Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - November 2, 2020, COTA Meeting MinutesMinutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Monday, November 2, 2020 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:04 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 Stan Rabe mentioned ACTORS is hosting Putnam County Spelling Bee at Stephens Auditorium. The show opens November 12 and runs through November 15. Approval of the October 5, 2020 Minutes Steve moved and Troy seconded to approve the minutes of the October 5, 2020 Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Approval of Spring Special Project Grants It was moved by Robinson, seconded by Kawaler to recommend spring special project grant awards in the amounts of: Town and Gown – $570 Story Theater Company – $930 Ames Community Arts Council – $953 Motion carried unanimously Annual Grant Hearings Ames Children’s Choir – Christina Svec outlined the proposed events, including outdoor activities and pushing back the spring season to take advantage of warmer winter weather. A virtual spring tour of elementary schools will take place. Central Iowa Symphony – Don Withers reviewed the purpose of the Central Iowa Symphony. The organization is reviewing methods to perform in light of COVID-19. ACTORS – Stan Rabe indicated this is the 65th season of ACTORS. The group is undergoing an extensive building renovation. The group expects the next season will at least start at CY Stephens Auditorium. It is important to the organization to host shows, even though at this time they may be losing money. Friends of Ames Strings – Kelley Glotfelty described the summer strings workshop for elementary youth. The organization’s grant proposal will offset costs for conductors and coaches for this program. Octagon Center for the Arts – Heather Johnson described the impacts of COVID-19 on the Octagon’s operations. The organization has made adjustments to host virtual activities and services. Good Company – Steve Hoifeldt noted the organization has suspended its activities at the present time. IT is hoped that the group can resume soon, but may need alternative rehearsal space. Ames Community Arts Council – Jennifer Brockpahler described the mission of ACAC. The organization has continued its social media resources during COVID-19. Some activities have been moved to a virtual format. AIOFA – Noelle Fultz described the purpose of AIOFA. Tammy Koolbeck explained that the grant would support orchestral performance. The group intends to bring the Russian National Orchestra to Ames. Story Theater Company – Sue Ann Peters indicated the request from COTA was to offset costs of the use of performance spaces for theatrical performances. She indicated fees would increase 33% for the use of the City Auditorium. Ames Choral Society – Steve Hoifeldt stated that the organization’s activities had been suspended in the spring. The group will still have to decide how to proceed with activities this coming spring. India Cultural Association – Anand Balasubramanian noted that the organization held some of its biggest shows ever just before the pandemic. The organization is improving at hosting a variety of activities. Dancenter Dance Company – Melissa Allman explained that funds would be used to offset the costs of the use of City Auditorium for dance performances. Ames Chamber Artists – Chris Johnson stated that this year the organization is seeking to offer choral master works. Town and Gown – Bill Dilla described the activities of the organization. A variety of diverse musical performances are proposed. The musical outreach includes elementary school outreach and master classes for older students. KHOI – Ruth Weidemeier described that there are two concerts planned for November. These will be held in conjunction with Stephens Auditorium. COTA funds would offset the use of the facility. Request from Kids Co’Motion to accept Annual Grant application post -deadline It was moved by Natalie, seconded by Deanne, to accept the application from Kids Co’Motion. Motion carried unanimously. Valerie Williams described the purpose of Kids Co’Motion. The activities continued despite the pandemic this year. Next year’s program will center on the theme of dreams. Adjournment Tom mentioned the $10,000 allocation from the City Council to support artists in the community. He explained that he had been invited to a discussion between the Public Art Commission and the Octagon Center for the Arts to use the funds to pre pare a space for artists in the Octagon facility. Tom moved the meeting be adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.