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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - November 4, 2024, COTA Meeting MinutesMinutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers, City Hall Monday, November 4, 2024 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Dave Detlefs. Members present were Steve Kawaler, and Mary Kay Truckenmiller. Christa Knoll-Drobny and Jaime Reyes were not present. Public Forum Bill Dilla announced the musical homecoming concert for Ames Town and Gown this Saturday in Ames City Auditorium. Approval of the October 7, 2024 Minutes It was moved by Steve, seconded by Mary Kay, to approve the minutes of October 7, 2024. Motion carried unanimously. 2025/26 Annual Grant Hearings a. Ames Choral Society – Steve Hoifeldt explained that this year would involve rebuilding, as several board members have retired. The group has grown from 45 to 60 members in the past year. He attributed some of the growth to the new website and photos. b. Good Company – Steve Hoifeldt noted that this was the 35th season of Good Company. The next season involves a performance with a small orchestra. There are 24 singers in the group. Outreach will occur in the spring to recruit additional singers, so the COTA request would support the increased sets of materials for a larger performing group. c. Central Iowa Symphony – Don Withers expressed appreciation for COTA’s support of the organization. Roughly 50 musicians can be on the stage, which is a large community orchestra. The size allows longer and more difficult works to be performed. d. Ames Town and Gown – Bill Dilla described the mission of Town and Gown. The group has a combination of rising and experienced singers. The organization was able to build a surplus during COVID and has since spent that down. Revenues have returned to pre - COVID levels but expenses are higher. The organization is seeking alternatives that are less costly, such as electronic media rather than print. e. Creative Artists Studios of Ames – Leanne Wilson noted that the organization was able to grow significantly with COTA funding in the past year. The recent fiber arts node that was created allowed for another space to be freed up, which can be used for teaching or works that require ventilation. COTA support is being sought for a portion of the costs to develop this classroom space. f. Ames Youth Choir – COTA funds are being used to complete some rebranding and the transition from “Children’s” choir to “Youth” choir, which is more appealing to older children. Membership has increased slightly. The organization is going to begin touring once again, with a trip to Denver planned. g. Friends of Ames Strings – Matthew Graesch stated this was the 36th year of the organization. The activities help students bridge the summer gap when they are not in school to practice. New space for practicing in the summer is being sought. Another opportunity being pursued is to offer private lessons that Ames High School students teach, which can be done at a more affordable rate than private lessons can be typically received. The high school students gain leadership experience through this program. h. Octagon Center for the Arts – Heather Johnson noted that the City’s Arts Capital Grant helped construct studios for six emerging artists that could not secure space elsewhere. Four of the five private studios are filled. The organization is hosting art camps on days when there is no school. i. Dancenter Dancer Company Foundation – Representatives of the organization indicated that the COTA funds support the purchase of props, costumes, and supplies, and help secure the rental of the performance venue. The community is invited to attend a free - of-charge showcase put on by the performers participating in the organization. j. Senior Variety Show – Jeannette Abrams said that the most recent show featured a 94- year-old tap dancer and a 93-year-old crooner. The COTA funds support the rental of the City Auditorium and advertising. k. Ames Community Arts Council – Jen Brockpahler explained that ACAC is an umbrella organization to support artists in the community. The organization puts on the studio tour, partners with the Octagon to host the Business of Art Conference, and provides other support to local artists. l. Ames International Orchestra Festival Association – Jeri Prescott thanked COTA for past support. AIOFA is seeking one of two potential orchestras for the 2025-26 season. The organization has board members who also serve in a variety of other music-focused organizations, which aids in cross-promotion. The group is seeking increased participation from younger individuals. m. ACTORS – Stan Rabe noted that ACTORS is entering its 69th season. The theater is a great way to connect with people in the community. Recent shows had cast members ranging from age 16-75. ACTORS puts on five shows per year on a completely volunteer basis. The lineup of shows is not yet known for next season. Utilities expenses have increased as the building has been expanded. In addition, the increased space facilitates more events and activities. n. Kids Co’Motion – Gretchen Schaffer explained how the organization helps kids create dances, understand dance theory and terminology, collaborate with others, and perform. COTA funds support costumes, props, marketing, and rehearsal/performing space. o. Story Theater Company – Sue Ann Peters described the way in which the organization provides opportunities for kids to participate in a variety of aspects of theatrical performance. COTA funds support the organization in renting space and for materials for each performance. p. KHOI Radio – Lynne Carey noted that nearly everyone in the room has been on KHOI and their work has been celebrated on it. About 60% of their programming is borrowed from other community radio stations. The remainder is locally produced. KHOI provides training for all aspects of producing radio programs, in addition to hosting many events such as lectures and book clubs. q. Worldly Goods – Worldly Goods is a non-profit that brings artistry representing fifty countries around the world. COTA funds are being requested for marketing and operating support. r. India Cultural Association – India Cultural Association uses COTA funds to support social, cultural, and educational events, involving Indian food, music, and art. The Talent Nite is a popular event, along with a cricket event that included a boot camp to learn the rules. s. Ames Chamber Artists – Larry Gleason indicated the group is looking for more performers. There are a variety of performances planned, including collaborations with other artists. Funds are used to pay for artist fees and for the printing of music. t. Ames Chapter of the Des Moines Metro Opera – Bert Ketcham explained that the shuttle bus service is greatly appreciated by Ames residents. The service makes the opera more accessible to the community. u. Ames Desi Drama Association – Anand Balasubramanian noted that the organization is less than two years old, and appreciative of the support of COTA. The organization focuses on performing family-friendly, humorous Indian plays. Three plays have been produced. Subtitles are provided for the live performances. The meeting recessed at 6:38 p.m. and resumed at 6:47 p.m. v. Iowa Youth Ballet – Lisa Davis explained the group applied for COTA funds for the Nutcracker ballet. There are 200 participants in the cast. COTA funds assist with the costs for staff. Separately, the organization offers classes outside of this event. Spring 2025 Special Project Grant Recommendations: There was a discussion about whether the India Cultural Association request was fully relevant to the arts. It was moved by Steve, seconded by Dave, to recommend 2025 Spring Special Project Grant awards as follows: a. Dancenter Dancer Company – $1,000 b. Good Company – $975 c. Ames Chapter of Des Moines Metro Opera Guild – $1,000 d. Story Theater Company – $1,000 e. India Cultural Association – $430 Motion carried 2-1, (Dave and Steve voting aye, Mary Kay voting nay). Dave explained that the India Cultural Association event will be scrutinized after a final report is received to validate the connection to the arts. Upcoming Important Dates: Upcoming important dates were reviewed by Dave. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.