Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - November 6, 2023, COTA Meeting MinutesMinutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers, City Hall Monday, November 6, 2023 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Nancy Gebhart. Members present were Dave Detlefs, Steve Kawaler, and Christa Knoll. Jaime Reyes arrived at 5:03 p.m. Public Forum Stan Rabe of Ames Community Theater, announced the premiere of Avenue Q. A puppet for the show lost an eye, but is expected to recover. Approval of the October 2, 2023 Minutes It was moved by Steve, seconded by Dave, to approve the minutes of October 2, 2023. Motion carried unanimously. 2024-25 Annual Grant Hearings: a. Ames Choral Society – Steve Hoifeldt indicated the group was in its 60th year. Funding is sought to provide instrumental accompaniment. Next year, the group is considering a piece from an English harpist, which is not normally published. There were no questions from the Commission. b. Good Company – Ellen Rasmussen stated the past year was very exciting, particularly due to COTA support for new photography. COTA funding pays for outreach and outside artists to join the group. There were no questions from the Commission. c. Ames Youth Choir – This group was previously known as the Ames Childrens Choirs. This is the first season the singers are 100% face-to-face. Jaime asked whether there were solo opportunities for participating children. It was indicated that there were such opportunities. There were no questions from the Commission. d. Ames Desi Drama Association – The organization has existed for about a year, and this was the first time the organization was applying for COTA funds. The goal of the organization was to provide high quality, family-friendly drama performances from India. The plays that have been produced have included English subtitles. Nancy asked about the budget’s decrease in donation revenue. It was responded that there were generous donations previously when the group was becoming established. e. India Cultural Association – The organization has been active for 30 years in Ames. COTA funds have been used to support social and artistic activities. There are 240 -250 members. There were no questions from the Commission. f. Dancenter Dancer Company Foundation – Melissa Allman and Molly Neal-Wong described their annual showcase event, which includes 34 performers ranging from age 5-13. There is a significant volunteer fundraising and operational contingent for the group. There were not questions from the Commission. g. Story Theater Company – Sue Ann Peters indicated three productions were planned this year. There were no questions from the Commission. h. ACTORS – (Brian had to step out of the meeting to unlock the front door, so no notes were taken). i. Ames International Orchestra Festival Association – David Stuart expressed appreciation for COTA support in prior years. In 2025, the organization is sponsoring the Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra. Steve asked how many people attended the recent performance. It was responded that about 400 people atte nded. Christa asked about the surplus shown on the financial documents. It was responded that the surplus is used to pay down some of the costs of particular performing groups. j. Ames Community Arts Council – Jen Brockpahler stated the group’s highlights include the monthly Gatherings of Artists, the Studio Tour, the Arts Awards, the Business of Art Conference, World Collage Day, and Music on the Move. Steve asked about the expenses (other) field on the budget document. Jen responded that she would look into it and email Brian. k. KHOI Radio – Lynne Carey indicated COTA support would be used to host a concert at Stephens Auditorium, which would work as a fundraiser for KHOI. Funding is also sought to improve Studio C in the KHOI building. Dave asked about the donations line in the budget, which were zero compared to previous years where there were more donations. Nancy stated it seemed that the budget was prepared to reflect a specific project, not the overall operating budget. She said it would be useful to know the information for previous fundraising concerts for comparison. l. Senior Variety Show – It was announced that the organization is within $100 of pre - COVID ticket sales. There were no questions from the Commission. m. Friends of Ames Strings – This will be the 35th season for the organization. The organization is requesting support to attract top-level conductors to help the students. There were no questions from the Commission. n. Central Iowa Symphony – There are generally 50-55 musicians on stage for the group. It was not yet known what the upcoming season would entail, but that information would be known in about April. o. Octagon Center for the Arts – Heather Johnson indicated the organization was planning to expand its outreach efforts, particularly to youth. The facility renovation is planned to be complete in January. p. Creative Artists Studios of Ames – Approximately 35 artists work at CASA. The organization is seeking to expand its facilities to serve as a fiber arts and origami node. q. Ames Town and Gown – Bill Dilla indicated the organization is seeking funds for its 75 th season. Funds are used to bring in performers and to conduct outreach. There were no questions from the Commission. r. Ames Chapter of the Des Moines Metro Opera – Funds are requested to facilitate Ames residents to attend performances in Indianola via bus. There were no questions from the Commission. s. Ames Chamber Artists – It was indicated that the audiences were increasing significantly. The choir size has also increased in recent years. There were no questions from the Commission. t. Friends of Roosevelt Park – Stacy Ross stated this was the first request for COTA funding. Nancy asked whether the amount requested was specific to a single performance. It was responded that the amount was decided based on conversations with some of the different performers that might be invited. u. Iowa Youth Ballet – No one from the organization was present. Spring Special Project Grants: Nancy reviewed the special project grants. She stated her thinking was not to exceed the $1,000 for the Des Moines Metro Opera Guild Ames Chapter, then to allocate some funds to the CASA requests. It was moved by Jaime, seconded by Christa, to approve grants at the following amounts: a. Ames Chapter of the Des Moines Metro Opera Guild – $1,000 b. Creative Artists’ Studio of Ames – $428 c. Story Theater Company – $800 d. Ames Desi Drama Association – $1,000 e. India Cultural Association of Central Ames – $1,000 f. Ames Writers Collective – $1,000 Motion carried unanimously. The meeting recessed at 6:34 p.m. and resumed at 6:37 p.m. Adjourn There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.