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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - COTA Meeting Minutes 11/02/2015MI NUTE S COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Monday, November 2, 2015 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by Chair Malinda Cooper. Members present were Jon Foley, Connie Garnett and Steve Sullivan. Jennifer Brockpahler was absent. Public Forum Stan Rabe announced that on November 12, ACTORS is opening Charlie’s Aunt. Approval of October 5, 2015 Minutes Moved by Commissioner Foley, seconded by Commissioner Garnett, to approve the October 5, 2015 meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Annual Grant Hearings Ames Choral Society – Steve Hoifeldt indicated that participants do not need to audition to participate. There are five performances throughout the year. Books have been acquired to put on community sing-alongs, which have been well-attended. Most performances are held at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Ames and at the Octagon Center for the Arts. Good Company – Steve Hoifeldt indicated there were 27 singers this year. The group is in its 27th year. Youth with the AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential) group have partnered for performances this year. ACTORS – Stan Rabe indicated that ACTORS was bringing back its first show ever put on as part of its anniversary. Moon Over Buffalo is also being produced this year. Kiss Me Kate will also be produced. Five shows are produced each year. Without COTA support, these shows could not be put on due to the cost of each show. The goal for this year is to keep audiences more comfortable. The air conditioners in the facility need to be replaced. A grant applied for through the Story County Community Foundation was denied. Ames Community Arts Council – Sharing information and event promotion is a key component of the organization’s activities. Providing resources to make artists and arts organizations more successful is important. The studio tour is a new component this year and is part of the annual budget request. The organization no longer has a physical office because it was not being used. The website has been revamped, which has improved the quality of it and reduced costs. Central Iowa Symphony – Aaron Fultz introduced others affiliated with the organization. Several years ago, the symphony hired a new maestro. He has challenged the musicians to improve. Despite that continuing improvement, marketing orchestral music is difficult. There have been modest gains in the organization’s bottom line in recent years. The commission’s support is appreciated. Asking the commission to reverse the downward trend in the funding support over the past several years. At a minimum, requesting that the commission hold the line on funding. There are four concerts during the regular seasons, plus a free pops concert in the Bandshell in August. Ames Children’s Choirs – Sheryl Montabon introduced other officers of the group. The current enrollment is approximately 50 youth. Support from COTA has been a significant portion of the funding during a transition for the organization. Participants come from Ames and other surrounding areas. The organization gives the students the opportunity to experience more than what school choirs can do. On October 24, the organization went to Decorah to sing with a new Decorah Youth Choir. The organization appreciated the support from the commission to continue operating. An annual Ames Has Talent event has been added to the organization’s activities. The standard membership fee ranges from $375 to $595 annually. Octagon – Heather Johnson outlined the activities offered at the Octagon. Next year, there will be a partnership with Mary Greeley Medical Center to offer some on-site art therapy activities. There is an ongoing partnership with Mainstream Living to provide activities to its clients. Each year, the Octagon tries to hold at least 120 classes, although typically at least 4 people need to attend for the class to be held. Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Octagon. With no applicants present, the Commission recessed at 5:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 6:01 Friends of Ames Strings – Jodie Held indicated that the organization holds an annual summer strings workshop. Forty-three students from the Ames community participated this year. A public concert was added at Bandshell Park this year prior to an Ames Municipal Band concert. The COTA funds help offset tuition costs. Tuition is $80 for members and $90 for non-members. The workshop next year will be held later to avoid a potential conflict with the 4th of July and encourage more attendance. Participation has increased to a peak of about 60 students, and averages in the 50s. Story Theater – Mike Lazere stated the organization was in its tenth year. It has grown steadily over the years. A significant part of the COTA funding allows the group to provide free and reduced price tickets to children. There are three shows each year. Recently, the group has been able to rent a facility and establish a home. Two big performances are held at the City Auditorium, and costs continue to rise for conducting shows there. COTA funding assists with offsetting that cost. Fees are $125 for crew members and $160-170 for performers per show. Scholarships are available, as well as discounts for multiple children from the same family. With no applicants present, the Commission recessed at 6:24 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 6:39. AIOFA – Peter Reilly introduced himself as the chair of the group. Two orchestras are typically brought in each year, a large orchestra and a small orchestra. It is the only organization in the state that brings in international orchestras. The group is considering hosting the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Symphony of Ukraine this year. The costs for the organization tend to outrun gate receipts. Donations and support from COTA are necessary to cover costs. Patti Cotter mentioned that the possibility of hosting the National Symphony of Ukraine was an option that came up between the time the application was prepared and now. This changes the budget to require more support, although hosting a second large orchestra will likely increase ticket revenues. An amended budget could be provided if required. Youth tickets are priced at $25 and premium adult seating is $65. India Cultural Association – Usha Sivaskandan introduced herself as the President of the India Cultural Association. The grant application is for a performance by Zakir Hussain. Ms. Sivaskandan described the credentials of the performer. Hosting a performance by Mr. Hussain would bring together people of various cultural backgrounds in the City. Ms. Sivaskandan indicated that the performer would be available to come to Ames in March, but if it is not possible to receive funding for that, support would be appreciated for another part of the year. The performance would be in either City Auditorium or in Stephens Auditorium. Chair Cooper brought up the letter received from the India Cultural Association to revise its 2015/16 annual grant contract. She stated there was also a request from the group for a Spring Special Project Grant. It would not be possible to fund Mr. Hussain’s performance for the current fiscal year; that would have to take place in FY 2016/17. Chair Cooper brought up the request to modify the FY 2015/16 annual grant contract. Ms. Sivaskandan explained that the request was to use the same funds for a different dance group to be hosted. Brian explained the process to modify the contract. Commissioner Sullivan indicated that he supported modifying the contract. Moved by Commissioner Sullivan, seconded by Commissioner Foley to recommend that the City Council modify the FY 2015/16 annual grant contract with the India Cultural Association to allow for an alternative performer. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Cooper inquired as to why a representative was not available for the special grant hearings. The organization representatives indicated there was turnover in the membership of the organization and no one was able to attend. Co’Motion Dance – Valerie Williams explained the purpose of the organization. There will be a professional performance and a pro-am performance this year. This helps increase the audience and knowledge of modern dance in Ames. There is a $15 general admission fee and $10 senior and student fee. Tickets are available to current dance students at ISU for $5. Kids Co’Motion – Valerie Williams indicated the program is intended to train students to both use their bodies in expressive ways and to think about their relationship to the audience. The program trains kids to think about dance as an art form. The organization is able to bring in experts to consult with the kids and teachers regarding various topics. There are typically 25-30 students each year. More than that requires the hiring of another assistant to provide quality programming. Ames Chamber Artists – Chris Johnson stated that the highlight of the proposed season was to explore spirituals and how they have affected American culture. This is a departure from the typical programming offered. One goal of the organization is to work with young performers from around the Ames area. Performances are held in a variety of locations, including Northminster Presbyterian, in Boone, and C.Y. Stephens. Town & Gown – Ann Kimber apologized for missing the September workshop. The organization is applying for funding in its 67th year. Funds would support annual operating costs, including auditorium rental and hiring artists to come to Ames. Free student tickets are provided. Performances are held at City Hall and at Martha Ellen Tye recital hall. There is usually a mix of audience ages. The challenge for the organization is how to build an audience for chamber music Dancenter Dance Company Foundation – Lisa Banitt expressed appreciation for receiving COTA funding. Funding supports a showcase of a variety of genres of dance, held at Ames High School. It is free and open to the public. A workshop is also held that provides dance instruction to students from around the region. Funds are raised by selling programs for ISU basketball games, coupon books for Younkers, and flower bouquets. Approve Spring Special Project Grant Recommendations Commissioner Sullivan explained that it was difficult for him to fund an exhibit for the Octagon at the top level and then fund a video, which didn’t seem like the kind of project that the commission should fund at a high level. After determining that enough funds were available and considering the marketing value of the project, Commissioner Sullivan changed his recommendation regarding the Octagon video to fully fund the request. It was moved by Commissioner Foley and seconded by Commissioner Foley to approve the following recommendations: Motion carried unanimously. New Business A. Request from India Cultural Association to modify FY 2015-16 Annual Grant Award This request was discussed during India Cultural Association’s annual grant hearing. Upcoming Meetings/Important Dates The Commission will meet next on December 7, 2015. Commissioner Sullivan inquired as to whether it was a problem that Town and Gown did not attend the informational meeting. Chair Cooper said that it indicates on the application that it is required. However, it has been held to more stringently on special projects due to the small amount of funding, but individual commissioners can take it into consideration with their recommendations. Commissioner Sullivan said that it would be difficult for him to deny funding if an organization has received money for years and missed one meeting. Adjournment Commissioner Sullivan moved adjournment at 7:53 p.m.