HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - COTA Meeting Minutes 10/01/2018COMMISSION ON THE ARTS
Conference Room 135
City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue
Monday, October 1, 2018
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Steve Sullivan. Members present were
Deanne Brill, Tom Lockhart, Jason Paull, and Natalie Robinson. Staff member Cathy Gersema was
also present.
Approval of September 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Jason, seconded by Tom that the minutes from the September 10, 2018 meeting
be approved. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Forum
During the public forum, Steve asked attendees to make announcements of performances or
events involving COTA. Several were mentioned.
Spring Special Project Grant Hearings
a. Co’Motion Dance Survey
Valerie Williams discussed the plans for Co’Motion Dance to establish a database of dancers in
Central Iowa. The survey would involve creating a visual directory of dancers as well as each
individual’s filmed “audition movement. Dancers would be invited to Ames for videotaping.
The compiled materials would be made available to area dance troupes. The video could also
involve collaboration with other performing arts groups.
Steve expressed concern that funds for spring project grants are limited and asked if the
project would be viable without the full amount. Valerie felt they could proceed.
b. Ames Children’s Theater
Carole Horowitz spoke about the Play with Words project. Sarah Compton from ISU and Jerri
Heid from Ames Public Library also represented this project. This project involves Story
Theater Company helping the Ames Boys and Girls Club to produce a musical in the spring of
2019. Story Theater Company will provide financial support as well as managing oversight of
the production, publicity, and the use of its performance facility (if needed). Carole said the
project would continue even if less COTA money is available.
c. Story Theater Company
Tara Gartin represented STC. She explained the project’s goal was to have student members
work with and perform a musical with students from the Boys and Girls Club. This would
involve performing arts students/graduates and STC volunteers spending 2-3 days a week for 6
weeks at the Boys and Girls Club facility, rehearsing one of Musical Theatre International Kids’
plays, concluding with two performances at the end of the session for family and friends.
Jason asked if a play had been selected and if the selection would consider the diverse make
up of both STC members and the Boys and Girls Club. Tara was hopeful the project could be
completed with less than the requested funds.
d. Jennifer Brockpahler from the Ames Community Arts Council and Heather Johnson from the
Octagon discussed their collaboration about the business of art. The two organizations are
planning a 2-day seminar for March 2019. This seminar would be open to artists and art
advocates across the state, both professional and aspiring, including current college students.
COTA funds will be used to bring in experts to address such issues as taxes, copyright, and
marketing.
e. Stan Rabe talked about plans ACTORS has to expand its advertising coverage. ACTORS looks to
expand its marketing and would purchase large ads in local newspapers, specifically the Ames
Tribune. This would allow the organization to judge the success of its advertisings.
Discussion on the Ames Chapter of the Des Moines Metro Opera Guild Eligibility
Marilu Raman and Ellen Deal gave their reasons for allowing the Ames Chapter to apply for a COTA
grant to enable Ames opera fans to attend opera performances in Indianola. This would primarily
be done through using COTA funds to pay for transportation. It would especially help the aging
fans and young children by providing affordable transportation.
Steve said this would be a project specific grant, and Jason said that it would need to be offered to
all ages. Steve said the group should apply but to focus on local benefits and to make it clear that
the chapter is an Ames organization.
Upcoming Important Dates
a. Reminder: 2019-20 Annual Grant Applications are due Oct. 8
b. Annual grant hearings will be held on Nov. 5
c. Next COTA meeting: November 5, 2018
Adjournment
Jason moved to adjourn. Tom seconded.
The meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Minutes recorded by Cathy Gersema