City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council consider the recommendation of the Cultural
Affairs Commission (CAC) and allocate funds for the 2009 Performing Arts Grant
program.
BACKGROUND:
Culver City’s Performing Arts Grant Program was established in 1994. The Culver
City Municipal Code stipulates that 25% of the money deposited into the Art Fund in
the prior fiscal year be appropriated for this program for the current fiscal year. For
FY 2008-09, the budgeted amount from the Art Fund is $50,000. To this, an
additional $15,000 is expected to be allocated by the City Council from a larger
contribution made in 2008 by Sony Pictures Entertainment. The total amount
available for Performing Arts Grants for 2009 is $65,000.
The CAC considered the 2009 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) at their regular
meeting on July 8, 2008 and reviewed changes to the NOFA including requirements
for each grant recipient to complete a profile through the California Cultural Data
Project. This new state-wide, collaborative effort of public and private funders
consists of an online system for collecting and standardizing historical, financial and
organizational data. Subsequent to discussion, the CAC approved the document.
Starting on July 25, 2008, the 2009 NOFA was posted on the City’s web site, and
Meeting Date: December 8, 2008 Item Number: A-1
AGENDA ITEM: Allocation of Funds for the 2009 Performing Arts Grant Program
as Recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission.
Contact Person/Dept.:
Susan Obrow / Community Development
Jeremy Green / Community Development
Phone Number:
(310) 253-5762
(310) 253-5764
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [x] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Master E-Mail Notification List (11/24/08 and 12/03/08), 2009
Performing Art Grant Applicants (11/24/08), Cultural Affairs Commission (11/24/08),
Cultural Affairs Foundation Board (11/24/08) Sony Pictures Entertainment (11/24/08)
Department Approval:
Sol Blumenfeld (12/02/08)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol A. Schwab (by H. Baker) (12/02/08)
Chief Financial Officer:
Jeff Muir (by N. Kimball) (12/02/08)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry Fulwood (12/03/08) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
notices were distributed electronically to former applicants as well as to networking
organizations in the theatre, dance and music communities.
A workshop was held by staff on August 11, 2008 at the Veterans Memorial Building
at which the grant guidelines and application were reviewed in detail. Staff reviewed
the application and answered questions of the attendees. Also, staff reviewed the
current list of possible performance venues in Culver City.
A total of fourteen complete applications were submitted by the deadline on
September 8, 2008.
The panel review session was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at City Hall from
9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Five distinguished panelists were joined by the two
members of the CAC Grants and Artist Services Subcommittee who attended as an
additional resource for questions and also as observers.
The 2009 Performing Arts Grant Review Panelists were:
1. Tim Dang – Producing Artistic Director, East West Players
2. Jane Linesch – Community Representative (Culver City Resident)
3. Janice Pober - Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility,
Sony Pictures Entertainment
4. Patrice Rushen – Pianist and Musical Director
5. Linda Yudin – Artistic Director, Viver Brasil Dance Company
DISCUSSION:
The Cultural Affairs staff reviewed each application and then prepared a binder of
applications for each panelist which was sent in advance of the Peer Review Panel
meeting. The panelists were also provided a score sheet for each applicant (see
attached) and an overview of Culver City’s Performing Arts Grant program. There
were three scoring criteria identified in the 2009 NOFA which are as follows:
1. Artistic excellence of proposed project (50 points);
2. Realistic budget and diversified funding base (25 points); and,
3. Outreach programs to the Culver City community (25 points).
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Staff opened the review panel discussion by providing a brief overview of the grant
program’s history, guideline changes from the previous year, and discussion of the
three review criteria listed above.
After the overview, each application was reviewed with its corresponding
supplemental material in alphabetical order. Staff provided updated information and
then the panelists rotated in leading the discussion on the applications. Each
panelist had the opportunity to ask questions and then offer comments to the group.
This was followed by each panelist providing scores in each of the three categories
resulting in an overall average score for that applicant. The CAC subcommittee and
staff did not provide scores.
Upon completing review of the individual applications, the fourteen applicants were
ranked from highest to lowest; average total scores for all fourteen ranged from 93 to
71.4. The panel felt that those applicants with average scores of 90 and above
should receive 100% of the funding requested. In two instances, noted below, the
panel expressed strong support for the proposals and recommended higher grant
awards than requested, which would allow the organizations to enhance their
marketing or performances for families. Applicants with scores below 90 received a
portion of the funding requested and the amount recommended is based in part on
their prior year funding history as well as their ability to present their performances
with reduced funding. Applicants receiving a score below 75 were not recommended
for funding.
The panel’s recommendation was reviewed by the CAC subcommittee. The total
amount recommended for award is $56,500. The review panel and CAC
subcommittee were satisfied with the scoring and recommended grant allocations for
this year’s applicants. In addition, they recommended that the unallocated funds of
$8,500 be applied towards marketing the productions of the grant recipients and any
remaining funds would be carried over for the 2010 Performing Arts Grants Program.
A brief overview of the fourteen applicants (ranked from highest to lowest) is
included on the following pages with summary comments as provided by the
panelists.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
We Tell Stories
Proposed Project: Performances that complement the Summer Reading
Program as well as Black History Month, National Library
Week, Asian American Pacific Heritage Month, Cinco de
Mayo, Halloween and the Holidays
Performance Venue: Culver City Julian Dixon Library
Proposed Dates: February 7, April 15, May 2, May 30, July 1, July 8, July 15,
July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19, October
31, December 12
Panel Score: 93.0
Grant Request $8,000 Recommended Award $8,000
Panelists were familiar with the work of the company and noted its excellent
reputation and its long funding history in Culver City. They were impressed by the
longevity of the organization and its continuous quality programming. Panelists
remarked on the group’s inspiring commitment to diversity and its capability to serve
large numbers of children. The dvd was positively received by the panel who had the
opportunity to view not only a performance but how engaged the children were in the
audience.
The Definiens Project
Proposed Project: Musical Adventures - interactive, musical stories for
children
Performance Venue: Culver City Julian Dixon Library
Proposed Dates: January 3, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12
Panel Score: 92.8
Grant Request $2,500 Recommended Award $3,000
The panel responded positively to the proposed interactive program for children. The
musicianship of the performers, as presented in the cd, was appreciated and
panelists felt that the program would be educational, engaging and accessible. The
panel noted how modest the request was and recommended an additional amount
be awarded to further support and enhance this program.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Westchester Symphony Society (Culver City Symphony Orchestra)
Proposed Project: Annual concert featuring the winners of the Parness Young
Artists Concerto Competition
Performance Venue: Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Proposed Date: January 31
Panel Score: 91.6
Grant Request $7,500 Recommended Award $7,500
Panelists were impressed with the Orchestra’s commitment to young performers and
its ability to offer a free performance. There was discussion on the value of having
an official, community orchestra in Culver City. Panelists commented on the
Orchestra’s opportunity to reach out and serve large audiences.
Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra
Proposed Project: Annual concert featuring winners of the Robert Turner Piano
Concerto Competition
Performance Venue: Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Proposed Date: March 8
Panel Score: 91.2
Grant Request $3,000 Recommended Award $3,000
The panel noted that this company was one of the oldest community-based
orchestras in the country. They were impressed that the Orchestra partners with the
Music Teachers Association and that they are working closely with young people
through the Turner Competition. The panel felt that the mission of the Orchestra was
clear and that this free performance would target the underserved.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Vox Femina Los Angeles
Proposed Project: Touch the Future – choral performance for families
Performance Venue: Culver City Presbyterian Church
Proposed Date: May 16
Panel Score: 91.2
Grant Request $4,350 Recommended Award $4,350
The panel commented that the organization has a steadfast following and that the
choral performances are often enhanced with staging and a theatrical approach to
the music. Panelists offered positive comments on the company’s decision to
expand its repertoire and were supportive of this new project which targets families
and children. Panelists comment that there could have been a more detailed
description of the project in the application.
Rogue Artists Ensemble
Proposed Project: The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone – a family-friendly
Production using puppets and multimedia
Performance Venue: Ivy Substation
Proposed Dates: June 20, June 21
Panel Score: 90.0
Grant Request $2,200 Recommended Award $3,000
Panelists remarked on the steady success of the organization since its inception at
the beginning of this decade. Reviews have been excellent for this company and a
production of the proposed play has been scheduled for the Geffen Playhouse.
Panelists noted that the group’s work regularly included a community component.
The panel enjoyed viewing the dvd of the proposed project and felt that the artistic
quality of the piece was well demonstrated. The panel recommended additional
funding to further support and enhance the performances.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Great Leap
Proposed Project: Leaps of Faith – theatrical performance featuring
song, dance and spoken word
Performance Venue: Agape Center
Proposed Date: February 13
Panel Score: 88
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $4,500
Panelists were familiar with the artists and the work of the theatre company which
has been producing for thirty years in the Los Angeles area. Panelists commended
the excellence of the artistic staff and observed that this project would attract
different voices from different communities. Panelists found the project budget
realistic and the funding base diverse. The panel expressed confidence that
collaborating with the Agape Center would attract an audience to the performance.
Collage Dance Theatre
Proposed Project: Really, All About Eve – a retelling of the story of Eve
through dance and text
Performance Venue: Temple Akiba
Proposed Date: March 22
Panel Score: 87.4
Grant Request $8,500 Recommended Award $7,650
One of the panelists praised the company as exemplary, exciting and unique. The
artistic director was noted for having a clear, innovative vision and the company has
a large audience base that attends performances wherever they are. Panel
comments also included praise for the company’s skilled Board of Directors as well
as concerns regarding incomplete information included in the application.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Dancessence
Proposed Project: Singularity – multi-media dance work
Performance Venue: Modern OM
Proposed Dates: October 9, October 10
Panel Score: 86.6
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $4,500
Panelists were interested in the idea of combining science with the art of dance. The
artistic director was praised for her creative thinking and the dancers’ good
technique as demonstrated on the dvd. Panelists observed that this multi-media
project may be attractive to audiences interested in many artistic forms presented in
one performance. The panel reviewed the budget as realistic and noted that the
company works collaboratively with other dance groups.
Benita Bike’s DanceArt, Inc.
Proposed Project: Double Take – educational dance performance
Performance Venue: Culver City Senior Center
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Proposed Dates: April 2 – Senior Center
May 10 – Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Panel Score: 84.8
Grant Request $3,080 Recommended Award $3,000
Panelists noted that the format of the project, presenting a free performance of
traditional modern dance twice before the same audience, would be an interesting
educational tool and especially attractive and accessible to senior audiences.
Panelists commented that the work was technically fine but not provocative. The
panel recommended that the marketing for the production be expanded and the staff
focus on specific outreach plans. Other recommendations included the suggestion of
diversified funding for the organization and more assistance for the Director.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Culver City Chamber Orchestra
Proposed Project: Chamber music concert presenting a variety of music
Performance Venue: Kirk Douglas Theatre
Proposed Date: August 15
Panel Score: 77.8
Grant Request $11,000 Recommended Award $4,000
The panelists noted that the cd allowed them to hear that the music was well played
and under good direction. The panel felt that having a chamber music orchestra in
Culver City was a positive addition to the arts scene here. The panel remarked that
the request was high and commented on how vague the description of the project
and the proposed marketing were. The panel suggested that the orchestra continue
to diversify its programming and supported the company’s goal of hiring a grant
writer.
L.A. Choreographers and Dancers
Proposed Project: The Better to Bite You With – interactive, educational
dance program for children
Performance Venue: Jazz Bakery
Proposed Dates: April TBD
Panel Score: 75.8
Grant Request $5,350 Recommended Award $4,000
Panelists noted that this was a company that was over twenty five years old and had
enjoyed great success presenting dance in the schools. The panel had the
opportunity to view a dvd of past work and was more impressed with the company’s
educational efforts than with the other performances included in the submission. The
panel recommended that funding be offered to the company for public performances
of its interactive dance program for children.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Playwrights 6
Proposed Project: Play Night with the Playwright – staged readings of
full-length plays by Los Angeles writers
Performance Venue: Ivy Substation
Proposed Dates: February 10, May 12, September 9, November 10
Panel Score: 73.6
Grant Request $3,269 Recommended Award $0
Panelists remarked on the good artistic values presented in the dvd and the positive
reviews included in the application. Panelists noted that the request represented the
total amount of cash funding required for the project and that the remaining budget
items would be covered by in-kind services. The panel expressed concern that the
project description did not include specific information on which plays would be
presented and that the outreach plans were vague.
Keith Glassman
Proposed Project: Far From Home – modern dance and performance work
Performance Venue: Rotunda Room, Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Proposed Date: May 16
Panel Score: 71.4
Grant Request $3,500 Recommended Award $0
The panel expressed interest in the project, the use of Klezmer music and the
company’s past presentations of intergenerational performances. The panel
remarked on how broad the project seemed and would have been interested in more
specifics in the application. Panelists felt that the supporting materials, including the
dvd, did not best represent the company’s artistic quality.
* * *
At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Cultural Affairs Commission on November
11, 2008, the award recommendations as outlined above were approved 5-0.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The total amount recommended for the 2009 Performing Arts Grant awards is
$56,500. The remainder of the funds (approximately $8,500) would be used to
market the performances of the grant recipients with the remainder carried over into
FY 2009-10. These funds come from the combination of Art Fund monies as
allocated pursuant to Culver City’s Municipal Code and an annual contribution from
Sony Pictures Entertainment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – Overview of 2009 Performing Arts Grant Requests
Attachment 2 – 2009 NOFA, Score Sheet and Performing Arts Grant Applications
MOTION:
That the City Council:
Allocate funds for the 2009 Performing Arts Grant program as recommended by the
Cultural Affairs Commission and as outlined above in the staff report.
MEETING DATE: December 8, 2008
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of 2009 Performing Arts Grant
Awards as Recommended by the Cultural Affairs
Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
1. Overview of 2009 Performing Arts Grant Requests
1
2. 2009 NOFA, Score Sheet and Performing Arts Grant
2
Applications4,000.00 $ 4,000.00
ATTACHMENT 1
City of Culver City
Cultural Affairs
Performing Arts Grants Applications
2009 Grant Year
1:7808Mber 8, MOB|1010|2009 2009|109| i
2009 Previous : Total 1 7
I Received Grant , Pt : 1 Pt • Total ' i Recommended I Recommended
: [ Cash Grant :
! :
Project Project . i
-
Benito Bike !Dance
Collage Dance Theatre Dance
CC Chamber Orch. Music
CC Symphony Orchestra !Music
DancEssence !Dance
Dofiniens Project i Music
Great Leap Theatre
Keith Glassman Dance & Pert Dance
LA Choreographers & Dancers Dance 1
LA Doctors Symph, Music 13
Playwrights 6 .Theatre
Rogue Artists Ensemble ;Theatre 0
38,108.00 $ 8,000.00 $ 13,700.00 58%
160,479.00 $ 72,249.00 1 i
Grants ' 2009 . 1
: Previous - i 2009 • % of : Panel , Grant Amount ' Grant Amount
Discipline (# of Years) Rec'd ! , Request Budge _Sudget 1 Score : by Panel by CAC
. 1 $ - i $ 5,000.00 $ 14,500.00 1 ! 1 34%
$ 1,500.00 5 3,500.00 6,900.00 51%
t1
2,500.00 5,350.00 $ 14,560.00 i 37%|109| 1
13,979.00 1 I $ 3,000.00 $ 6,027.00|1010|- . $ 3269.00 $ 4,939.00
_
.
$ 10,000.00 1 : $ 2,500.00i $ 5,205.001 48%
. .
I _,|1010|! L
27,429.00 1 : $ 11,000.00 , $ 24,945.00
, !
30,734.00 11 $ 7,500.00 - 1 $ 24,900.00 ' I 30% 91.6,
. 1|1010|1,600.00
; $ 5,000.00 i " $ 17,750.00 ; ; 28% 86.61
I.
2,200.00
15,350.00i— $ 4,350.00
50% 1 91.61 3,000.00 1
-,- 1
66% 7 73,61
#1 $ 4,700.00 47%
, 90 i
1
$ 3,000.00
—
8,700.001 1 50% 91.21 4,350.00 4,350.00
93 8,000.00 1 _ 8,000.00
-,
1. 1
56,500.00 i - 1 $
43°/o
f 46% ' 84.8;
44% 1 77.8 1
. 1
- ,
3,000.00 8
7,650.00 I
4,000.00
_
TOTALS 56,500.00
$ 3,000.00
7,650.00
4,000.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
Vox Femina 'Music
We Tell Stories :Theatre 10
1.
4,900.00 $ 3,080.00 8 6,360.00 ;
14,379.00 $ 8,500.00 $ 20,000.00
r
7,500.00 . 7,500.00
4,500.00 $ 4,500.00
3,000.00 1 $ 3,000.00
4,500.00 $ 4,500.00
- I|1010|,
:
75.8ATTACHMENT 2
Due to the nature of Attachment 2, a binder of completed Performing Arts Grant
applications is available at the City Clerk's office or by contacting Jeremy Green
in Cultural Affairs: 310.253.5764 or ieremv.green(aculvercity.orq.|1013|