IA Comm Cultural Prog Grand OpeCi~ Me~a~r's Office
50 West 13th S~reef
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(319) 589-4110
(319) 589-4149 FAX
March 24,2002
Grant Panelists
Iowa Community Cultural Grant Program
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
600 East Locust
Des Moines, tA 50319-0290
Dear Grant Panelists:
I am pleased to lend our support to the application by the Dubuque Grand Opera House
for an Iowa Community Cultural Grant. The Grand Opera House has been a long-
standing and valuable cultural attraction in our community. Last year alone the Grand
provided wonderful community theater to over 70,000 patrons. In addition, the Grand
has been a partner with. the City of Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street Ltd., in helping
to revitalize our downtown throUgh their historic building renovations.
Recently the Grand and the City of Dubuque began planning for a way to improve
promotion of downtown events and the arts. Our plan includes the placement of a
highly visible community sign. Sensitive in design to our historic downtown, this sign
will De used to promote events at the Grand as well as the many festivals, performances
and shows that occur downtown throughout the year. The City of Dubuque has agreed
to provide a $26,700 match toward the cost of fabricating and installing this sign. When
completed, this sign will be managed through a partnership with the Grand the City of
Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street. We are very excited about creating yet another
partnership with the Grand and request your support of their application. Thank you for
your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:cs
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork