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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - COTA Meeting Minutes 11/07/2016MI NUTE S COMMISSION ON THE ARTS City Council Chambers City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Monday, November 7, 2016 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Steve Sullivan. Members present were Jon Foley, Connie Garnett, Jason Paull, and Tom Lockhart. Public Forum A representative of the Ames Children’s Choirs announced a concert on December 4th at Bethesda Lutheran Church. Jenny Brockpahler of ACAC indicated a monthly gathering of artists would take place. Steve announced that Ames Children’s Choirs requested a letter of support from COTA for an Iowa Arts Council grant being pursued, and Steve provided that letter. Approval of October 3, 2016 Minutes Moved by Jason, seconded by Tom, to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2016 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Approval of Spring Special Project Grant Recommendations Steve announced that three applications were received. One requirement of the grant is that applicants attend the hearing, and one group did not appear. The remaining requests were unanimously recommended for full funding. Moved by Tom, seconded by Connie, to approve the requests as recommended: $750 each for ACAC and Worldly Goods. Motion carried unanimously. Annual Grant Hearings Steve Hoifeldt appeared for Ames Choral Society. He provided an overview of the organization’s activities. Connie asked how many participants were involved. Steve explained the number provided is the cumulative number of participants involved. Steve Hoifeldt remained at the podium to represent Good Company. He indicated there was a partnership with the group and Youth and Shelter Services’ Achieving Maximum Potential program, with girls involved in YSS participating in singing opportunities. Steve Sullivan asked how long the group had partnered with YSS. Steve Hoifeldt responded Good Company was in the third year of that partnership. He also mentioned both Good Company and Ames Choral Society appreciated COTA’s support. Sheryl Montabon presented for Ames Children’s Choirs. She announced there is a new conductor for the choir this year. This was the 22nd year of the choirs. There is a musical theater camp in August, and a talent show for local youth. It was indicated that previous COTA funds have been used to pay for scholarships, allowing no one to be turned away from the organization. Jenny Brockpahler represented Ames Community Arts Council. She provided an overview of ACAC’s work. She described the outreach efforts to promote the events ACAC puts on. ACAC puts on a fundraiser every other year. The annual arts awards is April 23 this year. Charles Orngard, of Central Iowa Symphony, announced next year would be the organization’s 30th. The organization holds five annual concerts. Tom Jackson, of Town and Gown, indicated the organization was one of the oldest arts organizations in Ames. The goal of the organization is to provide five programs of Chamber music that is drawn from the highest group of performers in the world. There is also a winter fundraiser featuring local performers who donate their time. Steve asked about the group’s attendance. Tom responded that it was good, although they face the issue of an aging audience. Stan Rabe, of ACTORS, indicated it was the 61st season of ACTORS. He indicated ACTORS is supported by the community through attendance and ticket sales. He felt ACTORS was a good investment for COTA, because it works with other organizations to provide support and materials to them. Steve asked about attendance. Stan responded that in the past four years, most performances had been sold out. Most shows have five performances, but this year there are six performances. Megan Wolf, of Dancenter Dance Company, provided an overview of the organization’s activities. COTA funds were requested to cover the rental cost of the Ames High School Auditorium, allowing the organization to provide a free performance for the community. The performance provides a variety of styles of dance with dancers ranging from 5-18 years in age. Jason asked about the losses indicated in the budget forms. Megan responded that she would need to ask the organization’s treasurer. Heather Johnson, representing the Octagon, explained the activities offered by the Octagon. These included the Festival of Trees, classes, joint activities with ISU, and hosting artists from outside the area. The Octagon is working more with social media to attract a wider audience. Jason asked about the $31,000 loss indicated in last year’s budget. Heather responded that because of the way the fiscal year lands, revenues do not always appear in the same year. Also, because of the 50th anniversary, there were increased expenses. The Commission stood at recess at 5:57 p.m. and reconvened at 6:08 p.m. Jodi Held represented Friends of Ames Strings. She indicated 60 students participated last year, including 31 Ames elementary students. She provided an overview of the group’s activities, including that there were two concerts. The same conductor has participated since 2010. Tom asked where the workshop is usually held. Jodi replied that it was Ascension Lutheran Church in the past, and likely would be in the future. Joe Lynch, of KHOI Community Radio, indicated the organization was always looking to find unique, innovative ways to allow people to participate in radio. He introduced the KHOI station manager, who explained that the centerpiece of the proposal is to allow people to individually gather sounds around the community, which would be collected together into a soundscape that could be listened to. At the end of the year, there would be a finale performance containing all the soundscapes. Tom indicated that the organization seemed to have issues marketing itself. The organization representative responded that this type of activity would help allow people to get involved. It is at heart an outreach project. Jason asked if there would be enough resources for the amount of data created to be stored and transmitted. A representative responded that the app that would be developed would involve a partnership with ISU to create the materials. A big part of the station’s match would be in managing that. Peter Reilly, of AIOFA, indicated there are three performances each year. He appreciated COTA’s support in the past. It is the only group that regularly brings orchestras from around the world to Iowa. Steve inquired about the attendance trends. Peter responded that attendance has been consistently in the 500-600 range. Tara Gartin, representing Story Theater Company, indicated the organization provides workshops year-round. Connie asked whether pieces are reused each year or if they are new each year. Tara responded that since the traveling troupe is new, the group often writes their own pieces. Madhu Gadia, of the India Cultural Association, indicated the organization has been in Ames 25 years. She indicated that because of COTA funds, Zakir Hussein will play in Ames prior to playing in Carnegie Hall. This year, the organization is seeking funds for a performance by a disciple of Zakir Hussein. Valerie Williams, of Co’Motion Dance Theater, described the organization’s efforts. She explained that there are collaborative efforts with a variety of organizations. Tom noted that the organization had requested less this year. Valerie explained that the cost of administration has been reduced because there is less touring that will take place. She moved on to describing Kids Co’Motion’s unique activities. Chris Johnson, of Ames Chamber Artists, outlined the upcoming 2017-18 season. Steve summarized the next steps for the Commission. He thanked those who came. Adjournment Jason moved the meeting be adjourned. Tom seconded. The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.