitted their scores.
Next steps: Staff will calculate average scores and will present possible funding scenarios at
the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Steffen and second by Teckemeyer to adjourn. All approved. Meeting
adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 27, 2014
at 4:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Megan Starr
Economic Development Coordinator
These minutes were passed and approved on
Henkels
I<luseman
O'Rourke
Riedel
Siegert
Steffen
Teckemeyer
average
Dubuque County Historical
100
78
97
100
95
95
98
94.7143
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra
94
80
98
98
94
93
100
93.8571
Northeast Iowa School of Music
100
93
95
90
92
91
96
93.8571
Bell Tower Productions
98
77
97
95
92
98
92.8333
Dubuque Arboretum
92
91
96
92
89
94
92.3333
Grand Opera House
100
77
93
90
95
91
98
92
Colts Drum & Bugle
94
88
95
85
94
92
92
91.4286
Dubuque Museum of Art
93
89
85
89
86
91
88.8333
Dubuque Arts Council
92
59
98
91
91
97
88
Fly -By -Night Productions
84
88
87
91
90
87
87.8333
Dubuque Main Street Inc.
91
82
77
85
84
89
84.6667
Rising Star Theatre Company
85
59
90
86
86
89
92
83.8571
Dubuque Chorale
86
49
93
81
92
90
86
82.4286
Julien Dubuque International
90
61
71
79
91
95
86
81.8571
Matter
84
60
78
77
77
79
54
72.7143
Dubuque County Fine Arts
70
38
60
70
89
58
64.1667
Next steps: Staff will calculate average scores and will present possible funding scenarios at
the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Steffen and second by Teckemeyer to adjourn. All approved. Meeting
adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 27, 2014
at 4:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Megan Starr
Economic Development Coordinator
These minutes were passed and approved on