City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the allocation of funds for the 2012
Performing Arts Grants Program as recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission
(CAC).
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 in the current fiscal year.
$31,250 is budgeted for Fiscal Year 2011-2012, and there are additional funds in the
budget account from prior years. Additionally, $15,000 is expected to be allocated
from a contribution made in 2011 by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
On July 12, 2011 the CAC considered and approved the 2012 NOFA application
during its regularly scheduled meeting.
On July 25, 2011, a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for 2012 was issued. The
NOFA advised applicants that awards would be in the $1,000 - $5,000 range and
that grant requests should be for less than 50% of the applicant’s projected proposal
costs. The 2012 NOFA was posted on the City’s web site, and notices were
distributed electronically to former applicants as well as to networking organizations
Meeting Date: December 5, 2011 Item Number: C-2
AGENDA ITEM: Allocation of Funds for the 2012 Performing Arts Grant Program as
Recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission.
Contact Person/Dept.: Susan Obrow &
Jeremy Green/Cultural Affairs
Phone Number: (310) 253-5762 and 5764
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: 11/08/11
Cultural Affairs Commission
Public Notification: Meetings and Agendas – City Council (12/1/11), 2012 Performing Arts
Grant Candidates (11/08/11), Cultural Affairs Commission (11/08/11),
Sony Pictures Entertainment (11/08/11)
Department Approval:
Sol Blumenfeld: (11/22/11)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (11/28/11)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (11/29/11)
City Manager Approval:
John M. Nachbar (11/29/11) City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
in the theatre, dance, and music communities. A current list of possible performance
venues in Culver City was also posted on the City web site.
On August 10, 2011 staff held a workshop in the Patacchia Room at City Hall during
which the grant guidelines, the application, and possible performance venues were
reviewed in detail. The application deadline was September 7, 2011.
On October 18, 2011 responses were reviewed by a Peer Review Panel. Four
distinguished panelists
i
were joined by Janice Pober, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s
Senior Vice President for Global Corporate Social Responsibility, who observed the
panel process but did not score applicants this year. CAC Chair Gayle Smashey
and Commissioner Ronnie Jayne currently serve on the 2012 Culver City Performing
Arts Grant Program Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Ad Hoc Subcommittee). Due to a prior
commitment, Commissioner Jayne was not able to attend the panel meeting; Chair
Smashey attended as an observer and an additional resource for questions.
Sixteen complete applications were submitted. Following review by the Cultural
Affairs Division staff, which resulted in some changes to proposed venues, binders
of applications were sent to panelists in advance of the Peer Review Panel meeting.
The panelists were also provided a score sheet for each applicant. There were three
scoring criteria identified in the 2012 NOFA which are as follows:
• Artistic excellence of proposed project (50 points);
• Realistic budget and diversified funding base (25 points); and,
• Outreach programs to the Culver City community (25 points).
Staff opened the review panel discussion by providing a brief overview of the grant
program’s history, guideline changes, 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. Only the four panelists
provided scores during the peer review session.
Upon completing review of the individual applications, the sixteen applicants were
ranked from highest to lowest; averaged total scores for all sixteen ranged from 97.5
to 78.75. The panel felt that those applicants with average scores of 90 and above
should receive 90% of their request for funding. Applicants with scores between 85
and 90 received 75% of their funding and those between 80 and 85 received 50% of
their funding. Applicants receiving a score below 80 were not recommended for
funding this year.
City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
The panel’s recommendation was reviewed by the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on
October 25, 2011. The Ad Hoc Subcommittee adjusted the score for the Culver City
Public Theatre, from 84.5 to 85, noting the company’s commitment to the community
and its efforts to grow artistically. The higher score resulted in a recommendation for
a higher grant award.
DISCUSSION:
On November 8, 2011, at a regularly scheduled meeting, the CAC confirmed the
proposed grant awards and made a recommendation that they be approved by City
Council.
The overall quality of the proposals was exceptional this year. The total amount
recommended for awards is $50,410. $46,250 will be used from the available
budget, and the additional $4,160 will be awarded from unused Performing Arts
Grant Program funds, which have been carried over from prior years. Additionally, it
was recommended that $1,000 of the remaining carried over funds be applied
towards administration costs as well as for the electronic marketing of the grant
recipients’ productions, for a total expenditure of $51,410.
Staff will work closely with the grant recipients on their marketing plans for their
performances. Marketing options provided by the City include the following:
• City Website Promotion
o Home Page
o Arts & Culture Page
o Community Calendar
• Time Warner Cable Television Promotion
o Slide
o Electronic Meeting Crawler
• Email Blasts
o City eblasts
o Sony Pictures Entertainment eblast
• Public Meeting Announcements
o Announcements by Mayor of Culver City
o Opportunities for organizations to announce performances
A brief overview of the sixteen applicants (ranked from highest to lowest) is
attached.
City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The total amount recommended for the 2012 Performing Arts Grant awards is
$51,410. $46,250 is budgeted for Fiscal Year 2011/2012, and there are additional
funds in the budget account from prior years, which will be used to supplement the
amount by $4,170 to provide $50,410 to the fifteen grant recipients. Another $1,000
will be used for administrative costs and marketing of the performances. The funding
includes Art Fund monies, as allocated pursuant to Culver City’s Municipal Code and
an annual contribution of $15,000 from Sony Pictures Entertainment.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Overview of 2012 Performing Arts Grant Requests
2. 2012 Grant Application, Score Sheet and 16 Performing Arts Grant Applications
3. Summary of Recommendations
MOTION:
That the City Council:
Allocate funds for the 2012 Performing Arts Grant Program as recommended by the
Cultural Affairs Commission and as outlined in the staff report.
i
The 2012 Performing Arts Grant Review Panelists were:
• Kimberleigh Aarn - Senior Manager, Arts for All: LA County Regional Blueprint for Arts Education, Los
Angeles County Arts Commission
• Meghan Martineau - Artistic Planning Manager, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
• Heather Moses - Community Representative / Coordinator – CCUSD Front and Center Theatre Initiative
• Rachel Scandling – Music Center Events Manager, Donor Events and Stewardship / Former Dance
Administrator
MEETING DATE: December 5, 2011
AGENDA ITEM: Allocation of Funds for the 2012 Performing Arts
Grant Program as Recommended by the Cultural
Affairs Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
1. Overview of 2012 Performing Arts Grant Requests 1
2. 2012 Grant Application, Score Sheet and 16 completed 2
Performing Arts Grant Applications
3. Summary of Recommendations 3-9
City of Culver City
Cultural Affairs
Performing Arts Grants Applications
2012 Grant Year
December 5, 2011
Complete Summary Sheet PAG Applications 2012 Grant Year.xls
Previous Total 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012
Grants Previous Grant Amount 2012 2012 % of Panel Grant Amount Grant Amount Grant Amount
Received Cash Grant Recommended Grant Project Project Total Recommended Recommended Recommended
Applicant Discipline (# of Years) Rec'd Received Request Budget Budget Score by Panel By Ad Hoc by CAC
Subcommittee
Actors' Gang (The) Theatre 0 - $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 50,000.00 $ 10% 95.25 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $
Collage Dance Theatre Dance 10 28,279.00 $ 3,750.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 15,300.00 $ 33% 87.75 3,750.00 $ 3,750.00 $ 3,750.00 $
CONTRA-TIEMPO Dance 2 4,000.00 $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 50% 80.75 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $
Culver City Public Theatre Theatre 9 26,929.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 50% 84.50 2,250.00 $ 3,375.00 $ 3,375.00 $
(New Score: 85.00) (New Score: 85.00)
CC Symphony Orchestra Music 12 42,984.00 $ 3,750.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 19,000.00 $ 39% 85.00 3,750.00 $ 3,750.00 $ 3,750.00 $
Definiens Project (The) Music 7 20,500.00 $ 2,250.00 $ 3,950.00 $ 7,900.00 $ 50% 87.00 2,960.00 $ 2,960.00 $ 2,960.00 $
Donna Sternberg & Dancers (Da Dance 4 10,100.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 13,550.00 $ 37% 84.50 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $
Invertigo Dance Theatre Dance 0 - $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 14,394.00 $ 35% 87.75 3,750.00 $ 3,750.00 $ 3,750.00 $
Jazz Bakery (The) Music 0 - $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 13,250.00 $ 38% 97.50 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $
LA Doctors Symph. Orch. Music 16 21,354.00 $ 2,625.00 $ 3,800.00 $ 8,489.00 $ 45% 80.50 1,900.00 $ 1,900.00 $ 1,900.00 $
LA Women's Theatre Festival Theatre 1 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 50% 86.25 1,875.00 $ 1,875.00 $ 1,875.00 $
needtheater Theatre 0 - $ - $ 4,000.00 $ # 11,801.00 $ 34% 84.00 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $
Regina Klenjoski Dance CompanDance 0 - $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 14,340.00 $ 35% 78.75 - $ - $ - $
Rogue Artists Ensemble Theatre 1 3,000.00 $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 17,180.00 $ 29% 95.25 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $
Vox Femina Los Angeles Music 9 25,075.00 $ 3,375.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 11,260.00 $ 44% 96.00 $4,500.00 $4,500.00 $4,500.00
We Tell Stories Theatre 13 53,608.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 9,000 56% 94.75 $4,050.00 $4,050.00 $4,050.00
237,329.00 $ 25,250.00 $ 76,250.00 $ 49,285.00 $ 50,410.00 $ 50,410.00 $
ATTACHMENT 1
1
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 jeremy.green@culvercity.org.
ATTACHMENT 2
22012 PERFORMING ARTS GRANT PROGRAM
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The following is an overview of the sixteen applicants (ranked from highest to
lowest) with panel summary comments:
The Jazz Bakery
Proposed Project: Concert featuring NEA Master and Grammy
winner Hubert Laws, legendary guitarist Larry
Koonse and three-time Grammy nominee Tierney
Sutton.
Performance Venue: Kirk Douglas Theatre
Proposed Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012
Panel Score: 97.5
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $4,500
The panelists praised the excellent reputation and unique attributes of the
organization as well as the high quality of the performances. They were
impressed that the proposal included such distinguished musicians. Further, they
noted the clarity of the budget and marketing plan. The panelists surmised that
the concert, which is priced affordably, would draw diverse audiences to Culver
City.
Vox Femina Los Angeles
Proposed Project: From Shakespeare to Shamrocks - choral
performance featuring music from classical works
to folk songs celebrating England’s, Ireland’s and
Scotland’s many traditions of old and new.
Performance Venue: Culver City Presbyterian Church
Proposed Date: Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 4pm
Panel Score: 96
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $4,500
The panel praised the consistent and outstanding artistic quality of the choral
group. They noted the ensemble’s professionalism and its successful, targeted
outreach efforts. The panel found the proposal clear and detailed. The panelists
commented on the unique repertoire and its popularity during the St. Patrick’s
Day weekend.
ATTACHMENT 3
3The Actors’ Gang
Proposed Project: The Merchant of Tennis (an adaptation of The
Merchant of Venice) - the 7th annual free summer
show for families
Performance Venue: Media Park
Proposed Dates: August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2012
Panel Score: 95.25
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $4,500
Panelists were impressed with the idea of readapting Shakespeare plays for
family audiences and presenting the free performances at Media Park. The
organization was praised for its excellent artistic work and its community service
through after-school programs, student residencies and other enrichment
programs. Panelists noted that Culver City funding would support the fees of the
actors.
Rogue Theatre Artists
Proposed Project: Premiere performance of Zen Shorts, adapted
from the NY Times best selling, Caldecott award-
winning book.
Performance Venue: Ivy Substation
Proposed Dates: May 12-13, 2012
Panel Score: 95.25
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $4,500
The Panel found the company and this project engaging. They were impressed by
the idea of adapting this popular children’s book. They supported the theatre
company’s plan to reach out to the Culver City Unified School District and its plans
to tour. Panelists remarked on the importance of design as well as storytelling to this
company and felt that this performance would introduce students to other forms of
expression. There were additional comments on the continued growth of the
company and its increased recognition.
4We Tell Stories
Proposed Project: Seven performances of original 45-minute story-
plays for the Library’s free Summer Reading
Program Dream Big
Performance Venue: Culver City Julian Dixon Library
Proposed Dates: June 27, July 11, 25, 28, and August 1, 8, and 15,
2012
Panel Score: 94.75
Grant Request $4,500 Recommended Award $4,050
Members of the panel commented on the exceptional work of this organization in
the library, in schools and in the community. They remarked on how effectively
the multi-ethnic troupe persuades children to join the actors on the stage. The
panelists noted that the request was for more than 50% of the proposal costs and
recommended that the organization continue to seek other funders for this
program.
Collage Dance Theatre
Proposed Project: Laundromatinee – a site-specific dance
performance that celebrates the local coin-op as a
community gathering place
Performance Venue: Washing Day Coin Laundry
Proposed Dates: Open Rehearsal TBD
Performance – April 28-29, 2012
Panel Score: 87.75
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $3,750
Members of the panel remarked on the innovative qualities of the proposed
production. They were impressed with the company’s objectives to create a
community experience and to demystify dance performance. Panelists
commended the company on its commitment to including dancers in the
production from the Culver City High School Academy of Visual and Performing
Arts and responded favorably to the idea of open rehearsals to attract as many
people as possible to the performance. The panel encouraged a specific
marketing campaign aimed at the Culver City community.
Invertigo Dance Theatre
Proposed Project: 100% Locally Grown, Free Range Dance - A
series of performances which connects the
audience to Los Angeles dance-makers and their
artistic processes.
Performance Venue: Brasil Brasil Cultural Center
5Proposed Dates: Three Sundays in May/June, 2012
Panel Score: 87.75
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $3,750
Members of the panel praised the artistic work of this young company and noted
its rising success. They appreciated the ambition of this proposal in which
Invertigo will perform and act as a presenter of multiple dance companies.
Panelists found the proposed budget realistic and recommended that the
marketing plan be further customized to serve the Culver City community.
The Definiens Project
Proposed Project: Four Musical Adventures - interactive, musical stories
for children - and one chamber music concert
Musical Adventures Culver City Julian Dixon Library
Performance Venue:
Musical Adventures February, May, June, October, November 2012
Proposed Dates:
Chamber Music Concert Ivy Substation
Performance Venue:
Chamber Music
Proposed Date: March 2012
Panel Score: 87
Grant Request $3,950 Recommended Award $2,960
The panel expressed support for both proposed programs. Panelists found the
educational benefits of the family program appealing as well as the company’s
objective of introducing the public to more adventurous music through its
chamber music program. The panel noted that separate budget information for
each program was not included in the original application and recommended that
it should be in the future.
Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival
Proposed Project: Encore! The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre
Festival – performances of select solo performers
from their annual Theatre Festival.
Performance Venue: Ivy Substation
Proposed Dates: March 28, 2012
Panel Score: 86.25
Grant Request $2,500 Recommended Award $1,875
6Panel Members were receptive to this project which will occur during Women’s
History Month. They praised the multi-disciplinary quality of the production and
the longevity of the organization. Panelists encouraged the organization to
develop a more specific outreach plan for the Culver City community and
recommended that the organization create a marketing plan, which will attract
younger audiences.
Culver City Symphony Orchestra
Proposed Project: A concert featuring winners of the Parness Young
Artists Concerto Competition.
Performance Venue: Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Proposed Date: May 12, 2012
Panel Score: 85
Grant Request $7,500 Recommended Award $3,750
Members of the panel noted that this proposed performance serves a valuable
purpose and presents a good opportunity for both young participants and young
audiences. Panelists commented that musician fees were respectable and that
those fees comprised the majority of the budget. They noted that the company’s
request exceeded the recommended request maximum for this year, which was
$5,000, and the panel based its proposed funding accordingly. Panelists urged
the organization to further develop relationships within the Culver City School
District in order to attract more families to its concerts.
Culver City Public Theatre
Proposed Project: Annual summer season of 3 free theatre
productions.
Performance Venue: Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park
Proposed Dates: July 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 2012 and
August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 2012
Panel Score: 84.5
Ad Hoc Subcommittee 85
Score:
Grant Request $4,500 Recommended Award $2,250
By Panel
Recommended Award
By Ad Hoc Subcommittee $3,375
The panel commended the organization on its programming which includes
adaptations of core literature for its family productions. Members of the panel
7were impressed by the company’s relationships with CCUSD and with the Culver
City community at large. Subsequent to the panel’s review, the Ad Hoc
Subcommittee met and adjusted the score, which increased the funding
recommendation in order to further nurture the growth of this Culver City-based
theatre.
Donna Sternberg & Dancers (Dancessence)
Proposed Project: The Science of Beauty – a dance exploring beauty
from a scientific viewpoint
Performance Venue: Brasil Brasil Cultural Center
Proposed Dates: Fall 2012 (Dates to be determined.)
Panel Score: 84.5
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $2,500
Members of the panel found the subject matter of the proposed project to be
innovative and they were pleased that the new piece would also include a talk
back with the audience. Panelists supported the ideas of the marketing plan and
encouraged the company to create a campaign that would be more specific for
Culver City.
needtheater
Proposed Project: Glint - a stage adaptation of David Foster
Wallace’s short story “Good Old Neon”
Performance Venue: Ivy Substation
Proposed Date: February 16, 17, and 18, 2012
Panel Score: 84
Grant Request $4,000 Recommended Award $2,000
The panel noted that the theatre company was a first time applicant to this
program and that it has grown considerably in the last few years. Panelists
appreciated that the one-person play had been adapted from a short story and
that the marketing plan would include free readings as well as targeted outreach
to book clubs, libraries and English teachers in the Culver City community.
CONTRA-TIEMPO
Proposed Project: Free Salsa Sundays in Culver City – four
community performances and hands on dance
classes
Performance Venue: Helms Walk at Helms Bakery District
Proposed Dates: June 26, July 29, August 26, and September 23,
2012
Panel Score: 80.75
8Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $2,500
This interactive dance program was praised by the panel for its fusion of dance
styles, commitment to community engagement, and use of open space. Panelists
recommended that future applications include more information linking the
organization’s on-going educational programs with this community event. The
panel encouraged the company to present the performance multiple times and
suggested that the company create a plan for name capture at the each event.
Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra
Proposed Project: An orchestra concert
Performance Venue: Veterans Auditorium
Proposed Dates: November 18, 2012
Panel Score: 80.5
Grant Request $3,800 Recommended Award $1,900
The panel remarked on the strength and longevity of this organization and
commended it for its goal of presenting free concerts once again in Culver City.
Panelists noted that the application contained few details regarding the proposed
concert and that the composer and composition has not yet been determined.
Also the panel considered the marketing budget low, which raised concerns
regarding outreach to the community.
Regina Klenjoski Dance Company
Proposed Project: Serpent and the Mirror –a new original dance
theatre work
Performance Venue: Ivy Substation
Proposed Dates: April 12, 2012
Panel Score: 78.75
Grant Request $5,000 Recommended Award $0
This proposal was from a well-regarded Long Beach-based dance company,
which is a first time applicant to this grants program. The dance project was
personally inspired by the on-going debate over childhood vaccinations and
included an interactive segment with the audience. The panel was concerned
about the success of the organization’s one-time performance in Culver City,
considering the specific content, and the request that the audience provide
feedback on the subject matter. The panel felt that the application lacked a viable
marketing plan and that it was unclear what the target audience would be or how
they would be identified in the Culver City community.
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