Tuesday Morning Roundup

CATCHING UP ON COLIN COUNTY ARTS HALL: The proposed performing arts hall for Colin County relies on support from three “member cities” – Plano, Allen and Frisco. But Frisco’s commitment is starting to come into question. Dallasnews.com reports that the Frisco City Council has been handed a petition with 1,300 signatures that asks the council to let residents essentially revote on $16.4 million in bonds that was approved by voters in 2002. There’s also a runoff for a seat on the council between two candidates with differing views on the hall.

ADIOS, ARTS MANAGERS?: Have managers of arts institutions had it with trying to manage through tough economic times? That’s what Michael Kaiser is worried about. The Kennedy Center president says he’s spoken with thousands of arts managers over the past six months who tell him they’re strongly considering leaving the biz. And Kaiser worries about who will fill these positions if and when the experienced managers leave.

Street Level Movement: Song and Dance Up Close in Denton, Texas from Go Figure Skate on Vimeo.

DANCING IN DENTON: On Thursday, a pretty cool-sounding event goes down at Dan’s Silver Leaf in Denton. The night features local musicians and dancers working together to present a non-traditional performance. It’s kind of hard to explain; you’re better off just watching the above video, which features some really nice examples of those dancers and musicians working together.

Judy Pollock

Good morning,

I hesitate to bring doom and gloom so early in the morning, but we need to be aware of the budget recommendations for FY10-11. There is a budget briefing tomorrow morning (Wednesday) at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers. I plan to attend and have printed the 50 page briefing and the Culture, Arts and Recreation Ranking Sheets. Among other items, the CAR Ranking Sheets indicate the following: Page 91, Line 9, Bid #OCA-003, Cultural Services Contracts – “The team recommends an additional $82,855 (3%) reduction of funding to COP for a total of 55% reduction from FY09-10 (total COP funding for $1,341,269 for FY10-11).” The bold type is not mine, that is how it is written in the Ranking Sheet. This reduction is in addition to the 52% recommended in the previous paragraph. I highly recommend you print the CAR Ranking Sheets (6 pages) and carefully review the total impact on OCA. www.dallascityhall.com/council_briefings/briefings0510/CultureArtsRecreationRankingSheets_051910.pdf)

We all know that this is the first pass for the budget and negotiating will take place before the final budget is presented. However, even another 30 to 40% cut to programming will very seriously impact ALL of our cultural organizations and facilities. The CAR Ranking Sheets also show reductions to cultural facilities, cultural centers, office staff, office supplies, etc. I do not foresee any of these cuts being restored.

At this time, my primary concern is the philosophy of the Council in funding OCA in the future. Are they planning to fund only the buildings owned by the city and not fund programs? If so, how long will they continue to honor current contracts? The Performing Arts Center contract is for $2.5M – they received $800,000 last year – it is recommended they receive $200,000 this year. How do they envision the future of cultural funding by the City Council? Do they plan to eliminate all funding, only program funding, what is their long term strategy?

I strongly suggest that you ask the councilmember who appointed you these questions and any others you may have. Many hundreds of hours are spent each year visiting council members, attending council meetings and briefings, attending advocacy meetings, planning Arts Advocacy Day, etc. If council plans to eliminate program funding, everyone’s time is better spent seeking other sources of funding for cultural activities. The Commission also needs to review its strategy in funding programs. With limited dollars, we have to put them to their best and highest use.

Please share your thoughts and let me know how your Councilmember reacts to the above questions. Thank you so much for your service, particularly in these times of change and uncertainty.

Cordially,

Judy Pollock