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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Commission on the Arts Minutes 10/06/2025Minutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers, City Hall Monday, October 6, 2025 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Christa Knoll-Drobny. Members present were Nicholas Bulver, Steve Kawaler, and Mary Kay Truckenmiller. Ferit Karakaya was not present. Public Forum There was no one present for Public Forum. Ferit Karakaya arrived at 5:00 p.m. Approval of September 8, 2025, Minutes It was moved by Nicholas, seconded by Steve, to approve the minutes of September 8, 2025. Motion carried unanimously. Spring 2026 Special Project Grant Hearings: Christa invited representatives of the India Cultural Association to describe the grant proposal. Mary Kay asked which aspects of the event relate to the arts. Henna, decorations, and music were described as art-related components of the event. The purpose of the event is to encompass the different cultures of many regions within India during the event. Christa asked whether tickets must be purchased for each day of the two-day event. The response was that one ticket would be needed. The group is not yet certain if it will be a one-day event or two- day event. The event is planned for April 2026. Ferit asked about the costumes and their significance. Organizers explained the differences between northern and southern wedding attire and traditions. Mary Kay noted that the event was listed as taking place at the Iowa Arboretum, which is outside Ames. The organizers indicated they would look for a venue in Ames. Request from India Cultural Association (Amendment to FY 2025/26 Annual Grant Contract): Brian explained the circumstances that led to the Spring Special Project Grant that was awarded to the organization not being drawn down. As an alternative, the Commission could choose to provide an increase to the organization’s annual grant allocation. Steve asked about the breakdown of expenses and noted that the majority of the funds were paid for food. The organizers responded that many of the activities organized for the event did not require expenses. In response to Christa’s question, the costs provided in the final report do not include all the expenses for the event. Christa asked for a more comprehensive list of the expenses. She explained a desire to more fully understand the art aspects of the event. It was moved by Christa, seconded by Mary Kay, to table the discussion of this item to the next meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Upcoming Important Dates: Upcoming important dates were reviewed by Christa. It was moved by Nicholas, seconded by Christa, to place on the November agenda a discussion of what to do with the surplus special project grant funding. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Nicholas, seconded by Ferit, to start the November meeting at 4:45 p.m. to have a discussion of the surplus special project grant funding. Motion carried unanimously. Adjourn There being no further business, Christa adjourned the meeting at 5:51 p.m.