Delaware State Arts Council Meeting

Delaware State Arts Council Meeting

December 14, 2005

Delaware Art Museum

Council Members Present: Julia McCabe, Theda Blackwelder, Steve Boyden, Keyla DiSalvo, Gary Grunder, Brian Miller, Lise Monty, Lawler Rogers, Bill Spiker, Susan Shipley, Joyce Hill Stoner, Debbie Wicks, Allen Sessoms via conference call

Council Members Absent: Ann Schenck, Annabelle Kressman

Guests: Kevin Howley, Non Profit Finance Fund

Kent Steinriede, News Journal

Judy McCabe, Chair of the Delaware State Arts Council, called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. She requested approval of the minutes of September 21, 2005. Steve Boyden made a motion to approve the minutes which was seconded by Lawler Rogers and approved by all.

Judy McCabe introduced and welcomed new Council member, Dr. Joyce Hill Stoner. Ms. McCabe reported that Rhonda Graham submitted her resignation to the Council and has accepted an editorial board position at the News Journal. The nominating committee will convene in January via conference call to discuss the vacancy and possible candidates for consideration.

Ms. McCabe introduced Kevin Howley from the Nonprofit Finance Fund. Mr. Howley reported that the Non Profit Finance Fund (NFF) had conducted two all-day workshops on managing finances for arts organizations in the state. The workshops were designed to give organizations information on how to match program initiatives with financial resources. Approximately 18 organizations were represented.

Ms. McCabe introduced Kent Steinriede of the News Journal who attended the Delaware State Arts Council meeting in order to get ideas for future stories.

Ms. McCabe congratulated staff and Council regarding the accomplishments achieved during the second year of the three year strategic plan.

Judy McCabe spoke on behalf of Ann Schenck, Chair of the Grants Committee, to congratulate the program staff and Council committee members for their efforts in revising the General Operating Support guidelines and introducing the new Public Impact Grant program for FY07.

Judy McCabe reported that Laura Scanlan and she attended the December board meeting of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. They explored arts venues in Washington and attended the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation awards ceremony for Rufus Reid, Jazz Master, at the Kennedy Center.

Judy McCabe requested that Laura Scanlan present the Director’s report.

Ms. Scanlan congratulated Izzy Mead as the new Public Information Officer for the Division and reported on the following:

Prior to the Council meeting DDOA held a grant information workshop at the Art Museum which was attended by approximately 50 people from various arts organizations. The DDOA will also be hosting a workshop on 12/15 in Milford.

Ø  The workshop emphasized the changes in the grant process for FY07. Changes include: Arts organizations’ general operating support grant will be calculated on the basis of the organization’s most recent actual operating expenses.

Ø  The Division’s request for financial information from grant applicants will be based upon the organization’s budget size.

Ø  Arts organizations will be required to submit their IRS 990s. The Division will use the expense information reported on this form as the basis for calculating the general operating support grants.

Ø  The Division has introduced a new Public Impact Grant for arts organizations. These grants will recognize exemplary work in the areas of audience development or community impact.

Ø  The Division has introduced a new Cultural Access category for opportunity grants, providing funding for services that will enhance the arts experience for persons with disabilities.

Theda Blackwelder, Advocacy Committee chair reported that the Advocacy Committee will be sponsoring an Arts Advocacy meeting on January 5 at Delaware State University with representatives from the arts community from across the state. This Council-sponsored event is designed to gather input from constituents to prepare for the budget request before the Joint Finance Committee in February.

Ms. Blackwelder encouraged all Council Members to talk to their legislators in support of the Council’s request.

Lise Monty, Chair of the Marketing Committee, reported:

Ø  The editor of Delaware Today has agreed to host a meeting of the arts organizations to discuss mutual concerns. The Division has distributed a letter requesting feedback on media coverage from arts organizations throughout the state. This feedback will be shared with Delaware Today in a face-to-face meeting to be scheduled in January.

Ø  The third edition of the Art Guide will be published in March. This edition will cover arts galleries, summer theater, the Cape May Jazz Festival, and the Wyeth exhibitions this spring.

Sheila Ross reported that she has received an overwhelming response from Summit attendees indicating their satisfaction regarding the Arts Summit. Ms. Ross mentioned that one of the main goals of the Summit was to promote the Artist Roster which was successfully accomplished. Ms. Ross said that Kristin Pleasanton will review registration forms and contact registrants who had questions about the Artist Roster.

Susan Salkin reported that Sharon Roat helped to setup extensive media coverage of the Arts Summit. Ms. Salkin provided a slide show for artists who performed at the Summit. She read from a number of letters from artists who appreciated the opportunity to perform at the Summit.

Kristin Pleasanton presented the recommendations for the 2006 Individual Artist Fellowship awardees. (See attached). There were a total of 59 applicants. A motion by Brian Miller was made to approve the recommendations for the Individual Artist Fellowship winners which was seconded by Gary Grunder and approved by all.

Ms. Pleasanton indicated that following the Council meeting a press release will be released notifying the public of the award winners. Ms. Pleasanton mentioned that DDOA has formalized a partnership with the Biggs Museum to honor the Individual Arts Fellowship recipients in February. All Council members will be sent an invitation to this event.

Brian Miller, Chair of the Life Long Learning Committee stated that the Delaware Institute of Arts in Education continues to review the state content standards. Mr. Miller mentioned that art educators and art students throughout the state will be exhibiting their artwork in the New Castle County Courthouse.

Paul Weagraff reported that the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation are presenting a “Poetry Out Loud” contest. This program encourages high school students to learn about poetry through performance and competition. This program, funded by the NEA, will take place nationally and in Delaware will include invitations to every high school in the state to participate in the poetry recitation contest. The public competition will take place April 26, 2006, at the Schwartz Center. Governor Minner will present the awards. Delaware’s finalist will advance to the national finals, to take place on May 16, 2006, in Washington, DC.

A motion was made by Theda Blackwelder to adjourn the meeting at 3:00 p.m., seconded by Lise Monty and approved by all. A tour of the Delaware Art Museum was offered to Council members at the conclusion of the meeting.

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