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Florida Council on Arts and Culture
Meeting Minutes

May 26, 2011
Teleconference

In Attendance

Florida Council on Arts and Culture	Department Staff
Katharine Dickenson, Chairman Lois Benson Dr. Susan Baldino Tim Deratany Susan Goldman Dr. Barbara Hubbard Robert Judd Glenn Lochrie Margot Knight Kathryn Townsend Jon Ward	Sandy Shaughnessy, Director Rachelle Ashmore Don Blancett Laura Blischke Megan Burke Lindsay Carlson Jennifer Hoesing Lee Modica Dr. Gaylen Phillips Alissa Slade Sarah Stage Patty Warren

I. Call to Order

Chairman Katharine Dickenson called the teleconference meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

II. Introduction of Council, Staff and Guests

Ms. Dickenson asked the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and department staff to introduce themselves. Bob Radock of Florida Alliance for Arts Education, Jody Leshinsky of Broward County Cultural Affairs Council, Karen Peterson of Karen Peterson and Dancers, and Donna McBride of David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts were in attendance.

III. Adoption of Agenda

Ms. Goldman moved approval of the agenda with Dr. Baldino seconding. The motion carried.

IV. Chairman's Comments

Ms. Dickenson welcomed the new members. The Council has a long history of defending the arts, working together, and forging friendships. She announced that Tim Deratany will be filling the office of Vice Chairman, and thanked Janeen Mason for her service as a council member and Vice Chair. Ms. Dickenson encouraged members to urge the field to apply for grants to show the Legislature the demand. The application deadline is June 1. Ms. Dickenson thanked the Legislature who have demonstrated enormous support for the arts throughout Florida and the grant program.

V. Legislative Update

Patty Warren thanked the legislators who were particularly supportive of the Division and funding for the arts: Representative Mike Horner, Representative Lori Berman, Senator Gwen Margolis, Senator Don Gaetz, Representative Lake Ray, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, and House Speaker Dean Cannon.

Ms. Warren reported that the Legislature has recommended $2 million for General Program Support Grants and $500,000 for Specific Cultural Projects. This funding is subject to veto, and the Secretary of State has communicated his support of the funding to the Governor. Lists of the grants that would be funded with the $2.5 million have been provided to the Governor at his request. The Appropriation bill must be acted upon by the Governor by June 1. This budget provides for a total of $5,173,240 (approximately $2.1 million for the Museum of Florida History and approximately $3 million for Cultural Affairs). This amount includes the $2.5 million for grants but does not include line items totaling $500,000. While the legislature provides for over $1 million in spending authority for the grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Division has not yet received the finalized grant award amount. Due to decreased NEA funding from Congress, the Division expects to receive less than last year's award of $937, 600.

Ms. Warren reported that there was no other legislation affecting the Division that made it out of committee, including all bills dealing with the Art in State Buildings Program, bills dealing with performing arts centers funding from sales taxes, donor exemptions, and attempts to include fine arts participation in schools.

VI. Business Items

VII. Open Council Discussion

Dr. Hubbard requested that the final budget be emailed to the Council when it becomes available along with line items that are approved and vetoed.

Ms. Knight expressed her concern that the Council policy regarding communication with the Chair may be in violation of the Sunshine Law. Staff will review the policy with the Department of State's attorney and make sure that the policy is in compliance with the Sunshine Law.

Ms. Knight suggested that in the future, the Council should look at a state funding redistribution strategy to stabilize and revitalize the state arts council and help find champions among the legislators. Ms. Dickenson requested that this be added to the November agenda if the Secretary of State is in agreement.

VIII. Public Comment

None.

IX. Conclusion

With no further public comment, the meeting concluded at 9:41 a.m.

Katharine Dickenson, Chairman

Dr. Barbara Hubbard, Secretary

Sandy Shaughnessy, Director

Date minutes approved