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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Commission on the Arts Minutes 11/03/2025Minutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers, City Hall Monday, November 3, 2025 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 4:47 p.m. by Steve Kawaler. Members present were Nicholas Bulver, and Ferit Karakaya. Christa Knoll-Drobny and Mary Kay Truckenmiller were not present. Approval of October 6, 2025, Minutes It was moved by Nicholas, seconded by Ferit, to approve the minutes of October 6, 2025. Motion carried unanimously. Spring 2026 Special Project Grant Recommendations: One application was received, from India Cultural Association. It was moved by Nicholas, seconded by Ferit, to recommend an award of $682.50 for India Cultural Association’s spring special project grant application. Motion carried unanimously. Surplus Special Project Grant Funding: Steve indicated that one option is to transfer the funding to the Public Art Commission. Ferit asked whether the funding could be used by the City for outreach efforts by the City, such as hiring a speaker. The Commission also discussed creating a summer special project grant period. It was moved by Steve, seconded by Nicholas, to create a summer special project grant period, and any extra funding remaining from that can be used for outreach. Motion carried unanimously. Brian indicated he would bring materials back for the Commission to consider in January. Public Forum Jenny Brockpahler announced that Ames Community Arts Council would be holding its Empty Bowls event on November 15. Bill Dilla announced a Town and Gown concert on November 15. 2026-27 Annual Grant Hearings: Ames Choral Society – Steve Hoifelt explained there were approximately 50 singers this semester. The group is one of the few choirs that does not require auditions. Good Company – Steve Hoifelt noted it was the 33rd season of Good Company. The group has 27 singers, including a high school student as a regular member for the first time. The choir is focused on treble choir singing. Two concerts are planned to be performed this year. Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames – Nathan Moore explained the organization serves about 40 artists to provide space for their work. There are three upcoming gallery exhibitions. Funds will assist with classes that are accessible to community members. Nicholas inquired about the budget on the application, which does not reflect revenues for 2026 -27. It was responded that the organization expects 2026-27 to look similar to 2025-26. Ames Town and Gown – Bill Dilla stated the mission of Ames Town and Gown is: Outstanding Musical Performances, Intimate Musical Settings. He noted some of the previous performers that have been hosted by the organization. The performances allow the public to interact with performers afterwards. Bill noted that there was a large memorial donation last year, which is reflected in the submitted budget. India Cultural Association – Soma Banerjee expressed appreciation for COTA support. The organization introduces people to India’s art and culture. Nicholas suggested the organization use community calendars to bring awareness of their events. The Octagon – Heather Johnson announced this coming year would be the 60th anniversary for the organization. A monthly outreach with 60 Forward and with Boys and Girls Club has been underway. There were 92 artists at the Octagon Arts Festival this year. Hands-on activities are scheduled on days when there is no school. Senior Variety Show – Leo Timms thanked the Commission for its support. The show started in 1995. Last year there were 122 performers and 80 volunteers. The theme this year is Starstruck: Stage and Screen. Ames Community Arts Council – Jen Brockpahler explained that the organization exists to serve artists and help them thrive. The annual grant supports much of what the organization does. The organization hosts the annual Studio Tour, Empty Bowls, Business of Art Conference, Arts Awards, and World Collage Day. Friends of Roosevelt Park – Stacy Ross presented on behalf of the group. The organization is seeking funds for a quality musical performer to appear at Roosevelt Summer Sundays. ACTORS – Myra Jackson described ACTORS’ mission. The organization relies on volunteers to put on five productions each season. Next year is ACTORS’ 70th season. The group strives to keep ticket prices reasonable. ACTORS has been collecting funds for the replacement of seats in the auditorium, which appears as a large surplus in the COTA budget form. Steve inquired about the donation line in the application. It appears lower in FY 2026/27 than current and prior years. Myra responded that it is unknown what will be donated each year. Ames Youth Choir – Emily Malamos described some of the increasing costs facing the program. Steve asked how many performances are offered by the program. Emily explained that there were two formal performances and several other opportunities to spread music around the Ames community. Ames Chamber Artists – Chris Johnson noted that one area of focus this year is collaboration. The organization intends to participate in partnerships with Food at First and the Ames Public Library. Dancenter Dancer Company Foundation – The organization showcases annual community performances. There are 40 dancers ranging from ages 5 to 18. Funding is used towards production costs, facility rental, and related expenses. The City Auditorium has been used in the past several years, although the group is considering an alternate venue in the future due to the frequency the auditorium is booked. Story Theater Company – Representatives of the organization indicated their work impacts over 300 children each year, in addition to their parents who are also involved. Four major theater productions are undertaken each year. The tickets for the shows are on a pay-what-you-will system. Steve noted that in the past, some of the productions have cost more than anticipated and resulted in special project grant applications. He thanked the group for asking for more in this annual grant. The meeting recessed at 6:04 p.m. and resumed at 6:07 p.m. AIOFA – Randy Compton and Tammy Koolbeck noted that visa issues affected a planned performance, but an alternative was able to perform. Several groups were being considered for the upcoming season. Ferit asked how the orchestras are selected. Tami responded that they work with booking agents and will also work with venues in other large cities in the Midwest to create a string of performances. Ames Desi Drama Association – Anand Balasubramanian indicated this is the fourth year of the organization. The COTA funds are used to increase the number of offerings. The most recent show utilized live music and was presented in English. For next year, the organization is planning to hold a light-hearted play and another show related to the theme of mental health. Shows have been held at the Ames City Auditorium and at the Plex. Central Iowa Symphony – Mackenzie Rice indicated that COTA funding assists with being able to offer lower ticket prices. Nicholas noted some of the information on the balance sheet were blank. It was responded that another person involved in the group would need to be consulted to provide that information. Kids’ Co’Motion – Gretchen Schafer explained that the organization is intended to teach children how to create dances. The dances are critiqued, improved, and performed. The children learn to collaborate, share, and tolerate others’ opinions. Nicholas asked why the balance sheet was blank – Gretchen responded that she would need to consult with Valerie to respond to that question. Ames Chapter of the Des Moines Metro Opera – Representatives of the organization explained that the COTA funding is used to provide a shuttle from Ames to the Des Moines area for opera performances. This year, the shuttle will be available for all 18 performances. Friends of Ames Strings – Matt Graesch explained that the organization offers a two-week camp to jumpstart youth musicians for the next year. At Steve’s inquiry, it was explained that the youth bring their own instruments and can rent them through the school district over the summer. KHOI FM – Tammy Koolbeck described the efforts of the organization, including fundraising efforts that have occurred to continue providing the radio programming. Worldly Goods – Manu Agnihotri explained that the organization is a nonprofit free market social enterprise intended to bring international artists’ works to Ames. The organization has been in operation since 1987 . At Nicholas’ inquiry, Manu indicated the global passport celebration will be held in May. Iowa Youth Ballet – Lisa Davis stated that the organization facilitates the Nutcracker Ballet at ISU each year. The professional Sugarplum Fairy has been in attendance earlier each of the last few years, and has participated in the auditions and casting. She will be coming three times this year to provide instruction and critique. In response to an inquiry, it was affirmed that the request for $10,000. Upcoming important dates were reviewed by Steve. Adjourn There being no further business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.