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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - May 4, 2020, COTA Meeting MinutesMinutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Monday, May 6, 2020 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Tom Lockhart. Members present were Deanne Brill, Steven Kawaler, Tom Lockhart, Natalie Robinson, and Troy Rutter. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. Public Forum There was no one present for Public Forum Approval of the April 6, 2020 Minutes Tom asked unanimous consent to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2020 Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Fall Special Project Grant Hearings Story Theater Company (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown): Sue Ann Peters indicated the requests were placed due to changes in the season after the Annual Grant submission. While there has typically been a play, the organization selected this musical. Anticipating increased ticket sales of 1,500 for the production. Production expenses are higher for a music due to licensing and costs to provide honoraria for a music director and choreographer. Troy noted that this was new for the black box theater and that productions there were supposed to be financially independent. He asked how the board weighed the decision to proceed with this musical, which requires the grant. Sue Ann replied that the board was looking to do something different from the plays that have typically been held in the black box theater. The organization considered doing a play in the auditorium and a musical in the b lack box theater. Troy asked whether there was a backup plan. Sue Ann confirmed that the organization’s cash reserves would be tapped to finance the project if no grant was received. Story Theater Company (67 Cinderellas): Sue Ann noted this was a request for a fall show at the auditorium. The original plan was for this show. Since the June show, Frozen, Jr. was cancelled, Frozen, Jr. will be taking place during those dates. The license and scripts are already purchased. The organization prefers a delay compared to a cancellation. The grant request remains the same. The organization has an additional $1,300 auditorium rental fee compared to its annual grant request. The audience is expected to be 2,000 attendees. American Sign Language interpreters will be in place for this event; the spring special project grant funds awarded will be put towards the interpreters. Tom clarified that the show would be Frozen, Jr., not 67 Cinderellas as indicated in the application. Sue Ann confirmed this. Sue Ann also clarified that the revenues would be higher, and expenses would also be higher. Octagon Center for the Arts: Heather Johnson noted that if the Arts Festival goes forward, it will be the 50th anniversary. The Octagon is working with the Public Art Commission to do a chalk the block event. The hope is to bring in a chalk artist to chalk a mural. The request is $750 for an honorarium for an artist to work approximately 7-8 hours on a large piece. The artist would decide the final location for the project. Participants would chalk smaller sections in other locations. Town and Gown: Bill Dilla indicated the request was for an additional outreach event for the middle school or an elementary school by the Mertz Trio. The theme would be Beethoven. Expenses would include an additional night of hotel rooms, which will be more expensive than usual because of football season. Update on Survey for COTA Agencies Tom mentioned he received the information from Steve Sullivan regarding the survey to arts agencies. He requested feedback form the rest of the Commission regarding how to proceed. Steve asked how the survey would be structured – free-form answer, multiple choice, etc.? Deanne suggested that because of COVID-19, it may be appropriate to delay the survey. Additionally, the calendar is an annual calendar rather than the fiscal year. Tom agreed the survey should be postponed until there is more certainty about the fall. Natalie agreed to the delay of the survey. Tom asked that it be placed back on the agenda in September. Upcoming Important Dates Tom reviewed the upcoming important dates. Adjournment Troy thanked the City Council for acknowledging COTA’s request. Tom moved the meeting be adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.