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Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2007
Tallahassee

In Attendance:

Florida Arts Council Department Staff
Katharine Dickenson, Chairman Sandy Shaughnessy, Director
Stephen Hogge, Vice Chairman Dianne Alborn
Lois Benson Rachelle Ashmore
Don Browning Don Blancett
Tim Deratany Ken Crawford
Janeen Mason Morgan Lewis
Norma Canelas Roth Lee Modica
James Shaw Scott Moore
Jeffrey Tucker Gaylen Phillips
Margaret Wise Sarah Stage
  Laura Stone
  Patricia Warren
  1. Call to Order

    Chairman Katharine Dickenson called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m.

  2. Introduction of Council, Staff and Guests

    Mrs. Dickenson asked the Florida Arts Council, department staff, and audience members to introduce themselves.

  3. Adoption of Agenda

    Tim Deratany moved approval of the agenda with Jim Shaw seconding. The motion carried.

  4. Chairman’s Comments

    Katharine Dickenson thanked the members of the Florida Arts Council, the staff and arts community for their support during her year as Council Chairman.

  5. Department of State Update

    Sandy Shaughnessy began her comments by thanking the Citizens’ for Florida Arts, Inc. for their hospitality. She also welcomed new Council member, Lois Benson.

    The Department of State has requested increases in the Division’s budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year. The division is actively tracking SB166 which proposes a designation program for state orchestras.

    The NEA state partnership application has been successfully submitted and Ms. Shaughnessy thanked Gaylen Phillips and Patty Warren for their hard work on the project. The NEA has been recommended for a budget increase, which will be voted on in December. Americans for the Arts has created a new Web site called “Arts Vote” which tracks various candidates’ policies on funding for the arts. National Arts Advocacy Day will take place March 31-April 1 in Washington, D.C.

    Due to the recent budget cuts, Ms. Shaughnessy proposed a new Arts Council meeting schedule that would include two meetings per year by teleconference. This would significantly save funds within the Division’s operating budget. Several of the upcoming panel meetings will also be held via teleconference.

    The Division has completed the development of its new program, Culture Builds Florida, which is geared towards projects in one of the four goal areas of the strategic plan. Next year, in partnership with the NEA and Creative Capital Foundation, the Division will host two professional development workshops to deliver skill-building opportunities to individual artists living and working in Florida.

    The Individual Artist Fellowship traveling exhibit is now underway and exhibition catalogs will be mailed to each Council member.

    The Southern Arts Federation will assist the NEA with their “Operation Homecoming-Phase II” project that will help U.S. troops and their families document their wartime experiences.

    The Museum of Florida History will open its new exhibit entitled “Seminole People of Florida: Survival and Success.” The exhibit provides a glimpse into Seminole history, culture, and artistic traditions from the mid-1850s to the present.

  6. Approval of Minutes from September 2007 Meeting

    Margaret Wise moved approval of the September 2007 meeting minutes, with Norma Roth seconding. The motion was approved.

  7. Recognition of Florida Arts Council Member Service

    Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning presented service award plaques to retiring Council members Katharine Dickenson and Stephen Hogge. Secretary Browning also recognized retiring members Margo Bindhardt and Gary Libby who could not be present.

  8. Guest Speaker(s) on Agenda by Special Request

    Sherron Long, Executive Director of the Florida Cultural Alliance, presented the results of a recent survey of all Florida Local Arts Agencies.

  9. Business Items
    1. Review of Florida Arts Council Meeting Calendar

      Katharine Dickenson reviewed the upcoming Florida Arts Council meeting dates. Following discussion, it was determined that the June 2008 meeting would be held via teleconference.

    2. 2007-2008 Grants Program Budget Update

      Don Blancett presented an update on the 2007-08 grants program budget.

    3. Florida Cultural Endowment Program Recommendations

      Don Blancett presented the list of organizations that are currently on the priority list and eligible to receive a $240,000 matching endowment share. This list will be sent to the 2008 Legislature for funding consideration.

      Following review of the priority list, Tim Deratany moved approval of the list with Norma Roth seconding. The motion was approved.

      Florida Cultural Endowment Program Recommendations

      1. Remaining on Priority List from 2003 LEGISLATIVE SESSION (APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2002)

        Organization County For SMS #

        1. Philharmonic Center for the Arts Collier 6th
        2. Museum of Arts and Sciences Volusia 4th
        3. Historical Association of Southern Florida Miami-Dade 2nd
        4. Miami Children’s Museum Miami-Dade 1st
        5. Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts Brevard 3rd
        6. Boca Raton Museum of Art Palm Beach 1st
        7. Pensacola Little Theatre Escambia 2nd
        8. John Gilmore Riley Center/Museum for African-American History and Culture Leon 1st
      2. Remaining on Priority List from 2004 LEGISLATIVE SESSION (APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2003)

        Organization County For SMS #

        1. Vero Beach Museum of Art Indian River 3rd
        2. Orlando Science Center Orange 2nd
      3. Remaining on Priority List from 2005 LEGISLATIVE SESSION (APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2004)

        Organization County For SMS #

        1. Orlando Opera Orange 1st
        2. Sarasota Opera Sarasota 2nd
      4. Remaining on Priority List from 2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION (APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2005)

        Organization County For SMS #

        1. Old School Square Palm Beach 2nd
      5. Remaining on Priority List from 2007 LEGISLATIVE SESSION (APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2006)

        Organization County For SMS #

        1. Friends of Mission San Luis Leon 1st
        2. Asolo Theatre Sarasota 1st
        3. Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science Leon 1st
        4. Jewish Museum of Florida Miami-Dade 2nd
        5. Florida Holocaust Museum Pinellas 2nd
        6. Orlando Shakespeare Festival Orlando 1st
        7. Actor’s Playhouse Productions Miami-Dade 1st
      6. NEW REQUESTS -FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE 2008 LEGISLATURE (APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2007)

        Organization County For SMS #

        1. Friends of the Museums of Florida History Leon 1st
        2. Art League of Bonita Springs Lee 1st
        3. Emil Maestre Music Association (EMMA) St. Johns 1st
        4. Lively Arts Center Volusia 1st
        5. Morikami Palm Beach 1st

        Total Request: $6,000,000

    4. Cultural & Regional Facilities Rollover Lists

      Don Blancett reported that in November 2006, the Council reviewed applications from 54 organizations and recommended funding for 47 Cultural Facilities projects for a total of $19,246,236; and one Regional Cultural Facilities project for $2,499,780. The recommendations were prioritized by score and submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. Subsequently, the prioritized list was sent to the 2007 Florida Legislature for funding consideration.

      The 2007 Florida Legislature did not fund the projects listed on the 2007-2008 Cultural Facilities Program or Regional Cultural Facilities Program Priority Lists. Therefore, the Division implemented Rollover procedures as required by Florida Statutes (265.701, FS. and 265.702, FS.) and detailed in the 2007-2008 program guidelines. Procedures require that organizations wishing to remain on the prioritized list for funding consideration by the 2008 Legislature submit the following information to the Division:

      1. Application Form (Applicant Information), Synopsis, Certification of Information and Compliance, Division of Historical Resources Letter, Project Team, and Professional Certification.
      2. Scope of Work: Project Narrative and Prior and Current Phases.
      3. Project Budgets (Summary and Detail), Matching Funds Statement, Match Summary Chart, and Donor Profile.

      The Division received Rollover applications from 42 Cultural Facilities and one Regional Cultural Facility with funding requests of $17,176,929 and $2,499,780, respectively. Neither the governing statutes nor program rules require that Rollover applications be reviewed by the Florida Arts Council prior to submission to the Secretary of State, only that the organizations satisfy program eligibility requirements and provide project and budget updates. Organizations are not permitted to change the project scope or venue, or to request increased funding.

      Forty-two of the original 47 Cultural Facilities applications and the one Regional Cultural Facilities application submitted the required information and are now eligible to be considered for funding by the 2008 Legislature.

      Mr. Blancett asked the Council to review and approve the Rollover Cultural Facilities/Regional Cultural Facilities project lists.

      Katharine Dickenson raised concerns regarding 09-9409 Debary Art League (Gateway Center for the Arts). Mrs. Dickenson’s concern was that this applicant received a $750,000 legislative project line item toward the project during the 2007-08 Session, yet remains on the rollover list, which she felt was unfair to the other applicants.

      Mr. Blancett clarified that the line item received by the Debary Art League was for the 2007-08 fiscal year. The rollover list falls within the 2008-09 fiscal year consideration. The statute governing the Cultural Facilities Program specifically states that organizations “shall” rollover to the next year, unless they are not eligible or voluntarily remove themselves from the list.

      Following lengthy discussion, Tim Deratany and Margaret Wise jointly moved to present the Cultural/Regional Facilities Program rollover list to the Secretary of State minus application #09-9409 Debary Art League, based on their receipt of the 2007-08 legislative project line item. Norma Roth seconded the motion. The motion passed.

      Further discussion resulted in a motion by Jeff Tucker to reconsider the previous motion. Norma Roth seconded and the motion passed.

      Lois Benson suggested sending a letter to the organization requesting them to voluntarily withdraw from the rollover list. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of sending a letter to the organization.

      Department staff reviewed the Florida Statutes governing the program. JuDee Pettijohn recommended that, in consultation with the department’s General Counsel’s office, the rollover list include #09-9409, but show a notation indicating that prior year funding was received through a legislative project line item.

      Stephen Hogge offered a substitute motion. The Florida Arts Council recommends that #09-9409 Debary Art League not be included on the 2008-09 Cultural/Regional Facilities Program rollover list, due to their receipt of the 2007-08 legislative project line item funding of $750,000 and pursuant to the rollover statutory language which states: …Projects approved and recommended by the Secretary of State which are not funded by the Legislature shall be retained on the project list for the following grant cycle only.
      Norma Roth seconded the motion, which passed.

      Chairman Dickenson asked for a vote to make the substitute motion the main motion. The vote passed.

2008-09 Cultural Facilities Rollover List
Rank App # Orgname & Title County Funding Recommend
1 09-9439 DeEtte Holden Cummer Museum Foundation, Inc.Cummer Expansion and Renovation/Phase II: Covered Courtyard Duval $500,000
2 09-9425 Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Inc.Backstage Renovations & Tech/Production Upgrade Project Hillsborough $500,000
3 09-9404 Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. (Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens) Phase II- Bontanical Gardens Project Duval $500,000
4 09-9410 Junior Museum of Bay County, Inc. Education Center Bay $500,000
5 09-9435 Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc. Main Entrance Renovation Hillsborough $500,000
6* 09-9437 City of Pensacola Saenger Theatre Renovations and Expansion Project Escambia $500,000
6* 09-9408 Museum of Fine Arts of St. Petersburg, Florida, Inc. Capital Campaign-Building Expansion Pinellas $500,000
8 09-9402 City of Daytona BeachPeabody Auditorium Volusia $200,000
9 09-9413 Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Tampa Bay History Center-Exhibition Space Interior Finish Hillsborough $500,000
10 09-9405 Museum of Arts and Sciences, Inc. Children's Museum Addition Volusia $500,000
11* 09-9422 Manatee Players, Inc. Manatee Players Performing Arts Center Manatee $500,000
11* 09-9428 Amelia Community Theatre Association, Inc. Theatre Expansion Nassau $500,000
13 09-9441 Children's Museum of Naples, Inc. Construction of the Children's Museum of Naples Collier $500,000
14 09-9401 Orlando Science Center, Inc. Children's Museum Major Exhibitions Renovations Orange $375,028
15 09-9407 Lively Arts Center, Inc (News-Journal Center) Orchestra Shell-Additional Theatre Equipment Volusia $500,000
16 09-9423 Hippodrome State Theatre, Inc. Hippodrome State Theatre Alachua $96,306
17 09-9416 Young at Art of Broward, Inc.Phase II: Construction of Cultural Arts Complex Broward $500,000
18 09-9409 Debary Art League, Inc. Gateway Center for the Arts Volusia $500,000
19* 09-9411 Naples Botanical Garden, Inc. Children's Garden Collier $500,000
19* 09-9434 Great Explorations, Inc. Building Access Pinellas $500,000
21 09-9403 Marinelife Center of Juno Beach Live Estuary Exhibit Palm Beach $100,000
22 09-9438 Virginia Key Beach Park Trust South Florida Human Rights Museum Miami-Dade $500,000
23 09-9442 City of St. Petersburg (Mahaffey Theatre at the Bayfront Center) Mahaffey Theatre Backstage Renovations Pinellas $500,000
24* 09-9424 New World Symphony, Inc. New World Symphony Campus Expansion Miami-Dade $500,000
24* 09-9419 Sands Theater Center, Inc. Athens Theatre Renovations Volusia $413,500
24* 09-9415 St. Johns County Cultural Council, Inc. Renovation of Cultural Arts Center at St. Augustine Beach St. Johns $495,160
27 09-9417 Center for Creative Education, Inc. Building a Community Through Arts, Education, and Revitalization Palm Beach $500,000
28 09-9440 Florida Studio Theatre, Inc. Foundation for the Future II Sarasota $218,975
29* 09-9432 City of Coral Gables The Coral Gables Cinemateque: An Arts Cinema and Community Miami-Dade $400,000
29* 09-9421 Cultural Arts Center, Inc. Cultural Arts Center Renovation and Reconfiguration Volusia $266,910
31 09-9418 Children's Museum of Tampa, Inc. (Kid City) The NEW Children's Museum of Tampa Hillsborough $500,000
32 09-9412 Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Inc. (The Naples Nature Center) Nature Discovery Center Renovation Collier $500,000
33 09-9420 Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Museum of Seminole County History Seminole $500,000
34 09-9427 City of Fort Lauderdale South Side Cultural Center Broward $500,000
35 09-9431 City of Green Cove Springs (Augusta Savage Square) Augusta Savage Arts & Cultural Center - T.R. Marie Auditorium Duval $112,000
36 09-9429 City of Mount Dora Mount Dora Cultural Center Lake $500,000
37 09-9430 City of Deerfield Beach Pioneer Park Cultural Center Broward $500,000
38 09-9433 City of Miami Parking Authority (Gusman Center for the Performing Arts) Lobby Renovation Miami-Dade $258,750
39 09-9406 City of Lauderhill City of Lauderhill Enviromental and Cultural Historic Museum Broward $265,000
40 09-9426 Historic DeLand, Inc. The Dutton House Volusia $300,300
41 09-9414 Bakehouse Art Complex, Inc. Facility Renovation Project-Phase One Miami-Dade $175,000
Total CF $17,176,929

* = Tied

2008-09 Regional Cultural Facilities Rollover List
Rank App # Orgname & Title County Funding Recommend
1 09-9436 Miami-Dade County Miami Performing Arts Center Miami-Dade $2,499,780
  Total RCF $2,499,780
  1. Art in State Buildings Program Recommendations

    Lee Modica reported that 14 selections of artwork were made for the following locations: University of Florida (9) and Florida Atlantic University (5) for a total of $162,900. Ms. Modica assured the Council that all required procedural forms had been collected, reviewed and accepted documenting that established procedures were followed for these selections.

    Stephen Hogge moved approval of the selection process. Janeen Mason seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

    Stephen Hogge asked if there was a guide to the artworks acquired through the ASB Program. Ms. Modica responded that a listing or brochure of projects was planned for the program’s 30-year anniversary; however, due to budget reductions, the creation of a publication is no longer possible. Another idea was to create a searchable GIS map by county.

    Following discussion, Sandy Shaughnessy assured the Council that she will take the idea of creating an ASB catalog or Web site through the assistance of an internship and/or private funding to the Secretary of State for consideration.

  2. Panelist and Chairman Recommendations for the Cultural Support, History Museums & Arts in Education Programs

    Gaylen Phillips reviewed the list of grant panelists chosen to-date for the Cultural Support, History Museums & Arts in Education Programs. Some recommendations are pending; updated lists shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State for appointment.

    Following review and discussion, Jim Shaw moved approval of the grant panelist recommendations with Margaret Wise seconding. The motion passed.

  1. Committee Reports
    1. Governmental Affairs Committee

      Tim Deratany, Committee Chairman, reviewed the report as follows:

      The Governmental Affairs Committee was called to order at 2:05 p.m. on November 7, 2007. Committee members present were Committee Chairman Tim Deratany, Don Browning, Katharine Dickenson, Jim Shaw and Jeff Tucker. Staff members present were Sandy Shaughnessy, Dianne Alborn, Don Blancett and Patty Warren.

      Chairman Deratany began with a review of 2008 legislative bills currently being tracked by the Division of Cultural Affairs.

      HB 97 - Relating to State Government Websites
      This bill would impact the department and division by requiring state government websites to be in English & Spanish by a certain timeframe. Several committee members expressed concerns, as this would create a specific fiscal impact on the division’s expense budget.

      SB 166 - Relating to Official Orchestra Designation
      Chairman Deratany asked Don Blancett to report on his research regarding the impact of this bill on the state orchestras in Florida. Mr. Blancett reported that his research so far had only found one orchestra in the state could meet all the criteria listed in the bill – The Florida Orchestra. Some of the orchestras could meet some of the criteria, such as budget size and American Symphony Orchestra League (ASOL) Tier levels, but not all the criteria as stated.

      Other concerns expressed by the committee included the annual responsibility of orchestra compliance and the possibility of having to rescind the designation; applicant organizations would be required to establish membership with the ASOL; the $7.5 million operating budget requirement would become obsolete in several years due to the changing economy; as well as the impact on staff time and the increase in budget expense.

      Jim Shaw moved that the Florida Arts Council oppose SB166 in its current form, as the Council failed to garner support due to concerns expressed, as well as the lack of a “quality” judgment component and budget appropriations to implement the program. Katharine Dickenson seconded the motion which was approved.

      Mr. Deratany turned to review and discussion of the Division of Cultural Affairs’ 2008-09 legislative budget request. Following their review, the committee fully supports the division’s request.

      Tim Deratany proposed that the committee discuss possibilities for alternative funding opportunities. He suggested the possibility of developing a Lottery scratch-off game or utilizing some of the unclaimed prize money. Following discussion of these ideas, Jeff Tucker moved to explore the re-establishment of a dedicated funding source, such as an “arts” lottery scratch-off game or a portion of the 20% unclaimed lottery prize money through the Florida Lottery, or through the former trust fund source from corporate filing fees. Katharine Dickenson seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

      Sandy Shaughnessy reported that the National Endowment for the Arts has been recommended for three levels of budget increases. The final increase amount will be announced in December. National Arts Advocacy Day will take place March 31-April 1, 2008 in Washington, DC.

      With no further business, the Committee adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

    2. Nominating Committee

      Sandy Shaughnessy, Committee Chairman, reviewed the report as follows:

      The Nominating Committee convened at 1:00 p.m. on November 7, 2007, to recommend a slate of officers to serve during the upcoming 2008 term. Committee members present were Committee Chairman Sandy Shaughnessy, Katharine Dickenson, Stephen Hogge and Janeen Mason. Others in attendance were Don Browning and Dianne Alborn.

      Following thoughtful deliberation, the committee unanimously recommended the following slate of officers:

      Chairman – Jim Shaw
      Vice Chairman – Jeff Tucker
      Secretary – Margaret Wise

      With no further business, the Committee adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

      Following Ms. Shaughnessy’s report, Tim Deratany moved approval of the slate of officers with Norma Roth seconding. The motion passed.

  2. Grant Panel Reports
    1. Quarterly Panel Reports (QA and AEG Programs)

      Janeen Mason, Panel Chairman, reviewed the report as follows:

      Applications for the Third Quarter Quarterly Assistance/Artist Enhancement Grant Programs Review Committee took place on November 7, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. with committee members Morgan Lewis, Laura Stone, and Sarah Stage.

      First, funding was considered for 15 Quarterly Assistance applicant organizations with a total request of $49,000. Projects represented a wide range of topics that included music projects, a jazz festival, and consultant projects. The committee reviewed each application and all 15 applications achieved the threshold minimum of 75 for funding consideration.

      Full funding was recommended for the three top-scoring Mini-Grant applications for a total amount of $4,500. Full funding was recommended for the top-scoring Consultant application for a total amount of $1,000. Funding in the amount of $4,500 each was recommended for the two (2) top-scoring Special Project applications and $1,816 was recommended for next highest scoring application. The total amount recommended for funding was $16,316.

      Next, the committee considered 59 applications for the Artist Enhancement Grants Program. The total request was $55,750. After careful deliberation and scoring, the panel recommended 12 applications for full funding in the amount of $12,000.

      The panel members also ranked three applications in priority to receive funding should an Artist Enhancement Grant Award be declined or if additional funding becomes available. The following applications were ranked for funding:

      1. 08.2474 Laura Albritton
      2. 08.2462 Kerry Phillips
      3. 08.2373 Diana Shpungin

      After the final application review and scoring, public comment followed from individuals on the conference call. They thanked the panel for their consideration of the group of applications. Some applicants also asked members of the panel what they could have done to improve their overall scores.

      The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

      At the conclusion of his report, Mrs. Mason moved approval of the Quarterly Assistance and Artist Enhancement Program funding recommendations. Jim Shaw seconded the motion, which carried.

Quarterly Assistance Program Awards
App # Orgname & Title Applicant County Request Amount Average Score Funding Recommend
Mini Grants
08.5463 Marion Performing Ballet Cinderella: A Story Tale Ballet Marion $1,500 82.0 $0
08.5479 African Music and Dance Inc., Fourth Annual Concert of African Music and Dance Leon $1,500 87.3 $1,500
08.5434 Jazz Society of Pensacola, Inc. 2008 Pensacola JazzFest Escambia $1,500 89.7 $1,500
08.5464 Ocala Community Concert Associatioin
OCCA 2008 Series
Marion $1,500 89.0 $1,500
Special Project
08.5462 South Florida Youth Symphony, Inc. Guest Artists Support Miami-Dade $5,000 87.3 $0
08.5467 Florida Cultural Resources, Inc. National Heritage Fellowships Festival Alachua $5,000 95.0 $4,500
08.5471 Tallahassee Writers Association, Inc. Big Bend H.S. Writers' Guild Leon $5,000 92.0 $1,816
08.5473 Santa Fe Community College Visual and Performing Arts Healing by Design Alachua $5,000 91.3 $0
08.5480 Florida Literary Arts Coalition Funding for the Florida Writers' Circuit Leon $5,000 86.3 $0
08.5481 Red Chemistry, Inc. Miami International Kids Entertainment Miami-Dade $5,000 95.7 $4,500
08.5483 St. Lucie Chorale, Inc. International Cultural Exchange Outreach Project Martin $5,000 89.3 $0
08.5492 Jacksonville University The community Dance collaboration Duval $5,000 87.7 $0
Consultant
08.5469 Pier Aquarium, Inc. Guided decision-making for a potential move to a larger facility Pinellas $1,000 84.3 $0
08.5486 The National Center for Jewish Cultural Arts, Inc. Grant Writing Consultant Palm Beach $1,000 88.3 $0
08.5490 Pensacola Opera, Inc. Quartely Assistance for Dr. David Charles - Expert in Improvisation Escambia $1,000 90.0 $1,000
Total $49,000 $16,316
Artist Enhancement Program Awards
App # Applicant Name County Request Amount Average Score Funding Rec. Priority
08.2039 Mrs. Erin Terryn Brevard $1,000 3.0 $0  
08.2192 Ms. Martha Lent Orange $1,000 5.3 $0  
08.2195 Mrs. Susan Lee-Chun Miami-Dade $1,000 8.3 $1,000  
08.2349 Mr. Jeff Johnson Brevard $500 8.0 $0  
08.2351 Mr. Nicholas Pantloni Brevard $1,000 6.7 $0  
08.2352 Ms. Cecilia Lueza Pinellas $750 7.3 $0  
08.2355 Mr. Arnold Mesches Alachua $1,000 5.3 $0  
08.2358 Mrs. Tiffany Augustin Polk $1,000 1.7 $0  
08.2359 Mr. Joseph Weinzettle Pinellas $1,000 5.3 $0  
08.2360 Mr. William Ploplis Pinellas $1,000 3.3 $0  
08.2365 Mr. Patrick Noze Orange $1,000 2.0 $0  
08.2367 Mr. Demetric Denmark Polk $1,000 1.7 $0  
08.2369 Ms. Blair Rix Polk $1,000 2.0 $0  
08.2370 Ms. Holly Spoonley Osceola $1,000 3.3 $0  
08.2373 Ms. Diana Shpungin Palm Beach $1,000 8.3 $0 3
08.2379 Ms. Sarah Dadisman Palm Beach $500 3.7 $0  
08.2380 Mr. Timothy Myers Palm Beach $1,000 8.7 $1,000  
08.2386 Ms. Nilda Comas Sneed Broward $1,000 7.3 $0  
08.2387 Ms. Yoko Nogami Pinellas $1,000 9.0 $1,000  
08.2388 Mr. Jack Gilhooley Manatee $1,000 8.0 $0  
08.2389 Mrs. Pamela Casey Duval $1,000 7.0 $0  
08.2390 Ms. Jennifer Pedraza Broward $1,000 8.0 $0  
08.2391 Mr. Edward Simon Volusia $1,000 8.3 $0  
08.2393 Mr. Rick Hughes Sarasota $1,000 3.7 $0  
08.2404 Mr. Justin Wierbonski Pinellas $1,000 8.0 $0  
08.2409 Ms. Robin Harvey Lee $1,000 8.0 $0  
08.2415 Ms. Katie McFarland Franklin $1,000 8.3 $1,000  
08.2417 Ms. Quincie Hamby Leon $1,000 8.3 $1,000  
08.2418 Ms. Nancy Blair Brevard $1,000 8.3 $0  
08.2419 Dr. Clifton Callender Leon $1,000 8.7 $1,000  
08.2420 Mr. James Hixson Lee $1,000 3.0 $0  
08.2421 Mr. Adler Guerrier Miami-Dade $1,000 9.0 $1,000  
08.2422 Ms. Chaundra Whitehead Leon $1,000 8.0 $0  
08.2428 Ms. Nana Mozell Miami-Dade $500 2.3 $0  
08.2433 Ms. Lisa Erdman Polk $1,000 8.0 $0  
08.2436 Ms. M. Laine Wyatt Volusia $1,000 7.3 $0  
08.2438 Mr. Andrew MacGregor Pinellas $1,000 3.0 $0  
08.2439 Ms. Francine Ditton Pinellas $1,000 7.0 $0  
08.2442 Mr. Jeffrey VanderMeer Leon $1,000 5.0 $0  
08.2449 Mr. Brian Owens Volusia $1,000 7.3 $0  
08.2450 Ms. Kimberley Maxwell Broward $1,000 6.7 $0  
08.2451 Mrs. Ofra Friedman Pinellas $1,000 6.7 $0  
08.2452 Ms. Evita Gore Clay $1,000 2.3 $0  
08.2454 Ms. Terri Lindbloom Leon $1,000 8.3 $1,000  
08.2455 Mr. Bryan Hiveley Miami-Dade $1,000 9.3 $1,000  
08.2456 Mr. Larry McRae Orange $1,000 7.3 $0  
08.2457 Ms. Kathy O'Meara Volusia $1,000 3.3 $0  
08.2460 Ms. Carelle Flores Palm Beach $1,000 3.0 $0  
08.2461 Mrs. Adriana Carvalho Miami-Dade $1,000 9.3 $1,000  
08.2462 Ms. Kerry Phillips Miami-Dade $1,000 8.3 $0 2
08.2463 Ms. Elizabeth Robinson Orange $1,000 7.7 $0  
08.2464 Ms. Ellen Lindner Brevard $1,000 7.0 $0  
08.2465 Mr. Gregory Crumbly Polk $1,000 3.0 $0  
08.2467 Ms. Cynthia Niedland Palm Beach $1,000 8.3 $1,000  
08.2468 Ms. Emily Martinez Miami-Dade $1,000 8.3 $0  
08.2469 Mr. Thomas Brown Gadsden $1,000 7.0 $0  
08.2470 Ms. Nerissa Street Broward $1,000 8.3 $1,000  
08.2474 Ms. Laura Albritton Miami-Dade $500 8.3 $0 1
Total $12,000
  1. Challenge Grant Program Panel Report

    Katharine Dickenson, Panel Chairman, reviewed the report as follows:

    The Challenge Grant Panel convened via teleconference at 9:00 a.m. on October 31, 2007, to review, score and recommend new initiatives and innovative projects with local, regional and statewide impact.

    Twenty eligible applications were reviewed by the panel. Eighteen of the twenty application representatives participated in the conference call to give updates and answer the panelists’ questions.

    During the preliminary scoring round, one application did not achieve the minimum required score of 75 and was dropped from consideration. After the final scoring round, 19 applications were recommended for funding.

    Panel comment was as follows:

    • Thanks and appreciation to the applicants for proposing excellent projects and to the rest of the panel for their valuable comments.
    • Thanks to staff; really liked the teleconference format.
    • Fellow panel members excellent; many thanks to the staff.
    • Loved the teleconference format; could not have traveled to Tallahassee in person.
    • Thanks for the hard work of the program manager and all the rest of the Division staff.
    • Very impressed with the excellent applications; range of activities in Florida far greater than South Carolina (comment from the out-of-state panelist).

    Public comment was as follows:

    • Great appreciation for a very efficient panel Chair.
    • Really like the OASIS system for submitting grant applications.
    • Thanks to staff for all their help; OASIS is very easy to use.

    At the conclusion of her report, Katharine Dickenson moved approval of the funding recommendations with Janine Mason seconding. The motion was approved.

Challenge Grant Program Awards
Rank # Grant #
Orgname
Project Title
County Panel Score Funding Rec.
1 09-3034 Great Explorations, Inc Access/Ability Pinellas 96.2 $75,000
2

09-3021 VSA Arts of Florida, Inc. Art as Change Agent

Hillsborough 96.0 $50,000
3

09-3009 City of Gainesville Division of Cultural Affairs Liquid Muse: Paintings from the St. Johns Region

Alachua 93.0 $49,500
4 09-3015 The Hippodrome State Theatre, Inc. New Stage Underground Alachua 90.7 $50,000
5 09-3029 Pensacola Little Theatre Fostering an Arts Initiative Escambia 89.2 $15,000
6 09-3019, Aequalis, Inc. Harvest of Belle Glade Voices Palm Beach 89.0 $29,000
7 09-3012 The Playground Theatre, Inc. Theatre Inclusion Program Miami-Dade 86.3 $43,889
8 09-3004 The Studio @ 620, Inc. There’s No Place Like Home Pinellas 86.0 $32,859
9 09-3016 Tallahassee-Leon County Cultural Resources Commission Art on Gaines: PreDevelopment Leon 85.5 $100,000
10 09-3027 Florida State University Seven Days Festival Leon 84.2 $100,000
11 09-3011 Monroe Council of the Arts Master Workshop Series Monroe 82.0 $20,000
12 09-3022 Asolo Repertory Theatre Barnum Celebration Sarasota 82.0 $100,000
13 09-3035 Coexistence, Inc. What Do You Have to Say to the World? Sarasota 81.5 $10,000
14 09-3028 Florida Studio Theatre, Inc. A Website for the 21st Century Sarasota 80.5 $44,500
15 09-3033 Stage Aurora Theatrical Co., Inc. Northside Performing Arts & Humanities Festival Duval 79.8 $15,000
16 09-3023 Brevard Cultural Alliance, Inc. Beauty of Brevard–The Frames Project Brevard 77.7 $50,000
17 09-3013 Center for Emerging Art, Inc. Music Map of the World Miami-Dade 76.3 $45,530
18 09-3024 Young Men’s Christian Association of Greater St. Petersburg, Inc. Youth Outloud Pinellas 75.3 $16,033
19 09-3032 Esteem Music, Inc., Youth Lesson Program Polk 75.3 $24,610
Total $870,921
  1. Individual Artist Fellowship Panel Reports:
    1. Media Arts

      Gaylen Phillips, Panel Chairman, reviewed the report as follows:

      The Media Arts Fellowship Grant Review Panel convened in Tallahassee on October 10, 2007, to recommend fellowship awards for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The panel reviewed 23 eligible applications and the budget allowed for $15,000* in fellowship awards (either three $5,000 awards, or two $5,000 awards and two $2,500 awards). The panel recommended that the following applicants receive fellowship awards:

      1. $5,000 Fellowship Awards
      2. 08.1287 Eric Breitenbach (Seminole) $5,000
      3. 08.1274 Kiran Deol (Palm Beach) $5,000
      1. $2,500 Fellowship Awards
      2. 08.1314 Vanessa Cruz (Flagler) $2,500
      3. 08.1293 Anthony Torres (Orange) $2,500

      The panel recommended to fund the two applications awarded $2,500 fellowships with full awards should additional funding become available.

      *Due to funding made available after the panel meeting from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Program, increasing the total discipline budget to $20,000, the following two awards will be increased by $2,500 to be funded for a full $5,000 fellowship:

      1. 08.1314 Vanessa Cruz (Flagler) $5,000
      2. 08.1293 Anthony Torres (Orange) $5,000

      Panel comment was as follows:
      Panelists commented that they wished they had more funding available to award in the category. They also commented on the importance of awarding Media Arts Fellowships in a variety of genres and how important it is to make awards to artists who are doing experimental work to support the exploration in the medium. Panelists also commented that they really thought that there would be more applications made to the program. They also commented that they found the composite DVDs of applications very helpful and would prefer to review future applications in that manner.

    2. Visual Arts: 2D

      Gaylen Phillips reviewed the report as follows:

      The Visual Arts 2-Dimensional Fellowship Grant Review Panel convened in Tallahassee on October 25, 2007, to recommend fellowship awards for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The panel reviewed 143 eligible applications and the budget allowed for $80,000** in fellowship awards (either sixteen $5,000 awards, or fifteen $5,000 awards and two $2,500 awards). The panel recommended that the following applicants receive fellowship awards:

      1. $5,000 Fellowship Awards
      2. 08.1510 Clive King/Drawing Miami-Dade
      3. 08.1528 Joelle Dietrick/Mixed Media Leon
      4. 08.1551 Barry Sparkman/Mixed Media Miami-Dade
      5. 08.1568 Elisabeth Condon/Painting Hillsborough
      6. 08.1582 Lilian Garcia-Roig/Painting Leon
      7. 08.1612 Arnold Mesches/Painting Alachua
      8. 08.1614 Mark Messersmith/Painting Leon
      9. 08.1620 Carol Prusa/Painting Palm Beach
      10. 08.1636 Kari Snyder/Paper Miami-Dade
      11. 08.1637 David Almeida/Photography Miami-Dade
      12. 08.1640 Todd Bertolaet/Photography Leon
      13. 08.1641 Dan Biferie/Photography Volusia
      14. 08.1647 Steven Gregory/Photography Hillsborough
      15. 08.1660 Maritza Molina/Photography Miami-Dade
      16. 08.1696 Rima Jabbur/Painting Orange
      1. $2,500 Fellowship Awards
      2. 08.1643 Linda Broadfoot/Photography Duval
      3. 08.1666 Rebecca Sexton Larson/Photography Hillsborough

      The panel recommended to fund the two applications awarded $2,500 fellowships full awards should additional funding become available.

      **Due to funding made available after the panel meeting from the NEA Challenge America Program, increasing the total discipline budget to $85,000, the following two awards will be increased by $2,500 to be funded for a full $5,000 fellowship:

      1. 08.1643 Linda Broadfoot/Photography Duval
      2. 08.1666 Rebecca Sexton Larson/Photography Hillsborough

      Public comment was as follows:
      A member of the public in attendance commented on the composition of the panel. The audience member commented that there were not many traditionally themed works that scored well with the panel and thought that was perhaps due to the panel’s composition.

      Members of the public also thanked the panel for their hard work reviewing such a large number of applications.

      Panel comment was as follows:
      Panel members commented that they felt it would be helpful for artists who are creating artist books as their pieces, to submit those in a new category – artist books. They felt this would be a better way to review such artwork.

      Panelists also made numerous comments on the value of a well-written artist statement. They mentioned that it was imperative that the statement provided was in direct correlation to the images submitted. They also mentioned that it might be helpful for the Division staff to revise the form used for the artist statements in order to emphasize this.

      Panelists also encouraged artist applicants to put information about their process in the artist statement. They felt that this would be very helpful to many of the artists who had work before the panel at this meeting.

      A member of the panel also commented to the staff that they hope the review will not allow slides in future years. They felt that the digital images were much more consistent and are preferable to slides. They also mentioned that if slides are scanned, it is important for the light levels of the slides to be corrected before they are saved electronically.

      The panel also commented that they felt the artists could submit less support materials and still have effective applications. They suggested perhaps allowing only one catalog or publication, etc.

      Panelists also commented that they felt the scoring criteria “consistency in the body of work” was not very useful and suggested revising these scoring criteria for reviewing the work of visual artists.

      Members of the panel also commented on the experience as a whole. They felt that their fellow panelists were thoughtful in their scoring and comments. They also commended the Division staff on the organization of the application materials.

    3. Visual Arts: 3D

      Sandy Shaughnessy, Panel Chairman, reviewed the report as follows:

      The Visual Arts 3-Dimensional Fellowship Grant Review Panel convened in Tallahassee on October 23, 2007, to recommend fellowship awards for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The panel reviewed 53 eligible applications and the budget allowed for $35,000 in fellowship awards (either seven $5,000 awards, or six $5,000 awards and two $2,500 awards). The panel recommended that the following applicants receive fellowship awards:

      1. $5,000 Fellowship Awards
      2. 08.1404 Frances Trombly/Sculpture Miami-Dade
      3. 08.1415 Tim Ludwig/Clay Volusia
      4. 08.1449 Gael Silverblatt/Metal Palm Beach
      5. 08.1453 Bryan Hiveley/Clay Miami-Dade
      6. 08.1472 Blane De St. Croix/Sculpture Palm Beach
      7. 08.1494 Alain Guerra/Sculpture Miami-Dade
      8. $2,500 Fellowship Awards
      9. 08.1473 Donna Sweigart/Metal Pinellas
      10. 08.1475 Helen Otterson/Clay Palm Beach

      The panel ranked the following applications should additional funding become available (in the following order):

      1. First, fully fund the two $2,500 awards to $5,000 each.
      2. 08.1486 - Kerry Phillips
      3. 08.1403 – Nazare Feliciano
      4. 08.1405 – Sana Doumet
      5. 08.1465 – Candone Wharton

      Panel comment was as follows:
      Panelists commented on the need to look at adding a new category to the fellowship review panels for Multimedia work. This category would include work that used the internet as they felt that it was hard to evaluate such work under the “3-Dimensional” criteria. Panelists also suggested revising the scoring criteria to eliminate the “consistency in the body of work” criteria. They felt that at times this was hard to judge and potentially irrelevant. They also felt that it would be helpful to have copies of the DVD submissions that support the experimental applications in advance of the meeting in addition to still images.

      At the conclusion of the Fellowship Panel reports, Janine Mason moved approval of the funding recommendations with Stephen Hogge seconding. The motion was approved.

  2. State Touring Program Roster Panel Report

    Morgan Lewis reviewed the report as follows:

    The State Touring Program Panel convened in Tallahassee at 9:00 a.m. on October 24, 2007, to recommend companies and individuals to the State Touring Program roster.

    Thirty-two eligible applications were reviewed by the panel. Applicants were well-represented in person and on the telephone.

    During the preliminary scoring round, two applications did not achieve the minimum required score of 75 and were dropped from consideration. After lengthy and thoughtful discussion, 25 companies/artists from the remaining 30 were recommended to the roster.

    Five applicants were recommended for the program’s “In the Wings” designation; this component does not provide fee support to the selected artists, but does promote their booking and contact information. In the past, several companies have “graduated” from “In the Wings” after receiving additional touring experience through this exposure.

    All 30 of these artists will automatically be nominated to Southern Artistry, an online database managed by the Southern Arts Federation which will increase their exposure.

    Complete information on booking the selected artists will be available on the Division’s Web site under 2008 – 2010 State Touring Program Brochure Presenter Support Application Form. Presenters will have until May 1, 2008 to book these artists, at which time they will apply to the Division for fee support.

    Panel comment was as follows:

    For APPLICANTS:

    1. Very important to include the number of audience/participation numbers in the application so that their touring impact can be measured in the evaluation.
    2. The weaker applications were those whose written proposals and narrative answers did not adequately describe or explain the artists’ product and services. In some cases, the A/V materials were much stronger than the written portion of the application.
    3. Edit the application for readability, including an acceptable font size and the number and manner of review quotes.
    4. Very impressed with the diversity among residency activities.

    For STAFF:

    1. Please send emails to the panelists that include the direct links to the applicants’ Web sites – this saves time in reviewing.

    Public comment was as follows:

    1. Applicants deeply appreciate the State Touring Program and want the Arts Council, legislators, and other funders to know how essential the program is; in most of the rural areas that are served by the program, it is the only opportunity for school students to see live performance.
    2. One group commented that being voted to the “In the Wings” category at their first application four years ago was an excellent way to get more touring exposure and carry the approval of the juried process. They felt “In the Wings” had tremendous value.
    3. Communication is so vital to the success of this program that it was suggested that the Division purchase a separate domain name that will lead applicants directly to the online roster.
    4. A suggestion was made to celebrate the history of the State Touring Program with an exhibition/event at the Museum of Florida History.
    5. Applicants recognize the importance of arts advocacy and know that contact with local and state legislators can have positive impact on future funding.
    6. Mention was made of the annual Arts Day event as a possible venue for roster artists to give exposure to the touring program; also, membership in the Florida Cultural Action Alliance was encouraged as this organization schedules Arts Day and works on advocacy issues.
    7. A request was made to the Division to provide a current mailing list of schools and presenters.

    At the conclusion of Mrs. Lewis’ report and following review of the roster recommendations, Margaret Wise moved approval. Janine Mason seconded the motion, which was approved.

  1. Other Business

    Stephen Hogge asked if there were limits as to the number of shares an organization could receive through the Cultural Endowment Program. Don Blancett responded that no limits currently exist other than a waiting period of 36 months between the receipt of shares.

    Katharine Dickenson clarified her objection regarding the Debary Art League’s inclusion on the Cultural Facilities Rollover list – her intent was not to send a message to the Legislature, but to send a message to the arts community. Chairman Dickenson again thanked the Council, department staff and Secretary Browning for their support during her term.

  2. Public Comment

    No public comment was received.

  3. Conclusion

    With no further business, the meeting concluded at 12:00 p.m.

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