Staff Report - City of Alexandria

OFFICE OF THE ARTS MONTHLY STAFF REPORT
JUNE 2011
GRANTS PROGRAM:
Alexandria Commission for the Arts Grants Program
Team Lead: Cheryl Anne Colton
Status: The deadline for submitting FY11 final reports is June 15. This is an earlier date than
previous years to allow time for staff review before final grant payments (15%) are made and to
assist with meeting City reporting requirements. The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA)
also uses June 15 as their final report deadline. On May 9, grantees were sent letters along
with final report forms. A reminder email was sent on June 13. For FY12 awards, staff will send
final award letters once the VCA notifies the City about the FY12 Local Government Challenge
grant. The VCA will approve its budget in mid-June.
Grant Program Review Committee met on May 19 and decided against changing the FY13
application forms and to make only minor changes to the Guide to Funding. However, the
committee will do an extensive review of the grants process for the FY14 cycle. Each
committee member will review grant programs offered in the Washington Metropolitan region
specifically looking at the criteria and processes used.
Important Dates: Grant Program Review Committee, June 23, 7:30 pm, Durant Arts Center.
PUBLIC ART POLICY:
Team Lead: Alisa Carrel
Status: Staff met with members of the development community but was unable to reach a
compromise. Therefore, the policy will not be going to Council in June. Staff and the Chair will
consider alternatives over the summer with the goal of bringing it to Council in September.
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS:
BRAC – Art Wall and Sculpture
Team Lead: Alisa Carrel
Status: The Selection Panel met with the four artist finalists. One artist, Cheryl Foster,
withdrew herself from consideration. The Selection Panel submitted their scores to the project
managers. The US Army Corps of Engineers will present the recommendation to the Army who
will make the final decision. Though the BRAC Advisory Group had requested the boards be
put on display at Beatley Library, the project manager (USACE) decided against it because the
boards reflected the old RFP. The revised RFP included the reduced budget of $250,000 (from
$400,000) and excluded the sculpture portion of the project. The Army does not plan to provide
an opportunity for the public to comment on the revised proposals.
Police Memorial
Team Lead: Alisa Carrel
Status: City Council voted on May 14, 2011 to approve the Selection Panel recommendation.
The artists will be notified by the Procurement Office which has not yet happened.
Unfortunately, Procurement will not allow Office of the Arts staff to notify the artists directly.
Charles Hamilton Houston Memorial
Team Lead: Alisa Carrel
Status: The Selection Panel and Stakeholder Advisory Group recommendation, approved by the
Arts Commission and the Public Art Committee, has gone to Council and is docketed for the June
14 meeting. Council will vote on scheduling it for a public hearing.
Important Dates: June 14 (7pm) City Council; Public Hearing and possible vote on June 25
(9:30am).
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