HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/11/17 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
NOVEMBER 17, 2008
6:45 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Discussion Items
1. 6:45 p.m. Friends of the Arts Update
7:15 p.m. Adjourn
An Economic Development Authority meeting (see separate agenda) follows this meeting
beginning at 7:20 p.m., which is followed by the regularly scheduled City Council meeting
(see separate agenda) beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To make arrangements, please call the
Administration Department at 952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
Meeting Date: November 17, 2008
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other: SPECIAL
TITLE:
Friends of the Arts Update.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the City Council wish to continue financially supporting Friends of the Arts in 2009? Are the
programs and initiatives of Friends of the Arts in keeping with the City Councils expectations?
BACKGROUND:
The City of St. Louis Park has had a financial partnership since 2006 with Friends of the Arts to
further arts and culture in the community and has contributed $20,000 to the organization
annually. The source of funds for the City’s contribution has been the Housing Rehab Fund.
2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Based on information provide to City staff, Friends of the Arts (FOTA) had a great year in 2008
participating in and providing a number of successful programs and events which included:
• Arts for Life Program: The launch of the Arts for Life Program was funded by a 2008
Community Foundation grant along with private and corporate donations. This program
was developed to allow any resident of St. Louis Park to enrich their life through a creative
experience regardless of personal financial restrictions. This program funded senior citizen
painting classes and a teenager's summer experience at the Debbie Allen Dance School in Los
Angeles
• Arts and Culture Grant: FOTA continued to support and enhance the City’s Arts and
Culture Grant Program. They were also instrumental in successful arts programming at
Hamilton House (primarily for adults with disabilities), as well as the establishment of
Community Theater with the launch of The Park Theater Company. FOTA is also a
resource and support for other community projects.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: Funding from an Organizational Development Grant
(Metropolitan Regional Arts Council) provided FOTA with the means to complete a major
infrastructure project - installing membership/financial software. This software allows them
to execute an annual membership campaign which will provide a means to develop a local
funding foundation.
Meeting of November 17, 2008 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Subject: Friends of the Arts Update
• Board of Directors: A significant transition has been the migration to a stronger, defined,
more involved board of directors. Each board member has been asked to take on specific
leadership/liaison roles. This is intended to create a solid foundation for the organization and
the development of stronger relationships within the community thereby allowing them to
become a more viable, long-term organization. New board members are currently being
recruited, especially community members experienced in marketing and development.
• Our Town: "OUR TOWN: Building Community through Creative Experience" will be
launched in 2009. This is intended to become an annual FOTA event that will highlight a
different form of expression as a community experience each year (i.e. writing, dance, etc.).
One year might be writing, the next might be dance, etc. This event will be based on the
success of Our Town: Faces & Places took place in 2007.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The City’s annual $20,000 financial contribution to FOTA was initially approved February 6, 2006
to promote art events and related activities that create an awareness and appreciation for arts.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Continuing our partnership with FOTA is consistent with our 18 month Strategic Directions: St.
Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community aesthetics in all
City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
Attachments: FOTA Mission and Values Statement
List of Board of Directors
Prepared by: Cindy W. Walsh, Director of Parks and Recreation
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of November 17, 2008 (Item No. 1)
Subject: Friends of the Arts Update Page 3
Meeting of November 17, 2008 (Item No. 1)
Subject: Friends of the Arts Update Page 4