HomeMy Public PortalAbout20080619minutesMinutes
Ad Hoc Committee on the Arts
Thursday, June 19, 2008 ~ 12:00 P.M.
City Hall, 320 E. McCarty Street – Boone/Bancroft Room
Present:
Cindy Layton, Ann Littlefield, Steve Picker, Janice McMillan, Charles Brzuchalski, Jim
Crabtree, Carrie Carroll, Bill Rodgers, Mary Ann Hall, Ned Hug and Tom Schulte. Kris
Hilgedick was there for the News Tribune.
Marie Hunter from the Office of Cultural Affairs (OAC) in Columbia shared information on how
the concept and funding got started over 15 years ago and the progress made through those years.
For the first few years there was a “special fund” set aside for general revenue for the arts. After
a five year cultural plan was developed and included the city budget the arts fund was expanded
to the Office of Cultural Affairs. Marie is the only city employee with staff support from Parks
and Recreation. There is a Commission of Cultural Affairs with 12 members. Funding comes
from the Missouri Arts Council, City of Columbia General Revenue Percent for Art program and
the Festival of the Arts event. The OAC operates with a budget of $100,000 a year.
Marie gave an overview of how the OAC utilizes their budget providing services to art groups,
individuals and local organizations. The OAC does not give grants but “contracts services” for
related art projects or events. There is a $10,000 cap on any funding with a 50-50 match of cash
or in-kind-service required. Applications for funding are reviewed and scored by the
commission.
The OAC also has an artists’ registry website, newsletter, gallery guide and offers networking,
cooperative marketing and programs throughout the year. Marie stressed understanding that the
OAC is not in competition with art groups. The OAC’s purpose is to assist new and existing
organizations to further their plans and help educate the general public about art in their
community. Brochures were handed out with more in depth information on the funding and
services of OAC.
Marie suggested this ad hoc committee start developing a cultural plan with help from the
National Endowment for the Arts. She also suggested the city could establish a 501c3 group that
would be eligible to apply for grants. In conclusion she reminded us that “art is an industry”
which can provide benefits to all aspects of a community including tourism.
There was no time to continue with the rest of the agenda. Those points will be taken up at the
next meeting scheduled July 17, 2008.
Submitted by Mary Ann Hall