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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - October 4, 2021, COTA Meeting MinutesMinutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers, City Hall Monday, October 4, 2021 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Tom Lockhart. Members present were Deanne Brill, Dave Detlefs, Nancy Gebhart, and Steven Kawaler. Public Forum Jenny Brockpahler noted that this Saturday is the Ames Area Studio Tour beginning at 10 a.m. the tour will visit 11 studios. Approval of the September 13, 2021 Minutes Dave noted that his name is Dave. Steven moved and Dave seconded to approve the minutes of the September 13, 2021 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Approval of 2020/21 Annual Grant Final Reports It was moved by Deanne, seconded by Nancy to approve the FY 2020/21 Annual Grant Final Reports from Des Moines Metro Opera, India Cultural Association, KHOI, and Kids Co’Motion. Motion carried unanimously. 2021/22 Spring Special Project Grant Hearings: ACAC: Jenny Brockpahler noted that the online component brought in a larger audience during the last year. The rate is slightly lower with electronic attendance. The hope is to pay the presenters to do a special recording that is focused on a digital event. One topic will be explored in more depth. Dave asked about whether the webinar would be interactive. Jenny noted it would most likely be interactive. It would be recorded for viewing after-the-fact. It is expected that there would be a fee to access the webinar recording after the fact. Nancy asked about accessibility. Jenny noted that Zoom offers transcription. Ames Town and Gown: This event involves a visiting ensemble known as Calmus from Leipzig, Germany. Ames Town and Gown is proposing a partnership with Ames Children’s Choir to host a workshop. ISU choral students and others would also be invited to participate in the workshop. The funds would be used for the extra lodging and performance fees for Calmus. The program is expected to an hour and a half to two hours. Des Moines Metro Opera Guild: The Ames Chapter of the DMMOG has historically requested COTA funds to assist with transporting Ames residents to the summer festival in Indianola. In March 2022, DMMOG is celebrating its 50th anniversary. An extra opera will be held this year in recognition of that anniversary, which will be a rendition of Mozart’s Magic Flute. COTA funding to assist Ames seniors with transportation is being requested for this special show. Tom asked how many people can be transported in the buses. The buses can hold 50 people; it is expected that 20-25 may utilize the service. Tom noted that previously, COTA has encouraged DMMOG to reach out to ISU students regarding the program to broaden its interest. Octagon Center for the Arts: Heather Johnson explained that the Octagon’s program would reach 355 students via weekly sessions at YSS and Boys and Girls Club. The instructors are hoped to be ISU design students and others who work with the Octagon to facilitate the program. The program would begin in the spring and would take place over four weeks. Heather indicated that she would love to make the program an annual effort, but it is subject to available funding. Story Theater Company: Sue Ann Peters discussed two applications. The first priority is the Shrek matinee. The group would like to offer for patrons to determine their own ticket price. However, this creates an issue with matinee tickets. Therefore, Story Theater Company is proposing to use COTA funds to make the matinee free. The second application relates to unbudgeted production expenses. The cost of supplies and materials for productions (lumber, fabric) has increased. To accommodate the spring shows, this grant would underwrite the production costs. ACTORS: Stan Rabe presented a request that had been submitted but was not located by City staff. The Commission agreed to provisionally hear the request. ACTORS is requesting funds to host improv classes and dance classes. COTA funds would be used to cover the cost of the building, the minimum honorarium for the facilitation of the classes, and the marketing. Marketing would be done through the Sun, Tribune, radio, and the ACTORS email list. While Stan explained the proposal, Brian located the original application and noted it was received in time to be considered but was accidentally deleted. Upcoming Important Dates Tom reviewed the upcoming important dates. Brian noted that the Arts Capital Grant applications are due December 3 at 5:00 p.m. Adjournment There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m.