11.5.0067 Application
African Caribbean Dance Theatre, Inc.

Applicant Information

Item	Response
Corporate Name	African Caribbean Dance Theatre, Inc.
DBA Name	N/A
Federal Employer ID	59-3222121
Principal Address	315 Third Street, SE Havana, FL 32333-2105
County	Gadsden
Applicant Email Address	acdt93@aol.com
Grant Contact	Jevelle Robinson, Executive Director
Authorized Official	Marcus Robinson, President
Website	www.fadf.org

Proposal Information

Item	Response
Application #	11.5.0067
Program	Specific Cultural Project
Proposal Type	Discipline-Based
Funding Category	N/A
Discipline	Sponsor/Presenter
Applicant is requesting REDI waiver	No
Residency Contact Hours	N/A
Proposal Period	7/1/2010 - 6/30/2011
Proposal Title	14th Annual Florida African Dance Festival
Proposal Synopsis	The Annual Florida African Dance Festival, a 3-day conference, is the only event of its kind in the state. It features internationally renowned artists in dance and drum workshops and a performance concert. Other highlights include special dance workshops for children, festival vendor marketplace, natural hair extravaganza, and a health focus.

Mission Statement

The mission of ACDT is to provide a program that ensures participants a high level of self-respect, self-esteem, self-confidence, discipline, community and cultural pride through African dance and drumming traditions. Vision Statement: ACDT's overall vision is to preserve African dance and drumming traditions for future generations. Motto: We do more dance...We dance to live.

Proposal Summary: Goals

The goals for this proposal include the following:
*To make Tallahassee a major hub for African cultural activities.
*To increase African cultural activities for the Florida community at-large.
*To make African dance and drumming activities more accessible to families throughout Florida and the southeast.
*To provide a qualitative festival utilizing the highest caliber artists that will attract participants across the country.
*To foster collaborations with other Florida and national companies which have an emphasis on African dance and drumming.
*To use the festival as a medium for educating the general public about various health issues plaguing communities locally, regionally and nationally. (It relates to the physical attributes of African dance and drumming.)

Proposal Summary: Objectives

The objectives for this proposal include the following:
*Increase funding from businesses, individuals, foundations and other governmental entities by 30%.
*Increase number of internationally recognized artists by 30%.
*Increase number of artists for Festival Concert by 50%.
*Increase overall number of attendees by 40%.
*Increase number of visitors from Florida and out-of-state by 45%.
*Increase number of promotions with print, broadcast and other mediums by 45%.
*Participants' knowledge of African dance and drumming styles will increase.
*Participants' knowledge of African culture and folklore will increase.
*Increase number of participants in health-related forums by 30%.

Proposal Summary: Activities

The methods to carry out these objectives include the following:
*Increase funding from businesses, individuals, foundations and other governmental entities by 30% by consistently researching and writing grants/proposals throughout proposal period.
*Increase number of internationally recognized artists by 30% by adding more featured guest presenters to the concert performance line-up.
*Increase the number of artists for Festival Concert by 50% by working with the other Florida companies that have also have an emphasis on African dance and drumming.
*Increase overall number of attendees (locally, regionally, nationally) by 40% by expanding marketing outreach efforts to Facebook and other online publications.
*Increase number of promotions with print, broadcast and other mediums by 45% by pursuing features with magazines and dance specific publications as well as PSA's with talk radio stations.
*Participants' knowledge of African dance and drumming styles will increase by directly interacting with featured artists during dance and drum workshop sessions.
*Participants' knowledge of African culture and folklore will increase by actively taking part in over 25 festival events.
*Increase number of participants in health-related forums by 30% by collaborating with multiple healthcare professionals.

Narrative: Proposal Description

This project is consistent with ACDT's mission in that it enriches the participants' experience through African dance and drumming tradition activities. It also expounds upon the day-to-day activities of the company, and amplifies ACDT's overall vision to preserve African dance and drumming for future generations.

Below is a timeline for planning and implementation:
JULY – DECEMBER 2010
*ACDT will analyze and evaluate 2010 festival for planning 14th annual event.
*ACDT will send a final report (financial, press, etc.) to government and corporate sponsors.
*ACDT will use documentation from 2010 festival to begin sponsorship solicitation for 2011.
*ACDT will use documentation from 2010 festival to begin marketing strategic plan for 2011.
*ACDT will expand data file for mailings.
*ACDT will begin negotiations with individual artists and performance groups for participation, and secure as many agreements as possible so that the promotional campaign can begin.
*ACDT will begin contacting healthcare professionals and organizations.
JANUARY – APRIL 2011
*ACDT will continue to pursue sponsorships for the festival.
*ACDT will produce festival brochure.
*ACDT will continue to set up and implement public relations schedule.
*ACDT will meet twice monthly with festival committee group or as often as necessary.
*ACDT will send out festival brochures, information packets, etc.
MAY 2011
*ACDT will continue actualizing public relations schedule.
*ACDT will continue pursuing sponsorships.
*ACDT will assess participation level to determine hotel, venue and fiscal impacts.
JUNE 1 – 8, 2011
*ACDT will complete preparation of pre-registrants' packets.
*ACDT will finalize festival details.
*ACDT will continue assessing participation levels to determine hotel, venue and fiscal impacts.
*ACDT will continue to actualize public relations schedule.
JUNE 9 – 11, 2011
*ACDT will present the festival.
JUNE 12 – 19, 2011
*ACDT will begin to compile festival information to determine financial, visitor and cultural impact.

14th Annual Florida African Dance Festival will be held June 9 – 11, 2011. Below is the schedule of services:
*Welcoming Reception at Homewood Suites on June 9; Festival Artists' and Participants' Arrival Date, FREE
*5 Dance Workshops, TCC, June 10, Artists TBD, $10 Per Workshop
*3 Drum Workshops, TCC, June 10, Artists TBD, $10 Per Workshop
*Children's Dance Workshop1, TCC, June 10, Artists TBD, FREE
*Children's Dance Workshop 2, TCC, June 10, Artists TBD, FREE
*Festival Vendor Marketplace, TCC, June 10, 30 Local/Regional Vendors, FREE
*5 Dance Workshops, TCC, June 11, Artists TBD, $10 Per Workshop
*3 Drum Workshops, TCC, June 11, Artists TBD, $10 Per Workshop
*Children's Dance Workshop 1, TCC, June 11, Artists TBD, FREE
*Children's Dance Workshop 2, TCC, June 11, Artists TBD, FREE
*Health Education Forum, TCC, June 11, Local Healthcare Professionals, FREE
*Health Screenings, TCC, June 11, FAMU College of Pharmacy, FREE
*Festival Vendor Marketplace, TCC, June 11, 30 Local/Regional Vendors, FREE
*Natural Hair Extravaganza, TCC, June 11, Mandisa Ngozi Braiding Gallery, FREE
*Performance Concert, Lee Hall Auditorium, June 11, Artists TBD, $10 Per Person
*Post Concert Reception, Lee Hall Auditorium, June 11, Artists TBD, $10 Per Person

Narrative: Culture Builds Florida's Future

1. Strengthening the Economy

   The Florida African Dance Festival's (FADF) creation is rooted in stimulating tourism for the local economy. Based upon its first application for funding support, FADF was in part designed to meet the criteria for the Leon County Tourist Development Council grant. This grant required that an event attract visitors and impact hotel room nights during the lull months (May – August); thus FADF is presented each June. Fast forward to 2009, FADF is thriving and slowly becoming a boon to the local economy. Here's the history of hotel room nights that were verified: June 2000, 149 hotel room nights; June 2001, 85 hotel room nights; June 2002, 127 hotel room nights; June 2003, 201 hotel room nights; June 2004, 92 hotel room nights; June 2005, 108 hotel room nights; June 2006,176 hotel room nights; June 2007, 200 hotel room nights; June 2008, 115 hotel room nights and June 2009, 201 hotel room nights.

   Additionally, BizBash, a Miami-based magazine, rated FADF as one of Florida's top 100 events in its June/July 2007 publication. The festival was also promoted in national, regional and local publications: Discover America, April 2007; Ebony Magazine, June 2006, 2007 and 2008; Upscale Magazine; June 2006 (included in Visit Florida ad); Flavour Magazine, Spring Issue 2007 and Cover of Fall 2009; and on the cover of the Limelight for the past ten years. The 9th Annual FADF (June 2006) is also featured in the National Endowment for the Arts' annual report that came out November 2007.

   As the only event of its kind in the state, FADF undoubtedly adds to the cultural fabric and tourism of Florida.

2. Learning and Wellness

   While dance has intrinsic health benefits, the epidemic levels of diabetes, obesity and heart disease compelled ACDT to add a health education component to the festival in 2001. The first FADF health focus was diabetes, "Dance Against Diabetes." Through the years, ACDT has partnered with healthcare professionals to present a forum, worked with the FAMU College of Pharmacy to provide health screenings and dedicated a health informational page in each of its annual brochures. Here's the history of the festival health emphasis:

   Festival Health Forum on Diabetes, 2001; American Diabetes Association, Florida Department of Health, FAMU Institute of Public Health, FAMU Drug Information Center, Dr. Cynthia Kimble-Proctor, Dr. Otis Kirksey, Dr. Ibn Imani, Dr. Zandra Glenn, Cheryl Haynes, R.N.

   Festival Health Forum on HIV/AIDS, 2002; Florida Department of Health, Leon County Health Department, FAMU Drug Information Center, Big Bend Cares, SHISA, Dr. Otis Kirksey, FAMU Essential Theatre.

   Festival Health Forum on Cancer, 2003; American Cancer Society, Soul Survivors, Dr. James Stockwell, Dr. Jessie Furlow, Dr. Folekami Odenina.

   Festival Health Forum on Cardiovascular Disease, 2004; Capital Health Plan, American Heart Association, Dr. Joseph Webster, Dr. Holder, Miaisha Mitchell, Dr. Abigail Mobley.

   Festival Health Forum on Obesity, 2005; FL Dept. of Health, FAMU College of Pharmacy, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Dr. Senors, Dr. Reese, LA Weight Loss, David Burney (Personal Trainer).

   Festival Health Forum on Diabetes, 2006; FAMU College of Pharmacy, Dr. Zandra Glenn.

   Festival Health Forum on Colon Cancer, 2007; Dr. Joseph Webster and FAMU College of Pharmacy.

   Festival Health Forum on HIV/AIDS, 2008; Sheila Morris, Leon County Health Department Consultant and FAMU College of Pharmacy.

   Festival Health on Obesity; 2009; Dr. Mignon Emenike, FAMU College of Pharmacy and David Burney, Personal Trainer.

3. Building Leadership

   No answer provided.

4. Design and Development

   No answer provided.

Narrative: Marketing and Promotion

ACDT plans to use all mediums that it has successfully implemented in promoting past festivals to include the Internet; News articles; magazine articles; radio (popular, general public and African American based); billboards; television talk shows; live radio interviews; brochures and postcards that are distributed nationally; flyer distribution. The company will look at technological expansion with tools such as Facebook and other online publications. In addition, ACDT will rely upon word-of-mouth from previous participants. Broadcasts of the festival concert on the local access channels at Florida A&M University, the City of Tallahassee and 4FSU-TV have aided promotions significantly. Having the 9th Annual Florida African Dance Festival, June 2006 featured in the National Endowment for the Arts' Annual Report (November 2007) has raised the festival's profile as well as the recognition by Bizbash magazine as one of the state's top 100 events.

Narrative: Personnel and Partners

ARTISTS' biographies are not listed because they haven't been selected at this time. In fact, a two-year advance selection of artists isn't necessary for this type of presentation. We have found that a selection of artists about 8 months from the event date is adequate.
THE SELECTION PROCESS for artists comprises a small committee of volunteers who have artistic backgrounds along with the company's artistic director.
*The Committee utilizes information collected from the Florida African Dance Festival surveys; reviews videotapes and resumes of prospective African immigrant artists; consults with other dance companies/artistic directors throughout the country; responds to artists' inquiries and interests received via regular mail, email/Internet, telephone and referrals.
*The Committee also looks at the artists' years of experience, quality of dance technique and delivery, and teaching capabilities.
*Once the Committee makes its final selection of artists, fees are negotiated and a contract is established. It is important to note that the Committee primarily looks for African immigrant artists to keep as close to traditions and folklore as possible, but also looks at African American artists who have been trained in Africa or by other African immigrant artists.
KEY ARTISTIC STAFF: Marcus Robinson is the artistic director and co-founder of the ACDT. He began his dance career 23 years ago with the Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre at Florida A&M University. Robinson initially started as a percussionist, and then moved to the dance floor which led to years of countless dance performances that include the Florida Dance Festival in Tampa, the Black Choreographer's Conference in Los Angeles, California and Fort Mose Museum's grand opening in Gainesville, Florida. His exceptional style as a dancer compelled him to focus on instruction and choreography in traditional West African dance. He has experience in over 15 different African dance styles, has toured Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Texas doing lecture demonstrations with urban and rural communities. Robinson's list of choreographic clients include: Miss Black Florida Pageant 1996, Tallahassee, FL; Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts in 1997, 1998 and 2002 in Dallas, Texas; and Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre, FAMU in 1995, 1996, 2004 & 2007, Tallahassee, FL. KEY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Jevelle Robinson has been the executive director of the ACDT for the past 12 years. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she uses over sixteen years experience in dance performing and training, along with client service and office management skills to develop and manage ACDT. Robinson worked as an intern in Governor Bob Graham's Press Office, and upon graduating worked in Governor Graham's Minority Affairs Office. She went to work in U.S. Senator Graham's office as a staff assistant for 3 ½ years. Robinson then moved to a public relations/lobbying firm for 7 years. In addition, Robinson has been active and/or participated in the Tallahassee community through her service with the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Individual Artists Panelist, 2008; Individual Artists Panelist, 2005 (Fall & Winter Distributions); Class 2002-03, Service Leadership of Florida; City of Tallahassee Cultural Strategic Planning Task Force on Public/Private Funding, 2003; and the Cultural Resources Commission Youth and Arts Education Committee, 2005 – 2007.

Proposal Estimates

Estimated Number of	Response	Instructions to the Applicant
school based youth benefiting	250	Enter the number of individuals under the age of 18 that are expected to be participating in organized school based cultural events. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
non-school based youth benefiting	200	Enter the number of individuals under the age of 18 that are expected to be participating in non-school based cultural events. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
elders benefiting	300	Enter the number of individuals over the age of 65 that are expected to benefit from the proposal activities. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
artists participating	40	Enter the estimated number of professional artists that will be directly involved in providing artistic services specifically identified with the proposal. Include living artists whose work is represented in an exhibition regardless of whether the work was provided by the artist or by an institution. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
individuals benefiting	4,100	Give the total number of individuals that are expected to be involved in proposal activities as artists, non-artists, participants, or audience members. This number should include the values listed for youth, elders and artists.
proposal events	28	How many different events will be produced or presented within the grant period as a part of this proposal? Be sure to list different events, not performances. For example, a musical performed 10 times is only one event, but a musical performed 10 times and workshop done once are two events.
opportunities for public participation	28	Each event will have one or more opportunities for public participation. For example a musical performed 10 times is one event with 10 opportunities for public participation.

Estimated Counties served

• Leon

Narrative: Assessment and Planning

The perceived artistic and cultural needs of this community are: more money for the arts, more activities to serve youths in schools, more activities to address the ethnic diversity, and better facilities for the performance arts.
In 2003, the City of Tallahassee hired a consultant to conduct a Strategic Cultural Plan. Through citizens' survey responses and information gathering from the plan's task force meetings, needs and goals were identified. The goal of the plan was to recognize how the arts, culture and heritage could strengthen the capital area's economic development, increase tourism, and improve quality of life. In addition, the goals included:
*Building a network of arts and heritage education opportunities.
*Preserving existing cultural facilities and developing new ones.
*Marketing arts and heritage to develop audiences and build the image of the capital area.
*Achieving sustainable public and private funding to support cultural programs.

The Florida African Dance Festival addresses the demographic and cultural needs of Tallahassee to include the following:
*Program activities that are appropriate and suited for all age groups, particularly familial groups.
*Program activities that attract participants across the country; thus, the local economy is stimulated and tourism is increased.
*A program design that is unique to the state and southeast region.
*A program design that has widespread appeal to the racial make-up of this community.

Narrative: Proposal Impact

There are some unique populations in the City of Tallahassee in that it's the capital of Florida, and has two state universities and one community college. Tallahassee has a population of 239,452; Male, 47.7% and Female, 52.3%. The median age is 29.5. The ethnic breakdown is 66.4%, White; 29.1% Black or African American; and 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. The household size is 2.34. As the capital seat, Tallahassee attracts many interesting business, political and community events and activities. There are quite a few families that settle here, and there is a large college student population of over 30,000. Tallahassee was recognized as an "All America City" in 1999.

With a variety of activities offered through the annual Florida African Dance Festival and an effective promotional campaign, ACDT has successfully appealed to diverse constituent groups. ACDT will continue to build upon its marketing and outreach strategies as outlined in this grant application to attract diverse audiences. Advertisements with the local African American based newspaper and radio stations with multi-ethnic listeners have been effective methods. Being on the cover of the Limelight for the past ten years, the Tallahassee Democrat's entertainment weekly with an estimated readership of 90,000, has impacted our outreach capabilities significantly. In addition, the local television stations (WCTV6 and Comcast)runs frequent PSA's that are viewed by many. We will continue working with these mediums to reach a broad base of the community.

Another important component of the festival is that all activities are held at venues that are easily accessible to local public transportation routes.

Narrative: Education and Outreach

All components of the Florida African Dance Festival are educational:
*Dance Workshops, emphasis is to teach movement techniques and to discuss the geographic origin, history and songs of different dance styles. There will be 10 dance workshops and 4 children's dance workshops. Each workshop will be 1 hour and 30 minutes.
*Drum Classes, emphasis is to teach drumming techniques, history and basic rhythms. There will be 6 drum workshops. Each workshop will be 1 hour and 30 minutes.
*Health Forums, focus is to educate and inform participants about various health risks, offer prevention information and provide screenings.
*Natural Hair Extravaganza, emphasis to demonstrate how to style and care for natural hair.

The festival also provides participants and cultural programs the opportunity to do the following:
*Learn from some of the top-ranked artists from the African dance and drumming genres.
*Experience several different African cultures such as Guinea, Senegal, Mail, Ivory Coast, Ghana and the Congo.
*Participate in festival workshops at a nominal cost ($10 per workshop, $10 for the concert performance.) In other cities such as New York and Washington, D.C., a workshop cost is $12 and up, and concert $20 plus. To foster continued collaborations, ACDT has provided the three Florida companies with an African dance emphasis 10 student scholarships each of the past ten years. The companies are Dundu Dole (Clearwater); Kuumba Dancers & Drummers (Tampa); and the Orlando School of Cultural Dance (Orlando).
*Showcase talents and choreographic works. The Florida companies noted above have participated in at least two festival concerts over the years.
*Expand network base. Many participants have found the festival to be a venue for meeting prospective choreographers, resident artists and costume designers to name a few.

Operating Budget

	Operating Expenses	Completed FY ended 9/30/08	Current FY ending 9/30/09	Next FY ending 9/30/10
1.	Personnel: Administrative	18,650	18,500	18,500
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	33,828	26,000	34,000
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	31,257	25,000	29,500
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	3,675	11,000	23,250
6.	Space Rental, Rent or Mortgage	17,712	16,289	16,739
7.	Travel	31,702	32,000	30,000
8.	Marketing	6,038	7,000	7,000
9.	Remaining Operating Expenses	14,906	15,516	15,132
A.	Total Cash Expenses	$157,768	$151,305	$174,121
B.	In-kind Contributions	$17,500	$16,500	$17,500
C.	Total Operating Expenses	$175,268	$167,805	$191,621
	Operating Income	Completed FY ended 9/30/08	Current FY ending 9/30/09	Next FY ending 9/30/10
10.	Revenue: Admissions	10,162	11,000	11,000
11.	Revenue: Contracted Services	8,700	8,500	8,500
12.	Revenue: Other	1,490	1,445	1,500
13.	Private Support: Corporate	2,250	2,650	3,000
14.	Private Support: Foundation	4,000	3,500	5,000
15.	Private Support: Other	10,476	8,000	8,000
16.	Government Support: Federal	20,000	20,000	20,000
17.	Government Support: State/Regional	7,901	3,100	25,000
18.	Government Support: Local/County	93,234	92,665	92,121
19.	Applicant Cash
D.	Total Cash Income	$158,213	$150,860	$174,121
B.	In-kind Contributions	$17,500	$16,500	$17,500
E.	Total Operating Income	$175,713	$167,360	$191,621

Proposal Budget: Summary

	Proposal Expenses	A. Request	B. Cash Expenses	C. In-kind	Total
1.	Personnel: Administrative	0	1,500	5,000	$6,500
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	0	1,000	4,000	$5,000
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production	0	0	0	$0
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	11,205	27,200	0	$38,405
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	11,745	4,550	0	$16,295
6.	Space Rental, Rent	0	1,250	2,500	$3,750
7.	Travel	1,350	16,650	0	$18,000
8.	Marketing	700	3,600	6,000	$10,300
9.	Equipment	0	0	0	$0
10.	Remaining Proposal Expenses	0	0	0	$0
D.	Total Proposal Expenses	25,000	55,750	17,500	$98,250
	Proposal Income	A. Request	E. Cash Income	C. In-Kind	Total
11.	Revenue: Admissions		11,000		11,000
12.	Revenue: Contracted Services		0		$0
13.	Revenue: Other		0		$0
14.	Private Support: Corporate		3,500		3,500
15.	Private Support: Foundation		3,000		3,000
16.	Private Support: Other		1,700		1,700
17.	Government Support: Federal		20,000		20,000
18.	Government Support: State/Regional (not including state funds)		0		$0
19.	Government Support: Local/County		16,550		16,550
20.	Applicant Cash		0		$0
F.	Total Proposal Income	25,000	55,750	17,500	$98,250

Proposal Budget: Detail

	Proposal Expenses	A. Request	B. Cash Expenses	C. In-Kind	Total
1.	Personnel: Administrative	0	1,500	5,000	$6,500
1.1. Executive Director		0	1,500	5,000	6,500
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	0	1,000	4,000	$5,000
2.1. Percussion Contractors		0	1,000	0	1,000
2.2. Artistic Director		0	0	4,000	4,000
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production	0	0	0	$0
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	11,205	27,200	0	$38,405
4.1. Guest Artists		11,205	27,200	0	38,405
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	11,745	4,550	0	$16,295
5.1. Videographic Production		8,205	0	0	8,205
5.2. Entertainment Stage Coordinator		2,000	500	0	2,500
5.3. DJ Music & Sound Coordinator		1,540	1,000	0	2,540
5.4. Graphic Designer		0	1,000	0	1,000
5.5. Web Designer		0	1,050	0	1,050
5.6. Photographer		0	1,000	0	1,000
6.	Space Rental, Rent	0	1,250	2,500	$3,750
6.1. Workshop Space Rental		0	1,250	1,250	2,500
6.2. Tech & Performance Space Rental		0	0	1,250	1,250
7.	Travel	1,350	16,650	0	$18,000
7.1. Air & Ground Transportation		1,000	7,000	0	8,000
7.2. Hotel Accommodations		350	9,650	0	10,000
8.	Marketing	700	3,600	6,000	$10,300
8.1. Printing Costs		350	2,350	0	2,700
8.2. Radio Ads		350	750	0	1,100
8.3. Television Ads (PSA's)		0	0	3,000	3,000
8.4. Newspaper Ads (PSA's)		0	500	3,000	3,500
9.	Equipment	0	0	0	$0
10.	Remaining Proposal Expenses	0	0	0	$0
D.	Total Proposal Expenses	25,000	55,750	17,500	$98,250

	Proposal Income	A. Request	E. Cash Income	C. In-Kind	Total
11.	Revenue: Admissions		11,000		$11,000
11-1 Admissions			11,000		11,000
12.	Revenue: Contracted Services		0		$0
13.	Revenue: Other		0		$0
14.	Private Support: Corporate		3,500		$3,500
14-1 The Wellness Center by Dr. Mignon			1,000		1,000
14-2 Hinson Realty			250		250
14-3 Knowles & Randolph			500		500
14-4 Rogers, Gunter, Vaughn			250		250
14-5 Parks & Crump, PA			250		250
14-6 Pittman Law Group			250		250
14-7 Strong & Jones Funeral Home			250		250
14-8 The Studio Bridal Couture			250		250
14-9 Williams, Wilson & Sexton			250		250
14-10 Oliver Construction			250		250
15.	Private Support: Foundation		3,000		$3,000
15-1 Target			3,000		3,000
16.	Private Support: Other		1,700		$1,700
16-1 A&M Abdullah			500		500
16-2 J. Davis			300		300
16-3 M. Brickler			200		200
16-4 K.King			500		500
16-5 L. Johnson			200		200
17.	Government Support: Federal		20,000		$20,000
17-1 National Endowment for the Arts			20,000		20,000
18.	Government Support: State/Regional (not including state funds)		0		$0
19.	Government Support: Local/County		16,550		$16,550
19-1 Leon County			10,000		10,000
19-2 Leon County Tourist Develoment Council			6,300		6,300
19-3 Tallahassee Regional Airport			250		250
20.	Applicant Cash		0		$0
F.	Total Proposal Income	25,000	55,750	17,500	$98,250

Proposal Summary: Evaluation Plan

To measure the effectiveness of this project, ACDT uses an evaluation survey. This survey allows us to collect data that includes a rating scale with numbers and descriptors relative to the artists, methods of travel, marketing indicators and personal critiques. We also rely very heavily on what's captured through video recordings. Other considerations include the following: number of registrations, attendance figures, media coverage, verbal feedback, participants' letters and hotel room nights. Once the data is compiled, ACDT utilizes the analysis to plan for the next year's festival. The data may impact decisions like the number of activities, number of artists, selection process for artists, costs to participants, amount of project revenue needed, volunteer support personnel, and marketing strategies.

Narrative: Applicant History

THE AFRICAN CARIBBEAN DANCE THEATRE (ACDT) is a nonprofit youth and adult cultural education organization based in Tallahassee. Its mission is to provide participants a program that ensures a high level of self-respect, self-esteem, self-confidence, discipline, community and cultural pride through African dance and drumming traditions. By consistent participation in the program, ACDT aims to transform the individual through its weekly year-round program activities, and enrich its other audience members via workshops, performances and the annual Florida African Dance Festival (FADF).
MARCUS AND JEVELLE ROBINSON, co-founders of ACDT, began their dance careers in the mid-1980's with the Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre at Florida A&M University under the tutelage of Dr. Beverly Barber. Through several years of studying, performing and traveling with Orchesis, each of them discovered their passion and niche in African dance. African dance had such a life-changing impact on the Robinsons, service to others became a compelling vehicle for their passion. Thus, ACDT was born.
IN FEBRUARY 1993, ACDT rooted its beginnings at the Lincoln Neighborhood Service Center, a historical African American site in the Tallahassee community. With only 10 youths ages 7 - 12, Marcus who served as the instructor/choreographer, began establishing a training ground for African dance and drumming techniques. After a period of six months, the number of youths increased to 30. The company started performing before a number of audiences throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding area. Resources were received from performances, fundraisers and individual donations. Recognizing the need to increase its funding capabilities, the company became incorporated in 1994, applied for tax exemption in late 1995, and received 501(c)(3) status in early 1996. These series of events set the stage for one of Florida's most unique and fastest growing cultural education programs.
NOW APPROACHING ITS SEVENTEETH YEAR OF SERVICE, ACDT continues to provide year-round classes, workshops and performances. Through weekly class instruction, which is accompanied by live percussion, the participants are taught several different traditional African and Caribbean dance styles, songs and backgrounds. Consistency and repetition enable the participants to hone their dance techniques, earn placement in a choreographic work(s), and an opportunity for stage performance. This process represents how ACDT has become a highly pursued performing group.
ATTRACTING internationally renowned artists and visitors across the country to the annual Florida African Dance Festival (FADF) is one of the company's high-ranking achievements over the past thirteen years. During the June 2003 (6th Annual FADF) festival activities, ACDT recorded over 200 hotel room nights as an indicator of the impact to the local economy. The next highest number of room nights came in June 2006 (9th Annual FADF) at a recording of 176; and then in June 2007 (10th Annual FADF) and June 2009 (12th Annual FADF) there was a repeat of over 200 hotel room nights. ACDT also received recognition of the 9th Annual FADF (June 2006) in the National Endowment for the Arts' Annual Report in its November 2007 publication. Only two organizations per state are selected for the feature. Bizbash, a Miami-based magazine, rated the FADF as one of the top 100 events in Florida in its June/July 2007 issue. Additionally, FADF was featured in the June 2008 issue of Southern Living Magazine, Florida Bonus Section; and had a first-time photograph promoting the festival in the June 2008 travel page of Ebony Magazine. These achievements are consistent with ACDT's mission and overall vision to preserve African dance and drumming traditions for future generations.

Narrative: Sustainability

Although there have been a number of hurdles to overcome along the way, we have successfully presented this festival for the past twelve years. ACDT will continue to apply for grant support from its local arts' agency and tourist development council. While there is no major corporate base in Tallahassee, ACDT will aggressively pursue its funding support from local businesses and national foundations (i.e. Target, Knight). ACDT received its first National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant for the June 2006 event. Funding was also received from the NEA for the June 2007, 2008, 2009 festivals and recently announced for June 2010.

One aim that the organization has is to expand the festival activities to include showcasing more dance companies for the festival concert performance. Bringing in more companies will attract more participation in the concert and overall conference activities.

All data collected will be utilized to review program design and structure, selection of artists, venue capacity and overall service to participants. Partnerships and cooperative relationships will be a key part of our sustainability. In planning this project, ACDT will be securing partnerships that it has utilized in past years. Some of the cooperative relationships include the following:
*Tallahassee Community College (TCC), Allows use of facility for the majority of festival activities. No agreement for June 2011 has been set at this time, but the festival activities have been held at TCC since 2003. Use of the facility is anticipated annually.
*FAMU College of Pharmacy, Provides health screenings for the health forum.
*Florida Department of Health, Provides statistics, handouts, and speakers for health education forums.
*Bethel A.M.E. Liturgical Dance Company, Provides ushering services at the concert performance.
*Local Healthcare Professionals, Many local doctors and healthcare professionals have participated in panel discussions and forums through the years.

Narrative: Fiscal Stability

We do not have any special fiscal circumstances to report at this time. At the writing of this grant, we have successfully presented this festival for the past eleven years. ACDT will continue to apply for grant support from its local arts' agency and tourist development council. While there is no corporate base in Tallahassee, ACDT will aim to expand its funding support from local businesses and individual donors.

Our approach has been and will be to examine every aspect of our organization to determine the feasibility of reductions in contractors' fees, and cuts in services. More importantly, we will continue to work toward creative fundraising strategies and collaborations with other organizations.

Narrative: Collection Summary (GPS Collecting Museums only)

NONE APPLICABLE

Applicant Accessibility

Statement	Response
Applicant's facilities and programs are accessible to persons with disabilities.	True
Applicant has conducted an accessibility self-evaluation of its facilities and programs (Date of most recent evaluation).	False
Applicant has established policies and procedures which address nondiscrimination against persons with disabilities.	True
Applicant has a complaint process for discrimination on the basis of disability	True
Applicant has designated staff person that is responsible for Section 504, ADA and Florida Statutes 553 Compliance.	True Designated staff contact: Jevelle Robinson, Executive Director
Other staff members are informed and trained in access issues.	True

Narrative: Accessibility

The African Caribbean Dance Theatre (ACDT) serves a special constituency group and cultural diverse audiences. Through its year-round youth and adult company classes, ACDT primarily serves African American males and females, 85% African American, 10% White and 5% Hispanic; 80% female and 20% male.

ACDT's year-round performances and workshops allow the company to go before diverse audiences in venues and for organizations such as Leadership Tallahassee, Dept. of State – Florida Heritage Gala. Hawks Rise Elementary School, Florida Conference of Black State Legislators, Tallahassee Advertising Federation, Kids, Inc., Southwood Fundraiser, to name a few.

The Florida African Dance also represents another way in which the company reaches diverse audiences. Marketing the festival to schools, arts' organizations, churches, community centers throughout the state enables the company to attract audience members of many different backgrounds. The mediums of radio, newspaper, billboards, internet and television are also used to attract diverse audiences.

ACDT is able to ensure that its activities are accessible to persons with disabilities because its events are held in government owned facilities that must meet certain building code standards. Additionally, ACDT has two members with disabilities, one with sickle cell and the other has downs syndrome.

The Support Materials include the following:

1 DVD (1 DVD)

2 Support Materials Cover Sheet (1 page)

3 ACDT Cover Letter (1 page)

4 Section I: IRS Determination Letter (4 pages),
Division of Corporation Record (1 page), Board Of Directors'List (1 page), Organizational Chart (1 page)

5 Section II: Letters of Support (7 pages)

6 Section III: Sampling of Evaluations (5 pages front & back), Sampling of Hotel Data (6 pages)

7 Section IV: Past 3 Years Programming (4 pages)

8 Section V: Festival Brochures (2) & Postcards (2)

9 Section VI: Newspaper Clips (11 pages front & back)

SUPPORT MATERIALS COVER SHEET (continued)

Description of DVD

Intro
Time: 23 seconds

Segment 1: The African Caribbean Dance Theatre members performing "Sorsornet," a girls' initiation dance from Guinea, West Africa.
Time: 5 minutes

Segment 2: Marie Basse-Wiles and Malang Bayo featured guest artists from Senegal performing "Lengen," dance of the egret (bird); also performing "Econ Econ," a harvest dance, along with festival participants: Mariama Curry, Robin Gee and Aminata Traore.
Time: 5 minutes

Segment 3: Marie Basse-Wiles and Malang Bayo featured guest artists from Senegal performing "Cheebu Jen." Cheebu Jen, fish and rice, is the most important dish in Senegal and The Gambia. Because this dance is so hot, it was aptly named after the country's most popular dish.
Time: 2 minutes

Segment 4: These are the featured guest percussionists from Guinea, West Africa. The dancers are also featured artists from Guinea, Kadiatou Conte-Forte and Mariatou Camara. They are performing "Soli," a dance of celebration.
Time: 5 minutes