HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1988EVANSTO OUNCIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 312/491-0266
Minutes of Evanston Arts Council Meeting: January 19, 1988
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steven Fiffer, Chair; Laura Smith Irvin, Byron
Schaffer Jr., Dr. John Weiss, Paul Aliapoulios.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Charles Harrison, Richard Lassar, Kathleen Walsh
and Muriel Chalem.
STAFF: Don Wirth, Director, Parks, Recreation & Forestry;
Joseph Zendell, Director, Arts Council.
GUESTS: Leslie Brenton, volunteer.
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
S. Fiffer called the meeting to order without a quorum being
present at 6:50 pm in Studio 106 of the Noyes Cultural Arts
Center, 927 Noyes Street in Evanston, IL 60201.
STAFF REPORTS:
J.Zendell presented the written staff reports. There was a general
discussion of the status of ARTS & RECREATION Magazino. J. Zendell
reported that the City Council would continue deliberation of the
proposed costs of the publication at its January 25 meeting and
that the Recreation Department staff had provided the information
requested about the magazine and possible options to the City
Council.
SELECTION OF GRANTS REVIEW PANEL CHAIRPERSONS:
At this point, Paul Aliapoulios arrived and a quorum was established.
J. Zendell reported that the Arts Council had received 39 appli-
cations and that grant review advisory panels were being established
to review the grant applications. He requested that the Chair
appoint Panel Chairs from the Council. It was agreed that P.
Aliapoulios would chair the Music Panel; Byron Schaffer Jr.
would chair the Theatre/Dance Panel and Laura Smith Irvin would
chair the Arts in Education Panel. Chairman Fiffer a€.reed to
contact Council members Kathy Walsh, Chuck Harrison or Muriel
Chalem to appoint a chair for the Visual Arts Panel.
B. Schaffer Jr. expressed concern that .n tho Kyorio irosram
guidelines, Section VI (Special Concerns of the Airr 7:uncil)
seemed to be confusing and questioned why the isEgys raised in
that section were given additional weight on the Af'.•::sory Review
Summary Sheet. J. Zendell explained that the "Spo,i al Concerns"
had been adopted within the guidelines to indicate :n applicants
what kinds of projects the Council would prefer to f:nd and that
this needed to be reflected in the reviewing process. B.Schaffer
indicated that there is considerable repetition a& ihat he would
r
like the process and guideline reviewed for- the 1 rc vrorram.
Minutes, Jan. 19, 1988 - page 2
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 1987:
Dr. Weiss moved and P. Aliapoulios seconded approval of the Dec. 15
minutes. Approved unanimously.
ARTS & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION REPORT:
With Program Coordinator N. Niyonu not present, Council agreed to
table this report until the next meeting.
FRIENDS OF THE NOYES CENTER:
Council agreed to table this report until Marilyn Price could be
present.
NOYES CENTER POLICY: REVIEW OF TENANTS FOR FINANCIAL NEED:
J. Zendell indicated that the Council members had requested further
information on the question of whether or not current tenants
should be reviewed annually, as a criteria for lease renewal, for
"financial need." lie called the Council's attention to the memo
with current policies adopted in 1986. He further explained that
informal discussions with tenants, though not conclusive, lead
us to believe that none of the individual artist tenants earn
more than $20,000 annually, with most earning substantially less.
S. Fiffer pointed out that there are a number of criteria an which
we evaluate selection of tenants. If we use the same criteria for
retention of tenants, then financial need would weigh about 15% and
might not be a deciding factor. He added that he does not believe
that Noyes should provide space for artists that can generally
afford commercial space. P. Aliapoulios stated that if an artist
is accepted for space at Noyes, they should be able to stay, however
he would like to investigate the possibility of placing a time limit
on all leases. S. Fiffer added that this would fit into the idea
of the Noyes Center as an "incubator". He further stated that it
might be more appropriate to evaluate the financial status of
tenants every five years, as opposed to every year. B. Schaffer Jr.
stated that the tenants should be involved in the discussion of
this issue and that they be asked to attend the next meeting of
the Arts Council. It was the concensus of the Council to continue
this discussion at the February meeting, with tenants specifically
invited to participate.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm
,lul,"iittod fi-iI" is�pi 7\'ill, lE':llllal\' 18, I084;
'.1,34septy2endel I , Director
EVANSTOI
"(50UNCIL
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Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 312/491.0268
Draft - Not Approved
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council
February 18, 1988
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steven Fiffer, Vice -Chair; Paul Aliapoulios,
Muriel Chalem, Charles Harrison, Byron Schaffer Jr.,
Dr. John Weiss.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Laura Smith Irvin, Kathleen Walsh and Richard
Lassar.
STAFF: Joseph Zendell, Director, Nilaia Niyonu, Program
Coordinator.
GUESTS: Bridget McDonough (Light Opera Works), Sy Sussman
(Next Theatre), Liz Passman, Mona Rankin, Milena
Hughes, Elizabeth Ockwell, Richard Halstead,
Harry Green, Jack Lerman, Elise Lerman, Joyce
Moskow and Sally Lupel, all Noyes Center tenants.
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
S. Fiffer called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm in Studio 106 of
the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL 60201.
Council members and guests introduced themselves.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 19, 1988:
Dr. Weiss moved and P. Aliapoulios seconded approval of the
minutes of January 19, 1988. Approved unanimou&y. .
STAFF P.FP9RTS :
J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the written staff
report indicating that the printing and design/1a;:,ut/typeset tine,
bids had been opened for the next six issues of AR7S S RECREATION
Magazine and could go to the City Council for aprrival Nonday,
Feb. 22. He further indicated that the recommen0i biis would
mean a slight savinvs nvor 10708 cautF. Hnl:ev:_ . lArthe.
stilted that a ma for advertiser, lser, First l l . iI:oys , . ran.,-.
to slrn a ntv si , issue . t ntract at a pr . rci... _ r. . 17"1 F
"f C.+ he re.is, n given to staff by first !!!in l'.."k ni. i;
that they did not want to advertise in the maraz.n_ did I:_
seem to have the support of the City Council and was "tco
controversial.''
N. NiyoI.0 I ei oI t ed that t kc Ethnic Art : i uT t i vC : , _ c' t
ds Nut for Sunday, Feb. 28 from 2: 10 ~
to : 311 In v4p 7f s
Gv . All Counc11 members were encourayedto Est tv n. .
2/18/88 page 2
r
CHAIR'S REPORT:
S. Fi€fer thanked the Council members for agreeing to change the
meeting date from the previous Tuesday.
ARTS & AFFIRMATIVE ACTIO`I COMMITTEE REPORT:
C. Harrison reported that planning for the Third Annual Evanston
Ethnic Arts Festival continued with a larger and stronger committee
of enthusiastic volunteers. Council members are asked to attend
upcoming committee meetings (first Tuesday of each month at Family
Focus/Our Place) to lend support. N. Niyonu undtlrline+r. Harrison's
statet,.ent indicating that this year the volunteers are :such more
involved and commited, but that they need to know the Council members
are supportive.
REQUEST FROM LIZ PASSMA`:
J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the letter from tenant
Liz Passman to the Piyen Theatre Workshop requesting that the Workshop
consider relinquishing use of the small bathroom space in Studio 105
directly behind the Passman studio. ifs. Passman proposes paying for
demolition of the wall separating the two spaces and including the
small bathroom space in her studio. Staff reported that the Workshop
had not replied to the request in writing, but that they had verbally
indicated that they did not want to give up the space.
C. Harrison moved and P. Aliapoulios seconded that staff ask the
Pi.ven Workshop to reply to the Passman request in writing. C.
Harrison added that the Passman studio is very small ana coul:i
benefit not only from the added space, but from the new window *aat
would he provided. P. Aiiapoulios added that the tenant was aware
of the space limitations when she signed the lease. Council agreed
that the agency's role in this matter is to request information, but
that both parties must al;ree to any alterations before action is
taken.
Motion approved unanimously.
FRIENDS OF THE NOYES CENTER:
J. Zendell reported that Marilyn Price could not attend this
meeting to rive a report, however that she is requesting the
Council appoint a member to co-chair the project. B. Schaffer Jr.
agreed to consider the appointment and discuss the project with
M. Price.
NOM; i-F*,-T;=R Pnt_ICl' f I:r,� :�I ',.'. PFVIEW OF FENA T- :C1Z T`A':,:IAL.
NFFD:
J. Zendell read into the minutes a letter from tenant sue Sussman
(attached), indicating that this is a continuation of C-�ucnil
discussion concerning the advisability to a periodic re%:-ew of
curre-t tenants' financial nosed as a possible criteria `,r lease
renewal. P. Aliapoulios stated that he is against a financial need
review for tenants, that instead toriants should he inr;:.;:ly reviewed
for use of srice, payment of rent and community sf-vice.
Tenant Zelda t%erner addressed the Council indicaten,, t'.:_,' when she
first rented the studio several years ago, nothing was jai-_i about
financial need.
2/18/88 page 3
J. Zendell explained that three years ago the Council added the
criteria of "financial need" to the list of issues addressed when
reviewing applications for new tenants coming into the Center. He
added that this discussion was a natural outgrowth of that process.
C. Harrison stated that as a city agency promoting the arts, the Noyes
Center promotes the accomplishments of new and emerging artists.
L. Ockwell suggested that the tenants be involved in the decision
making process to decide better use of the spaces rather than
excluding those that are already here.
S. Fiffer emphasized that the Council is not considering excluding
current tenants at this time, however that we were considering
reviewing annually or periodically current tenants' need for low-cost
studio space.
B. McDonough indicated that five criteria are used to review
new tenant applicants and that those five should be used to review
current applicants annually, and that it is already happening in an
informal way.
C. Harrison reminded the Council that we are not in a crisis
situation, that the issue of financial need does not seen to he
a problem. M. Chalem asked if the tenants would object to being
asked, at the time of the lease renewal, for financial information.
R. Halstead replied that there is not a serious problem at this
time. There may be a need for annual reviews, but that they should
be less formal. Perhaps individual Council members criuld be
assigned individual tenants to review informally. The important
issue is that the artists continue giving service to the community.
B. Schaffer Jr. indicated that the delemma is that the Noyes Center
is a tax supported space and that the tax payers may- want to know
that tenants are in need of such low cast, tax supported space.
On the other hand, he added, the community service that is given
by tenants is worth considerably more than the tax suppt-rt.
It was sup,Fested that a questionnaire he sent to tenants asking
for an annual report of major accomplishments and that this be
reported to the City" Council. It was added that t}le C_:=,unit%,
Service reports do not provide a complete picture of 7-w the
tenants serve the community.
It wziS ,tcrec('. th.it 1tile issue of financial review of _s tenants
�t I.1 111' i i't' �:: �l'uF Ct'`�
t' t .:t' �; t lie U013[]: 1 ]
t t JI.:Iit t ilI r.. V f t 't'c•I' t11 St throe Fears
'•L-11'oR AW!,RD FOR THE ARTS PFC1)!1`1ENDATION
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Counci l
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2/1.8/88 page 4
CO2MMUNITY SERVICE POLICIES:
N. Niyonu discussed her report on 1987-88 community service.
B. Schaffer moved to table discussion until the next month.
Seconded by Dr. Weiss, indicating the Council should study the
report for the next meeting. Approved unanimously.
NOYES CENTER RENOVATION PHASE II REPORT:
J. Zendell indicated that there was no report this :7�•-)nth.
OBSERVERS' COMMENTS :
Harry Green indicated that the tenants need assistance in finding
low cost insurance. fie explained that three years ago, many of the
tenants purchased into a group liability plan, but that the policy
was dropped by the company. Currently, all tenants buy separate
policies. B. 4chaffer Jr. asked that the issue he placed on the
next agenda for discussion.
R. Halstead addressed the Council indicating that ran`- tenants need
assistance in the development of community services. It was agreed
to included this in the discussion of community service at the March
meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
WA
Minutes submitted for approval by f..=� / �.!/� March 15, 1988
Joseph Zendell, Director
Re: Using Noyes Cultural Arts Center as an Incubator for Artists
Dear Joe,
I think our focus is slightly off on the issue of how Noyes
should be used. The idea of using Noyes as an "incubator"
for artiste is too slick an idea - probably brought to us
by the same sort of minds that like to "impact'' on each
other. Incubation sounds impressive but doesn't mean much
You don't stick artists in rooms and say "Hatch in five
years and get out " I for one have been selling my writing
since 1963 and feel I am lust at the very beginnings of
hitting my stride
Giving a room at Noyes to someone whose qualifl_atien is
they thin- they Might like to paint or draw 50Mething or
perhaps write the great American novel, encourages
dillatantes by jumpimg right over the first natural weeding
out process. Artists don't create to become rich and
famous, they create because they hayLk to. They survive the
Indifference and rejections that fill the early years
They struggle to dance, act, write, paint anywhere and any
way they can. I wrote for all the Chicago papers out of a
back booth at the BAG. It was the old greasy spoon
incubator and it worked very well thank you
People not truly committed to art fall by the wayside
during these formative trial years and go into real estate
To offer them a place at Noyes where the, can incubate for
five years, is to dely by five years the tiirn they will
drop out of the arts and run to more lu.rative occupations
These are people I meet at parties who say "Oh, yes. I used
to write a little This is like me saying I used to
breathe a little When my BdG closed, I rented a desk in
an old attorneys office on Dodge and Dempster next to the
Currency Exchange I had applied to Ntjyes, but there was
no space I incubated for another year at that office
until I was able to sublet a patch of an artists studio at
Noyes
The point is not to make tloyes an incubator for a handful
of a r t 1 5 t 5 The point is to make the artists at tloyes
incubators for hundreds of artists Now many Eves have we
touched with our dance classes, theater, arts T.`.rs
Saturday I go to Evanston High School to do t._ +0 -.note
workshops �lth Evan5t�n Junior High Stud�ents !1 ? 1ev-I
said no to an Evanston school End I've 5pcker, t anworkei
with hundreds of Evanston children since coming to Nyes
I am well paid everywhere I speak, except In EE�L5tan
Here they get me for free
Granted, you can bring in a new writer who has published an
obscure hiku in a more obscure magazine But what will
this writer have to saV to children about writing) You can
2
bring in a novice who would love to give ballet classes,
but what kind of teacher will that beginner be? People in
incubation are not able to reach out with the kind of
knowledge and experience necessary to inspire, excite, and
teach the hundreds of people now being serviced by Noyes
artists.
Many people contact me each year for advice: about writing,
agents, publishing, etc. I talk to them, write to them,
encourage them, send information, Most of them will never
make that first cut I spoke of earlier. They will become
discouraged by rejections, frustrated by failure but one
out of a thousand will stay with it. No matter what
happens to them, they keep plugging away. And gradually,
they begin to emerge as artists. These are the keepers.
These are the people who will keep creating no matter what.
These are the people you then want to give space to at
l,'oyes. And this process never happens in five years.
I will not be able to attend tonight's meeting but did want
you to know I have thought long and hard on this matter and
wanted to share some of those thoughts with you
�lp -�
EVANSryoIr� UNCIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 3121491.0266
DRAFT - Not Approved
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council: 'March 15, 1988
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Fiffer, Vice -Chair; Paul aliapoulios, Chuck
Harrison, Byron Schaffer Jr..; and Dr. John Weiss.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Laura Smith -Irvin, Richard Lassar, Kathleen Walsh
and `oriel ChaIem.
STAFF PRESENT: Nilaja Nironu and Joseph Zendell.
GUESTS: Bertha Masor. Pepional Representative, 'rational
Endf3u-m nt for the Arts.
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
S. Fiffcr called the meetinE to order at 6:50 pm in Studio, 100 of
the NoveF Cultural .arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL oO2Oi.
STAFF REPORT:
J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the written staff
report adding that the Friends of the Noves Center pro)ect is
on hold until 1. Fric& and K. S haffev Jr. Can .70'0! tG diSCuSS
strategy-.
NOYES CYNTEP PJLICIFS PI, CVYSION:
:. (. t .: yt j.wy:y' r, m t „ , t anni t - . i -- ; ,, . pr and Zelda
Uerner. that their tut..! c,..1•uni % Y• . ict .al"& :.rr:e: .'e'er
it r !Y i - nc app;i_.: to tho ,.!,.i re.ni,t': c 77..:7: scIvi:v
or FY i S- " zherobv fu . I l l inn the };_S— ro;"jrv-pnts for lo0.
10a5vholder . She exF ?"_ncd that I hp c'iI.un: p .::v s__ vF to ants
i:h inrp aarr'C,:ter. : FCtIt'. .. t n V !. _ 3•a,'c
t .. ' t c nant ;~ i eques t s and that t hu d:• l:,„ c.-:
Minutes, page Z
N. - Niyonu furthQu pointed nut that in all instancas , un� pr than
these two tenants, tenants with stgnificaril: carryover of commun t qv
service (sometimes thousands of dollars) have iilwivs !�formed
add iL Loqu L a nun ity rry Lce "In ilp of rho roo.i Owai___
. he furEAWC ;7at'd K17 iyna714 -aijnlilw
of community service reported zo indicate _,0 n
performed, not as an attempt to get Out Of the 04QatL M.
the Co= 11 -Pn i f g - n i ! ir
N. Niyonu PhI31104 cut that that would bo hQhl Plilnl s i. 2, a r1
leases with listed community sorvices have been signed filth the
exception of these two. P. Aliapoulios called the question.
Voting aye: P. Aliapoulios. Voting nay: Dr. Weiss, C. Hicrison,
B. Schaffer Jr. (motion defeated I to 3) .
General discussion re. setting a MaXiMUM percentage allowed for
community service carryovar, establishing possikle rcwards fnr
exceeding community service requirements other than carryover into
the next fiscal year.
C. Harrison moved that the issue be discussed with the fill Noyes
Center Committee and continue at the next Council ruieting. Seconded
by B. Schaffer Jr., P. Aliapoulios indicated that the issue has
already been discussed and that the policy was established last
year. Voting aye: Dr. Weiss, C. Harrison, B. S7haffer Jr.;
voting nay: P. Aliapoulios. Notion approvoIJ t o- 3.
It was agreed that the two leases in question w,Duld be held for
a decision by the Council at the next moot ins' iA April,
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 14, IqSS:
P. AliapouliI,5 moved and R. Schaffer Jr. soc"n!vt apprrval.
Approved unanimously-.
ARTS A AFFTPMATTVF ACTION COMMITTEE REPORT:
N.Niyonu announced that Carmen's Restaurants has :ice? ! Lo Cun.
both sraAns for the Ethnto ArLs Festival uo to a t-t;l of Sl,i
She also reportod that a Chicago companv had donated Ozens of
:-multisolar,Plantis cAgps to to used bv v0uvnnri in! azi
raffle prizes.
APPPOVAI 7 : — 01%14:
J. Z00011 Pr_ sent Lke racommendati"ns 1'r t==,
applications as follawq:
Martin Luther King Lab School, S910:
Dawes School, SI,Oio;
ACORN, 5700:
Washinvin Flompwiry 3whial, FSQW
Art Fnsount-r, 01,4A
Chicago Pempster :merchant- Asnn.,
Evanston Art Center, 01,4"Y;
Evanston in -School Music Assn., S1,400;
Ridgeville Pack District, 51,400;
Dewey Elementary School, $420;
f 1-cz- ":.Irit
� . . h
Minutes, page 3
North Shore Choral Society, $1,200;
Willard School, $720;
Family Focus/Our Place, $1,200;
Evanston Latinamerican Assn., $600;
The Friday Club Productions, $1,200;
Piven Theatre Workshop, $1,200;
Skokie Valley Youth Sy mphony, $300;
Kinheart, Inc., $1,200;
Bach Week in Evanston, $1,200;
Evanston �Jusic Center, $840;
Light Opera Works, $1,178;
INVEST, S1,200;
Program on African Studies, N.U., $900;
Orchestra of Illinois, $500;
Northlight Theatre, S1,200;
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, $710;
I'lary & Leigh Block Gallery, N.U., S1,000;
Oriana Singers, S500;
Chamber Ballet Ensemble, S1,000,
Nex t Thea t re Company, S I , 000;
Lynda �Iartha Dance Cnmpan\- S1 000;
Basically Bach, Inc., $1,000;
Poetry Forum, Inc., S500;
Partners in Nime, Inc . , $500
Illustrated Theatre Touring Co., -0-.
Live Theatre, -0- ' .
Trinity Square Ensemble, -0-;
Evanston Communitv TV Corporation, -0--,
The Partridge Family, -0-.
Zendell indicated that these funding levels wore rn the
numerical ratin.v's established I)%- the
disciplinary
PiAlle I
11. Schaffer respondvd th�-t it i�; difficult
to rat
:7e tind j rip,
t "Iree lion- F%, a*'I',� t c'n ',I' ! ? I � ! , n F
Tl.�'!
f, I]; 5� .
Lh,it 1(-,Cll FI-ollp5: 1,1�lt flinded I,-,- t ho
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lin
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t
fill LS
''I-Chestrli (if 112, - �- :
izipeulis moved a p-,) va I t- t
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t t n �-nnw i I)- I I
i, F t r
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Minutes, Page 4
COMPiINS btOArAPhIVaL MatOCial on Coun&L members for diAtribution
to constituents on roquo5t.
b"'
dpPra
nA
—n'nrnw
WL hcL.
!V : 1 17 ! OM
Q I t yai an uvd remphas
i s
q f AC f
i rmat 1 va
action bv the
grant 5
review panel fists
and an
underamphasis
by
the paOksts
on rho ionut,
i 1
I_1 t
ho was gratified
With
the resu I ts 0 f
y
•v t
to
th., "'1".0-2 '11
MOULn& QIA al-j�nrnoj At ":I. pm.
Kbmttted by Joseph "en iclt
99 . . "
EVANSTP A/_�i5OUNCIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes 5t. Evanston, IL 60201 312/491-0266
DRAFT - Not Approved
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council, April 19, 1988
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Fiffer, Vice -Chair; Paul Aliapoulios, Charles Harrison,
Laura Smith -Irvin, Dr. John Weiss and Muriel Chalem.
MEl•1BERS ABSENT: Richard Lassar, Byron Schaffer Jr. and Kathleen Walsh.
STAFF PRESENT: Joseph Zendell, Director, Nilaja Niyonu, Program Coordinator.
M1%1ARY OF ACTION:
Steve Fiffer called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in Studio 106 of the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201.
MINUTES OF M�ARCH 15, 1988:
C. Harrison moved and Dr. Weiss seconded approval of the minutes of the March 15
meeting. Approved unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS:
J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the written staff report. He also
presented a letter from the Piven Theatre Workshop in response to tenant Liz
Passman's request to annex part of the Piven Studio. The reply indicated that
the requested space was used a substantial amount of the tir�e and could not be
reallocated.
P. Aliapoulios announced that he had submitted his resignation to Mayor Barr,
that he had served nearly 8 years and that he had recomrrendei to the Mayor that
she appoint someone from ?northwestern University. S. Fiffer indicated that the
Council was in debt to Paul and thanked him for his vears o se nice.
ANNUAL PLkIVNING REIRE.AT:
J. Zendell requested that the Council set a date and time the annual planning
retreat to discuss program evaluation and establish objective-c for Fi' 8p-90. He
also indicated that he would tn• to find a professional fa._;:tator to lead the
planning retreat. It was agreed that the retreat would re::__e the next monthly
meeting and would he held from b pm to I() pm, Tuesday-, Jun_ Place to he
announced. Dinner would be inc 1 uded .
ARTS S AFFIR11ATIIT ACTION CO�LNtITTEE:
C. Harrison appealed to members to attend the next meeting :: the Committee to
observe the excitement and cormutmenttc the Festival plane -In process. N.Niyonu
indicated that the deadline for selling ads for the Festival :-Yjvenir book has
been extended and asked Council members to help. She also :niicated that she
would be calling upon Council members to help staff the Cou^,_-_1 bor-)th at the
Jule 10 and 17 Ethnic Arts Festival.
minutes, page Z
NOMINATING CO'LIDHITTEE REPORT:
Dr. Weiss reported that he and P. Aliapoulios had discussed process for selecting
a slate of officers (Chair and Vice -Chair) and would present the results at the
May meeting.
NOYES COrL`f[]NITY SERVICE POLICY DISCUSSION:
N. Niyonu presented the issue of community service and explained the problem
facing the council as follows: Two tenants (Zelda Werner and Tom Porter) have
both requested that the last year's community service carryover (totalling much
more than the current year's requirement) apply to the total required community
service, thereby negating any need for either tenant to perform conminity service
during the current fiscal year. At this point, Z. Werner entered and took part
in the meeting.
Z. Werner indicated that she would like to restore the sculpture that she had
placed at the Civic Center (Health Dept.) last year and that that would be her
community service. She further suggested that it would be better if the piece
could be recreated in a more permanent and durable material asking, that the Art
Council find funding for the material if she would provide the work. She
indicated that she would retrieve the piece immediately to avoid more damage.
S. Fiffer indicated that the Council feEls very strongly that all Tenants should
do community service, regardless of the amount done in a previous year, although
certainly there should be credit given for extraordinary amounts of services
performed.
It was further agreed to let Tom Porter assist in the marketing of the Noyes
Center grand piano, currently stored in the basement, as part of the on -going
Noyes Renovation campaign. J. Zendell indicated that he would check with
the Civic Center to see if the piano can be sold.
OTHER BUSINESS:
L. Smith Irvin indicated that her absenses during the past six .tenths have been
due to her job and the need to commute to Springfield. She appologized for not
being able to participate but indicated that she will be attending in the future.
S. Fiffer indicated that he had met with the soon -to -be appointee superintendent
of District 65, Dr. Pollack.
N. Niyonu passed out Festival Book ad sales slips.
Meeting was adjourned at 8 pm
Joseph Zendell, Executive Director
may 10, 1�-:S
I�'�I III Ii, I � ir' III I
EVANSTOT eOUNTCIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 312/491-0266
DRAFT — Not Approved
Tiinutes of the Evanston Arts Council, flay 17, 1988
Richard Lassar called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm in
Studio 106 of the `oyes Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston,
IL 60201.
BOARD `fDIBERS
PRESENT: Richard Lassar, Chair, Charles Harrison, Laura Smith Irvin,
Steven Fiffer, Craig Springer, !hziel Chalem and Dr. John
Weiss.
BOARD MEMBERS
ABSENT: Byron Schaffer Jr.
STAFF PRESENT: Nilaja Niyonu, Program Coordinator; J. Zendell, Director.
GUESTS: Sue Sussman, writer 5 Noyes tenant, Dennis Sheehn, N.U. student.
APPROVAL OF MI`ZTES
FROM APRIL 19, 1988: Dr. Weiss moved and C. Harrison seconded approval of the
April 19, 1988 minutes. Approved unanimously.
CHAIR'S REPORT: R. Lassar welcomed the guests and indicated that he has
glad to be back in the city, that he h-; r-et with J. "ondell
and was eager to resume work with the
STAFF REPORTS: J. Zendell introduced new Arts Council :-or er Craig Springer,
Managing Director of N.U.'s Pick Staip;Fr Concert Nall, to
the Council. it. Springer indicated at is completing
work toward his PhD, is teaching coy.icaticn and is a
sax player.
J. Zendell called the Council's attern_:.n tD the written
Staff Report indicating that the Prihli: -rt Committee
meeting had been changed from �!ay 2-� t _ 19e alsD
indicated that the July 17 Fountain _::e insert hal been
cancelled an:i will he replaced by a z --:.i p-nsare' at the
sam
e time by \BD Bank Evanston. -
NOYES CENTER
ARTISTS' ACTIVIT'ES: J. ZePlel I introduced Noyes tenant Sue 5 .__..an indicat :np
that per the Council's request, each tenant ;,sd
be specifically invited to discuss her ns w7rk at `: ves.
`is. Sussman talked about the 11 books sze •`ritter;
since signing her first least three years njo, and h,-•_ that
would not have been possible without t-.e in,.'. of spas?
available at Noyes, She called the Cwnter a siistnity of
Minutes, page 2
artists with Noyes not as a place: for either beginners
or dilettantes, but for working professional artists.
S. Fiffer suggested that staff should set up a meeting with
tenants to discuss the issue of financial need as a possible
annual review criteria for lease renewal and other criteria
that might be used to review tenants' need for space.
J. Zendell indicated that a meeting would be set and Council
members would be invited.
ELECTION OF
OFFICERS: Dr. Weiss presented a slate of officers as follows:
S. Fiffer as Chair and C. Harrison as Vice Chair for
1988-89.
M. Chalem moved unanimous acceptance of the slate as presented,
seconded by L. Smith Irvin. Approved unanimously.
At this point, S. Fiffer accepted the Chair from R. Lassar.
ARTS k%ZD AFFIR_`LATIVE
ACTION/FESTIVAL
REPORT:
N.Niyonu reported on the Ethnic Arts Festival planning with
a complete schedule of activities and exhibitions. She
indicated that there is still a critical need for Council
members to sign up for specific time slots as volunteers during
the July 16 S 17 festival.
NOYES COI-DILTN'TTl
SERVICE POLICY
REPORT:
N. Niyonu reviewed the policy issue at hand, namely that
tenants with a community service carryover from one year
to the next, should be required to perform some amount of
community service. `!s. 1`iyonu indicated that the term
"some amount" needed to be clarified. She further stated
that a Noyes Committee had recommended that. all tenants
should perform at least 251 of their required corinunity
service, regardless of the amount of carryover from the
previous year.
S. Fiffer reported that he had attendee` th? Corrnittee reeting
of `ores tenants and was impressed by the discussion and
the obvious love they have of the Center ani its goals.
R. Lassar moved approval of the Cott:tee'_ reco7;n-endation
st'C,,-.)no'd by Dr. Weiss. .'p rovedl
At-
rr'T E-%T RfP_,uT. J. Zendell re}-,rteu that a Gate ha.1 .. h._se:, .;� of
yet for the June 21 Planning Retreat, '-.t that the tL:k
would be 6 p,•n to 10 pm with dinner prov'ce1. It was agreed
that yearly Council assignments to Corr-attees would be part
of the June 21 meeting. It was further agreed that staff
should seek a facilitator for the Retreat if one could be
found that is both skilled and econorucal.
Dr. Weiss then thanked R. Lassar for his %ear of leadership,
enthusiasm, dignity and humor as past Chair.
Meeting was adjourned at 8 pm.
i
Submitted by Joseph Zendell, 6/21188
I
E�AI\1 STo oUNC I L
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, It 60201 312/491.0266
DRAFT - Not Approved
Minutes of the E\,anston Arts Council, June 21, 1988
Steven Fiffer, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm
in Room 3650 of the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 Ridge,
Evanston, IL 60204.
MIBERS PRES-7: Muriel Chalem, Steven Fiffer, Chair, Charles Harrison,
Richard Lassar, Byron Schaffer Jr., Craig Springer and
Dr. John Weiss.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Laura Smith -Irvin
STAFF PRESS: Joseph Zendell, Director, Arts Council, and Doti Wirth,
Director, Parks, Recreation & Forestry.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
FROM MY 17, 1988: Dr. Weiss moved and R. Lassar seconded approval of the
May 17 minutes. Approved unanimously.
CHAIR'S REPORT: S. Fiffer reported that he had met with several Noyes Center
tenants to discuss tenant review criteria. He will discuss
this later in the agenda.
STAFF REPORTS: J. Zendell announced that Nilaja Niyonu has been accepted
as a full time student at the School of the Art Institute
and would be leaving the Arts Council a'_ the end of august.
He indicated that she has worked tirelessly to create the
Arts & Affirmative Action Program and will be greatly missed.
There were no questions on the Director's Report.
NOY S CATER CO D117-
TEE REPORT:
S. Fiffer indicated that he and staff had met with a number
of Noyes tenants to discuss criteria lease renewal,
specifically the issue of financial n_= '. He reporte, that
there was a consensus that tenants w = be willing to submit
information on annual income in order t give the Arts Council
a view of tenants' financial status. J. Zendell stated that
this was the view only of those tenants attending this meeting,
that a number of tenants may feel thi -�uld be an invasion of
privacy. Council pointed out that t ,ants who were concerned
about this should have provided input ter the discussion.
It was agreed that staff should prepare a proposed system
of gathering, this information for dis-ussion at the July
meeting.
page 2
SUB -LEASE
APPLICATION: J. Zendell presented the application from Paul Cofresi to
sub -let space from tenant June Willhite, indicating that she
would be working with small groups of minority teens as a
social worker using the arts as a tool. R. Lassar moved
approval with second by Aluriel Chalem. Application approved
unanimously.
ARTS 14EEK 88 RE-
PORT & REC010iD--
ATIONS: _ M. Chalem indicated that she would like this issue moved to
the Planning Session following the meeting.
EIMIC ARTS FESTI-
VAL: J. Zendell reported that the Festival Souvenir Book was
completed and passed around copies. S. Fiffer commented on
the overall growth of the festival.
GUIDELINES FOR
CANCELLING AND
SCHEDULING MEETINGS:
J. Zendell presented the proposed guidelines as recommended
by the City Council Rules Committee. Consensus was to accept
and abide by these recommended guidelines.
1989-90 PL_4MING: S. Fiffer stated that the Council would now move into its
annual planning meeting, to review objectives and programs
in preparation to 1989-90 budget planning. ]le called the
Council members' attention to the planning document prepared
by staff indicating that we would discuss all objectives and
respective programs, evaluate their effectiveness and decide
what should and should not be part of the 1989-90 program
budget.
Objective I-
J. Zendell discussed programs related to this objective, i.e.
ARTS 5 RECREATION Magazine, Arts Resource Directory, Gallery
Guide and Economic impact of the Arts Stud% .
Council agreed that the City Council Should be approached early,
before tho budget preparation period, t�D discuss specific
concerns ,Ilderm,,en nip- have ahcut tilt? :,3:Ine. :?lthou-ah
Recreation I.`epL. I-OV'11110S hate tj_cQ 1IJ t`ptlt)rl of
the publication, the relationship I.5 :_ fl.'I1lL to prove.
M. Chalem suggested that a regular ft.ire he a column on
the Noves Center, perhaps written by tenant. staff
agrees+ tot iiscuss this with editf�r
RC-. t10 1}1lhll('atIOTJ Of ;ln :4.1_ts "ir".,tor�;, J. Zendell
indicatot that ("111ncil 11:1sl I'r„tsl t') :�. 1u'.t this in the
l�li;sr-�1+� hurl„cat . l4� 11rrt.ltl�r inrli. ate . :-.lt i t_ part of the HCOd
for S1Wh .I hl170Ct1)1-%' he C'ot by ^r ,tv,9r 1 Art1Sts'
Roster In tilt, tilal,�alrrlo. 111is Would ?its t � t'..'1 Pages of
four line 1 ist irl,;5 tit' inoiivicilL11 ,Ir-tl-`s f ,r a nr;minal fee.
Consensus of the Cotulcil was that art:s.s shy,=11,1 not lie char:;ed
page 3
for such a listing since the original Directory provided
free listings. It was suggested that the entire proposed
Directory be included in one issue of the Magazine each
year. J. Zendell responded that the Directory included
a tremendous amount of information and would not fit into
the magazine unless the size of the publication was at least
doubled. The Directory as an insert into the magazine was
also discussed. J. Zendell to invistigate with Helen Herber
and report to the Council at the July meeting.
Because of the lack of cooperation on the part of the Evanston
galleries, it was agreed that a 1989 Gallery Guide would not
be part of the agency's proposed budget.
Further, Council agreed that the agency should take an active
role in advocating the development of downtown Evanston theatre
and performance space. Staff was directed to develop a memo
to City Council, to be discussed at the July arts Council meeting,
dealing with this issue. Council noted that this issue is
seperate from the possible development of the Noyes Center
gym into a performance space.
The Arts Council agreed to include an "arts marketing" workshop
in the 1989-90 budget. Staff to investigate and report.
Objective 2:
J. Zendell reported that 1988 grants totalled $32,700, with
more than $66,000 in applications. There was discussion of
improving guidelines to remove redundancies, clarifying the
somewhat confusing review criteria and increasing the pot of
money. F. Schaffer agreed to review the guidelines and
review criteria to suggest changes.
Objective 3:
Consensus was to continue and expand, if possible, both the
Fountain Square Concerts and the Senior Citizen Concert Series.
Objective w:
M. Chalem reported on arts Week and reco:r€ vended that the
Council continue with plans for the annual arts celebration
Nov. 13-10, 1088, to include the Annual '-Iivor's award for the
Arts (to be presented at the C. of C.'5; ':-•;eml,er 1,yncheon with
Mayor Barr's State of the City address -,he `):es (pen House,
Noyes Supersale and the Gallery Walk. _; was agreed that
the Gallery Walk would be part of :arts 1+ee-k only if the area
galleries would participate in the planning of the event.
Arts Camp was discussed and it was apree- that r-rjre emphasis
should be placed on generating minority: ;_irticij-otaon. Don
Wirth indicated that often the City's F,_=er camps are used
as summer day care.
1t was agreed to continue the .',inual
Exhibition with the Art Center and to c-r;tinue wr,r;: with
the Public Aft Program and its planning; c-Drniittee.
page 4
Objective 5:
Council agreed to continue this objective.
Objective 6:
Council agreed that staff should continue to seek non -tax
levy sources of revenue to increase the programmatic and
grants program budget.
Objective 7:
Council members discussed the proposed 1988-89 Arts & Youth
Directory asking how it would differ from the Arts Resource
Directory. J. Zendell indicated that it would provide specific
and detailed information about arts resources and arts in
education programs for youth.
It was agreed that the annual Ants & Youth Award would not
be presented during Arts meek. Staff was directed to contact
sponsors of the Young Evanston Artists' Festival to see if
the award could be made part of that event.
Objective 8:
J. Zendell reported that the agency's Arts & Affirmative
Action program was primarily oriented toward the Ethnic
Arts Festival and the Grants Program with its requirements
for applicant organizations to involve people of color at
all levels of the organization. S. Fiffer commented that
some of our grants recipients don't actively demonstrate
a commitment to affirmative action and therefore should not
be funded. C. Harrison indicated that some organizations get
funded regardless of their involvement of minorities. B.
Schaffer commented that affirmative action should be weighed
heavily in the review of applications, but it should not be
the criteria for eligibility. There was consensus that
organizations should be given technical assistance to help
them develop diversity and minority involvement. C. Springer
argued that he originally felt that the atf_, ,ative action
criteria should be exact and specific, but aided that tie
now realizes that leaving the guidelines nebulous, to a
certain extent, allows for creativity and dialogue.
Don Wirth pointed out that the City has legislated affirmative
action in a number of other areas includin hiring and letting
of contracts. F'iffer :added that if an nilation shows
no pro},ress in .if flt7T' it ivo �i ti ;n i)�'er a :''.': " : f vv,lr-s
that S!1QUId ti`t' :'r II'd5 11'r t'.tnial ,lI .Ii:l :..-. .
It was agreed to continue this discussi,-)n in �-ritext o_ the
r �yiew of Grants ;uidel ines in July and
Objective
Reg,ardin,; the on-r�oino m inagement of" the :�tit•'I
`Chaffor askt_d staff for a revenue history %-,ves. '.
7_endelI indicated that rental rates had :nc-r-ased
11T1I1U1I l,," for tho past seven `'ears, that
budget vas H.), 3LIpportod by rentals and i; _ it is
Supported by rentals.
Page 5
B. Schaffer indicated that it is clear that the rising
rentals at Noyes have not matched the rising consumer
costs. J. Zendell indicated that as the portion of
city support at the Center is reduced, so is the amount
of community service required from the tenants.
B. Schaffer stated that the real need of the agency is for
a personal computer and printer which Gould increase the
affectiveness of the agency many fold. J. Zendell indicated
that a capital purchase of that magnitude in next year's
budget would be very difficult to get approval for, indicating
that $360 in capital purchase funds for replacement microphones
had been deleted from the current budget last fall. Don Wirth
added that the City has certain priorities regarding the
purchase and installation of computer terminals and that the
Arts Council is not a high priority at this time.
It was Council consensus to include the necessary capital
dollars in the proposed 1989-90 budget for the purchase of
a computer and printer system and that this priority be
communicated both to the City Panager and the Hwman Sertvices
Committee. It was further agreed that an increase in rental
rates could partially cover this increased expenditure.
Objective 10:
Regarding the discussion of ?roves Community Service, S.
Fiffer stated that it is critical that an active Noves
Center Committee, chaired by an Arts Council member, be
developed to deal with issues such as co,-rTunit,,• service.
B. Schaffer suggested that corm mitt' service not be tied to
a formula of rent and city- support, but rather that all
tenants be required to perform a certain amount or value of
community service each year regardless of the amount they
performed in the previous year. It was agreed that the new
Noyes Committee would consider this for the
next fiscal vear.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm
III
1KOUNCIL
EVANSTO
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 3121491-0268
DRAFT - Not Approved
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council, 7/19/88.
Steven Fiffer, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in Studio 106
of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201.
MBERS PRESM : Muriel Chalem, Steven Fiffer, Chair, Chuck Harrison,
Richard Lassar, Craig Springer and Dr. John Weiss.
111DIBERS ABSENT: Laura Smith -Irvin and Byron Schaffer Jr.
GUESTS: Richard Halstead (Noyes tenant), John Carlile (Next Theatre),
Paula Henderson, Iry Shapiro, John Paul, Virginia Roeder,
Christopher Deafler, Amy Galpen, Julie Barnes (Light Opera
Works), Julian Levy, Paulette Levy, Fred Lickerman, Mary
Lickerman Hwd lson, Karen Erickson (Trinity Ensemble),
Margaret Eisendrath, William Smith (light Opera Works).
STAFF PRESENT: Joseph Zendell, Director, Nilaja Niyonu, Program Coordinator.
APPROVAL OF iLIN=S
FROM JUNE 21, 1988: R. Lassar moved and C. Harrison seconded approval of the
June 21, 1988 minutes. Approved unanimously.
J. Zendell appologized for the mistake on the agenda in-
dicating that the meeting was to be at 6 psi instead of 6:30 pm.
C1W R'S REPORT: S. Fiffer reported that the 3rd Annual Evanston Ethnic
Arts Festival was a major success, a testimonv to Nilaja
and the committee and an example of the Arts Council
working successfully with the community.
C. Harrison added that we should find a way to express
our gratitude to the volunteers. S. Fiffer responded
that he would write a letter to the Ev nst -,n Re:•iew.
STAFF REPORTS: J.Zendell called the Council's attention t,) t�:e written
staff report. There were no questions.
CO`MUN=ITY SERVICE
REPORT: N. Niyonu called the Council's attention trs the written
Noves Community Service Report. Thert� were no questions.
NOYES CENTER ARTIST
PRI SE`LITION: J. Zendell introduced Noyes ,artist Ri -hank Halstead �;ho
operates the Halstead Academy of PortralL :At at tale
Center. Mr. Mistead presented a number r)f his current
paintings, plus those of several of his sLueats ;Bile
discussing the Academy and his proposal to present a
community service slide lecture for youni, adults.
r r n i ��i i i I� All II ^ii� i �i I'II�iII' �Mi Ali uii I� �
� U "iu� it iilll, i nu II qi i �
Minutes, page 2
S. Fiffer asked whether being a tenant at Noyes has an
impact. Mr. Halstead indicated that there is an economic
advantage to having low cost space, plus it is an advantage
to offer classes in a building where people are used to
taking art classes. Noyes also has a good image.
C. Harrison added that as a visual artist himself he was
very glad to have Richard Halstead in the building.
REVISi/APPROVAL OF
STUDIO APPLICATIONS: Dr. Weiss presented the following recommendation from the
Studio Application Review Committee Q. Weiss, S. Fiffer
and J. Zendell): It is recommended that Light Opera Works'
application for Studio 225 be approved. Further, it is
recommended that Liz Passman's request to move into the
former Light Opera Works' space be approved. Dr. Weiss
moved this recommendation. Second by C. Harrison.
C. Harrison indicated that the decision is very difficult
to make and that Council should develop a system for inter-
viewing all applicants before a decision is made. R. Halstead
spoke on behalf of applicant Iry Shapiro and his ability
to provide quality community service as a tenant.
Motion was approved unanimously.
PROPOSED 1989-90
OBJECTIVES: J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the current
objectives as listed in the Director's Report indicating
that the discussion of priorities and programs at the
June Planning Retreat did not call for any changes in
objectives for the coming fiscal year. He further indi-
cated that the proposed FY 89-90 budget will be presented
for discussion and approval at the September 20 Council
meeting. It is then due to the City Manager on Sept. 23.
There will be a general discussion of 1989-90 programs at
the August lb meeting.
C. Springer suggested that in Objective 11, it might be
important to make the objective more general by not identi-
fying "Friends of the Noyes Center" specificaliv. R.
Lassar indicated that he felt the oh_ecti e's goal was to
establish an organization similar t:, the Friends of the
Library. There was consensus to cor't,nue the objectives
into the next fiscal vear without chan;;es.
REV IEtd OF GRkNTS
PROGRAM: Consensus was to table to the next-.eeting until B. Schaffer
Jr. could be present.
%*�1O TO C ITl' COt1C I L
RE. NEED FOR PER-
F0R.%L1.`CE SPACE IN
DOW.\TOtNNN EV.%uNSTON: J. Zendell explained that this proposed memo was not pre-
pared and would be presented to the :arts Council at the
August 16 meeting after discussion with Don Wirth and the
City Manager.
w, .nutes, page 3
REVIEW OF FUNDED
EVENTS: J. Zendell called the Council's attention to a series of
reports from Arts Council funded organizations indicating
times and dates of funded events over the coming months.
He further suggested that Council members should attempt
to attend as many of these events as possible as a method
of reviewing quality of organizations which may be applying
for funding next year.
NOYES MMITTEE -
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR: S. Fiffer indicated that it was time to reinstate the
inactive Noyes Tenant Committee to deal with a number of
issues relevant to the Noyes Center. He asked for volunteers.
C. Springer volunteered to chair the committee. It was
further agreed that B. Schaffer Jr. would be asked to serve
on the committee as vice -chair.
PROPOSAL TO GATHER
FINANCIAL DATA FROM
NOYES TENANTS: J. Zendell explained that the City :attorney had indicated
that the Arts Council could legally ask for financial
data from tenants, i.e. tax forms, and use that financial
data as a basis for lease renewal, as long as the same
data is requested from all tenants and from prospective
tenants. C. Harrison supported the need for this data.
M. Chalem suggested that such a request might be considered
an invasion of privacy. S. Fiffer indicated that he would
like the information on financial status but not necessarily
from an individual's tar form.
C. Springer related that the Arts Council is responsible
to the public and the City Council for administration of
a tax supported facility and indicated that he would
like information from tenants' tax returns rather than
in answer to a survey.
It was consensus that if financial status is to be used
in the reveiw and renewal of leases, that it cannot be
the sole criteria. It was agreed that the question of
financial status as a lease renewal criteria would be sent
to the new Noyes Center Committee for discussion and
recommendation.
AR'rS & AFFI1MMI
ACTION/FESTIVAL COM-
MITTEE REPORT: N. Niyonu indicated that a complete report will be made
at the August meeting. She thanked all Council members
for their work and support. She re-')rte�' that the n=bers
of vendors and festival participan_s ::as .p ' : about 5o%.
She also thanked S. Fiffer and C. E:arriscn _`cr their leader-
ship on the committee. Finally, she indicate-d that Paa
Quasi Adams would chair and Laura1 co-chair
the 1989 Festival.
Meeting was adjourneed� at 8:45 M
Submitted by Joseph Zendell, Director: !�
EVANS'T`OWUNCIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes 5t. Evanston, IL 60201 312/491-0266
DRAFT - Not aDDroved
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council, 8/16/88
Steven Fiffer called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm in the Rehearsal Hall of
Pick--Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University in Evanston.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steven Fiffer, Chair, kIuriel Chalem, Chuck Harrison, Laura
Smith -Irvin, Richard Lassar, Byron Schaffer Jr., Craig
Springer, Dr. John Weiss and Francine Nlarkwell.
STAFF PRES=:
Nilaja Niyonu, Program Coordinator and Joseph Zendell, Director.
GUESTS:
Fay Kaiser, Noyes tenant.
APPROVAL OF 7/19/88
MIiVC1TES:
C. Springer moved and M. Chalern seconded approval of the
minutes. J. Zendell indicated that C. Harrison had asked that
the July minutes reflect his request to hire or contract with
Nilaja Niyonu for the Festival as a consultant after she
leaves the agency. B. Schaffer added that he would be unable
to serve as co-chair of the Noyes Center Committee as is indi-
cated in the minutes. With these corrections, minutes were
approved unanimously.
CHAIR'S REPORT:
S. Fiffer introduced new Council member Francine :ark -well to
the Council and she explained that she is a choral and music
teacher at Chute diddle School and a past chair of the Arts
Coun,�il's Arts in Education Committee. Ehe has also served
on the agency's grants panels.
S. Fiffer reported that he had attended the City Council's
Planning and Development Committee meeting to deal with our
request for a Zoning Variation for the te.-:porary renovation
of the Noyes Gym. He also indicated that there would be a
reception following the meeting to honor departing board members
Richard Lassar and Dr. John Weiss. Fifer a?so t:ar:ked C.
Springer for hosting the meeting in the
concert hall.
STAFF REPORT: J. Zendell called attention to the written report. There were
no questions.
NOYES C== ARTIST
PRESENTATION: J. Zendell introduced singer/teacher Fay !,wiser who discussed
her work and studio at the Noyes Center, ;::dicating that she
has been a tenant for 4 years teaching vc.:t.
MINUTES
ETHNIC ARTS FESTIVAL
REPORT: N. Niyonu reported on the successful 1988 Ethnic Arts Festival
indicating that although the event was rained out in the
first afternoon, the combined Saturday and Sunday attendance
far exceeded 1987. A financial report and projections for
1989 were also presented.
R. Lassar commented that the Festival was successful because
of Nilaja's leadership.
PROPOSED NEW PRO-
GRAMS FOR FY 89-90: S. Fiffer referred the Council to a letter from him in the
Council packet explaining two programs proposed for next
fiscal year. The first program would be an Evanston Arts
Council sponsored lecture possibly in conjunction with a
local arts institution. The second project would be an
event for Evanston writers, possibly a book -signing event.
R. Lassar suggested that the Evanston Library Friends should
be asked to co-sponsor the second project. F. `arkwell
indicated that school libraries should be brought into the
project. There was consensus to move for-.rard on the planning
of both events and to seek outside funding if necessary.
NOYES CUMIITTEE
REPORT: C. Springer reported on the Noyes Center Cominittee meeting
indicating that some of the tenants did not seem to completely
trust the Arts Council and that there was a somewhat confrontational
feeling at the meeting, particularly centered about the issue
of tying financial need to lease renewal. S. Fiffer agreed
indicating that he had felt such negative feelings from the
tenants. C. Springer suggested that Council u2mbers should
make an effort to visit tenants in the buildiing whenever
possible. He further reported that there was a consensus
at the meeting that financial need should not be a criteria
for lease renewal, with tenants indicating that it is not
a significant issue. Tenants did agree t:.at to Council might
need financial information in the future in order to better
make a case of support for the Center to the City Council.
M. Chalem emphasized that such financial info r. tion should
be evaluated for income over a period of years rather than
just one year to give a better picture of the 'financial
situation and that data must be anon%ric'.�s. C. -rison
added that we have vet to establish a r__,ar _ nt for the
term "financial need" and that we real-': Zcn't '-.ve anv other
criteria for renewal of leases. C. Scr_n,er agreed that the
Committee will examine the need for leas-_-renewalcriteria.
S. Fiffer added that there is also a reed for ccmr-mulication
between the Council and the tenants and _ dicated that he would
be willing to work on a periodic newsle _er for t o tenants.
He added that it is important for the tenants t-d;now the back-
grounds of the Council members.
Ii 111 1 1 1 1 111 miler 11 111
MINUTES page 3
PROPOSED NE?
PROGRAMS:
PROPOSED MDJO TO
CITY COUNCIL RE.
DOWNTONNI PERFOR�
ANCE SPACE:
REVIE4 OF GRANTS
PROGRA11M :
ARTS S RECREATION
INEDIO TO CITY
COU`, CIL:
PROPOSED SALE OF
PIANO:
ARTS VEEK REPORT:
J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the proposal
for a 1989 Arts Resource Directory. B. Schaffer Jr. indi-
cated that he would not support such an expenditure until
the Council approves the purchase of a computer/ward processor
and printer, thereby reducing the required costs of this an
other similar projects. J. Zendell indicated that staff was
investigating methods of purchasing such equipment, that a
formal capital purchase request had been submitted to the City
Manager and that the upcoming proposed budget would include
the proposed purchase. Consensus was to agree with the
staff recommendation.
S. Fiffer called the Council's attention to the memo to the
City Council outlining rationale for the consideration of
performance space in the various construction projects now
being planned„ for the downtown area. B. Schaffer Jr.
indicated that he would not support the fourth paragraph
because it inferred that performance space in a downtown
area was always successful. J. Zendell responded that the
intent of the memo was to encourage the City Council to
consider the potential of performance space in downtown
Evanston because of the potential for economic development.
R. Lassar moved and Dr. Weiss seconded approval of the
memo. Motion approved with one nay vote from B. Schaffer Jr.
J. Zendell reported that he and B. Schaffer will meet to review
the 1988 grants program and will present new guidelines at the
September meeting.
R. Lassar moved with L. Smith -Irvin seconding approval
of the memo to City Council providing i:ff ormation on the ARTS
AND RECREATION Magazine. C. Springer agreed to attend the
Human Services Committee meeting on 211on^ay night.
Dr. Weiss moved and C. Harrison second? l : zII re- °en.iat ion
to sell the basement piano originally' to to Center
for the Noyes Center renovation. After _`scussion, motion
was withdrawn. Byron Schaffer moved and' C. Springer seconded
to table the item. Approved.
J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the written
Arts Week report. No questions.
OTHER BUSINESS: S. Fiffer expressed gratitude to Richar� Vassar and John
Weiss for their years of service and our E.rr « at their
departure from the Council. He also ind te'. that `:iiaja
Niyonu would be missed on staff. lie the a' �:r^ec'. the
meeting.
1 � , 1988
SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH ZF:NDELL
r
k
EVANSTO6UNCIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 3121491.0266
DRAFT - Not approved
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council, 9/19/88:
Steven Fiffer called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm in studio 106 of the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201.
MEMBERS PRESWr : Steven Fiffer, Chair, Muriel Chalem, Charles Harrison, Ron
Isaacson and Francine "iark-lark
MaIBERS ABS0N7 Laura Smith -Irvin, Byron Schaffer Jr., and Craig Springer.
STAFF PRESENT: Joseph Zendell, Director, and Tsehaye Hebert, Program Coordinator.
GUESTS: Don Wirth, Director of Parks, Recreation 6 Forestry, and studio
space applicants, Sy Sussman (Next Theatre), R. Naltz, Barbara
hlepp and Hank Jacobson.
APPROVAL OF
8/16/88 MINUTES: C. Harrison moved and F. Mark -well seconded approval of the
minutes. Approved unanimously.
CHAIR'S REPORT: S. Fiffer introduced new Council member Ron Isaacson who
briefly explained his background as an artist and co-owner
of Evanston's Mindscape Gallery.
J. Zendell introduced the agency's new Program Coordinator,
Geralyn/Tsehaye Hebert.
S. Fiffer reported on our presentation to the City Council's
Planning and Development Comrnittee regarding the need for
downtown development projects to incorporate needed per-
formance space. He indicated that the Committee asked the
Arts Council to develop more specific recourendations and
models for the City Council to look at. He suggested that
an ad hoc cotnuttee be established to work =th staff in the
development of a comprehensive presentation :D the P S P
Committee. M. Chalem volunteered to repre=e-.: the uxts C_-ricil
on the Comnittee.
S. Fiffer reported that Etanston Librarn• friends presi3ent
Shel Neuberger had indicated an interest in working with the
Arts Council on our proposed Evanston write._ project. He will
report on this project as it develops. R. '_=aacson suggested
that the Rotary building includes a small a�-i±i torium that
should be considered for such an event.
Minutes 9/19/88 page 2
STAFF REPORT:
J. Zendell presented the written staff report and asked if
there were any questions. F. Markwell asked about progress
on the proposed Evanston Youth Music Project. J. Zendell
indicated that another meeting to brainstorm ideas was set
for October 12 at the Civic Center at 7 pm.
COPZIUNITY SERVICE:
J. Zendell presented the written community service report.
F. Markwell asked if the amount of community service carried
over from one year to the next posed a problem. R. Isaacson
suggested that considerable amount of time has been spent
in past meetings dealing with this issue and wondered if there
had been a resolution. He indicated that he would like to
help the committee reach a decision on conuu city service and
carryover.
J. Zendell reminded the Arts Council that deadline for
Mayor's Award for the Arts nominations is October 3.
APPLICATIONS FOR
STUDIO 110:
S. Fiffer asked each applicant to identify himself or herself
and explain their request.
R. Maltz explained that he needs such a small space for a
visual arts studio. Liz Passman indicated that she should not
have given up the space when she was approved to move into
the studio across the hall because of her reed for storage
space and a fitting room. Sy Sussman explained the Next
Theatre's need for a box office. Barbara Klepp indicated }
that she would use the space for teaching flute.
S. Fiffer suggested that staff work with Barbara Klepp to
find a way to sublet current studio space in the Center.
,1. Chalem moved and R. Isaacson seconded that the Next Theatre
Co. application be approved. Voting aye: M. Chalem, R.
Isaacson and F. Mark -well. Voting nay: C. Farrison.
Motion approved.
J. Zendell asked the Arts Council to consiler a sublease
request from photographer Hank Jacobson indicating that he
would be subleasing space from the Lynda uartha Dance Co.
R. Isaacson moved and F. 11ark ell seconded approval of the
request. Motion approved.
PROPOSED BUDGET
FOR FY 89-90: J. Zendell called the Council's attenticn '1 the proposed
1989-90 budget documents. F. Markwell su-u_-23teti that the
proposed Special Arts Festival, as outlir.=d in the budget
attachments, should include more in the area of nn sic than
kazoo instruction. R. Isaacson asked why so much of the office
supplies and materials had been cut back, especially in light
of our request for a computer system next year. J. Zendell
explained that increased expenses in other areas such as
personnel costs and me,iical insurance resulted in slight cuts
in a number of other areas, but should not have a negative
impact on the new computer system. C. Harrison moved and
M. Chalem seconded approval of the propose,: budget.
Approved unanimously.
__ :�.` ,ice+r.'. _._..1. ..�...�. ..._. .. ..._..�.....�....�„� _. .,. L. c.J..�..�.—a.
.� Minutes 9/19/88 page 3
ARTS & AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION CO109TTEE: C. Harrison referred to the written minutes of the last
Committee meeting and indicated that he is proud of the
enthusiasm and energq of the Festival planning committee.
J. Zendell announced that CitiCorp Savings has agreed to
again co-sponsor the Ethnic Arts Festival next year.
NOYES CENTER
CO,1011TTEE REPORT: J. Zendell suggested that this report be held until next
month when Craig Springer can be present.
PROPOSED SUPPORT
OF LIBRARY DESIGN
COMPETITION: S. Fiffer presented a draft of a memo to the Evanston Library
in support of the Library's proposed Design Competition.
R. Isaacson responded that there a several problems with
architectural design competitions, especially if the
design guidelines are not specific. It is also difficult
to insure that the chosen architect has actually designed
libraries if the competition is based only on design.
S. Fiffer suggested that the issue be tabled until the next
meeting and that staff ask that a representative from the
Library Board attend the next meeting to answer questions.
PROPOSED EXPENDI-
TURE FOR PUBLIC
SCULPTURE IN HEALTH
DEPARD1ENTI' :
PROPOSED 1989
GRA'N'TS GUIDELINES:
A
J. Zendell presented a proposal for the Arts Council to cover
up to $548.83, from contingency funds, to cover the costs
of fabrication of an acrylic covering for the sculpture placed
in the lobby of the Health Dept. at the Civic Center. The
sculpture, created by Zelda Werner, had been donated by the
artist as a community service. Because the piece had been
damaged, the acrylic cover was proposed as a protective
measure. M. Chalem moved and C. Harrison seconded approval
of the expenditure.
J. Zendell presented the proposed guidelines as developed
in committee (Staff and Council member B. Schaffer Jr.)
pointing out that the major change is the alteration in the
issue of Affirmative Action. Whereas the 1988 Guidelines
included compliance with Affirmative Action Guidelines as
an eligibility requirement, the 1989 Guidelines have made
Affirmative Action one of seven criteria for grant applicant
evaluation. S. Fiffer indicated that he did not like this
change because of the negative message it vould send to
applicants, that it would seem as if the Arts Council no
longer considered Affirmative Action as great a priority.
C. Harrison moved approval of the guidelines with the
substitution of Affirmative Action as an eligibility criteria.
F. Markwell seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
Minutes 9/19/88 page 4
PROPOSED SALE }
OF NOYES PIANO: S. Fiffer suggested that this issue be taken off the agenda
until an undetermined future date.
OTHER BUSINESS: S. Fiffer asked G. Hebert to tell the Arts Council about her
background. G. Hebert responded by discussing her work as
a performer dealing with race relations and her work in the
promotion of various events.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
1
:M
:VANS"rON.,rl GOUNIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 3121491.0268
DRAFT -- NOT APPROVED
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council, October 18, 1988
Steven Fiffer called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm in Studio 106 of the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201.
,101BERS PRESLT: Steven Fiffer, Chair; Muriel Chalem, Chuck Harrison, Robert
Hirsch, Ron Isaacson, Francine Mark -well, and Craig Springer.
AIE MER ABSENT:
Laura Smith -Irvin
GUESTS:
Richard Maltz, Lois Horrowitz, Hank Jacobson, Denise Berry,
Keith Scott, Karen Erickson, Kevin Adair, Ed Erickson, rtichael
Osborne, Ruth Bro and Kathleen Hugo.
STAFF:
Geralyn Hebert, Program Coordinator and Joseph Zendell, Director.
INTRODUCTIONS:
S. Fiffer introduced new Council member Robert Hirsch who discussed
his background including a degree in theatre communication.
APPROVAL OF
9/19/88 MINUTES:
C. Harrison moved and C. Springer seconded approval of the
minutes. Approved unanimously.
CHAIR'S REPORT:
S. Fiffer reported meeting with Shel Newberger of the Friends
of the Library and Library Director Don Fright to discuss an
event or series of events focusing attention on Evanston writers.
A followup planning meeting is set for November.
STAFF REPORT:
J. Zendell called the Council's attention to Objective 9 in
the Staff Report indicating that the figures should be as
follows: "38 events" booked with "total billings of $2,104"
for September.
APPLICATION FOR
STUDIO 213:
S. Fiffer presented the recommendations of the application
review committee, indicating that Art Encounter's request
was recommended for approval. C. Springer moved and R. Hirsch
seconded approval of the recommendation. approved unanimously.
Minutes, page 2
,.
APPLICATION TO
SUBLET STUDIO 219:
J. 7endell presented a request from flute teacher Barbara
K1ipp, reviewed at the September Council meeting, to sublet
space from Dr. Vincent Oddo in Studio 219. F. Markwell
moved and M. Chalem seconded approval. Approved unanimously.
ARTS & AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION COMMIT=
REPORT: C. Harrison reported on the Committee's plans for the annual
Ethnic Arts Festival. He further indicated that the Committee
is interested in working in other areas in affirmative action
such as the review of grant applications and providing assistance
to organizations in the development of outreach programs. C.
Harrison will continue this discussion with the committee and
will update the Council on future recommendations.
It was further agreed to put the Affirmative Action Program on
the December agenda for a comprehensive discussion because there
are so many new members of the Arts Council.
1Wiy4-RW 1)"t leyva�
REPORT: C. Springer reported on the last two meetings of the Noyes
Committee indicating most discussion centered on the upcoming
Open House. Committee meetings will be held, in the future,
in mid -morning time periods. lie further indicated that staff
will prepare a report on community service policies with proposed
revisions for the next Council meeting (November). He added
that he is preparing a survey of tenants dealing with their
finances.
PROPOSED SUPPORT
OF LIBRARY
COMPETITION: S. Fiffer explained that the Library had asked the :arts Council
to support the proposed library Design Competition. The discussion
was held over because of some concern by Arts Council members
that such a competition would not provide the best possible
design. A1. Chalem explained that the proposal has already been
approved by the Cite Council. B. Hirsch explained his work
with architects and the develojymc,It of specific training
exercises dealinf with competitions indicrjtin,,, that the Chicago
area has a k novn 11is! �,ry for architectural ' ' Tin -t it : )n�; ,111d
that such a proposal would have a poslt av
indicated that his concern was that the co.,Tpetition include
strong guidelines. B. Hirsch and R. Isaacson agreed to draft
a letter for consideration at the next meeting expressing
these concerns and stressing that the artistic aspects of the
competition be an important part of the selection team's
consideration.
Minutes page 3
UPCOMING MEETINGS
FOR ARTS COUNCIL
PARTICIPATION: J. Zendell presented the dates and times for a series of events
and meetings over the coming month at which Arts Council parti-
cipation would be beneficial, asking for volunteers. The fol-
lowing assignments were made:
October 24 Budget Hearing: M. Chalem, S. Fiffer, B. Hirsch
and C. Harrison.
Nov. 9 Meeting with Plan Commission: M. Chalem and R. Isaacson.
Nov. 13 Open House: 1-3 pm, C. Springer and S. Fiffer;
3-5 pm, F. Markwell and C. Harrison.
OTHER ISSUES: B. Hirsch suggested that staff seek corporate underwriting
for the Nov. 15 reception following the Arts & Public Spaces
Forum. J. Zendell indicated that he would attempt to locate
support for the event.
R. Isaacson asked if the proposed Arts Marketing Workshop,
discussed in June of this year, is still scheduled to take
place. J. Zendell indicated that it would require additional
funding and that there are several possible sources that will
be investigated.
R. Isaacson discussed the lack of publicity we get on the
tremendous amount of community service performed by the Noyes
Center tenants. He further proposed that the Arts Council
adopt as a priority the need for a full-time publicist or
public relations coordinator to deal with the development
of greater community awareness of the Noyes Center and Arts
Council programs.
NOM CENTER TENANT
PRESENTATION: S. Fiffer indicated that the Council would adjourn to Noyes
artist Zelda Werner's studio for a presentation on her work.
Meeting adjourned.
Submitted by: ,s-G+ 11 / 15 / 88
Jos,ph>2ndell, Director
EVANSTON'
COUNCIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 312/491-0266
11 . %+ ... • as
Minutes of the Evanston Arts Council
November 15, 1988
Steven Fiffer called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm in Studio 106 of the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Muriel Chalem, Steven Fiffer, Chair, Charles Harrison, Laura
Smith -Irvin, Ron Isaacson, Byron Schaffer Jr., Craig Springer.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Hirsch and Francine Markwell.
GUESTS: Russ Vandenbrouck, Artistic Director and Susan Medak, Managing
Director for Northlight Theatre, 'J. Thiel from Medill School
of Journalism at N.U.
STAFF: Joseph Zendell, Director and Geralyn Tsehaye Hebert, Program
Coordinator.
10/18/88 MINUTES: B. Schaffer Jr. moved and C. Harrison seconded approval of
the minutes. B. Schaffer pointed out that his name was missing
from the list of Council members absent at the 10/18 meeting.
Noting that correction, the minutes were approved unanimously.
CHAIR'S REPORT: S. Fiffer reported that he and J. Zendell had attended the Arts
Council's annual budget hearing before the Human Services
Committee. He indicated that the bulk of the meeting was
focused on the Recreation Dept.'s budget with only the last
three minutes given to the Arts Council. There was only
one question from the Human Services Committee but because of
the limited time, J. Zendell was asked to provide the answer
in writing.
The Chair also indicated that the Open House seemed to be a
success last Sunday. R. Isaacson reported that the Gallery
Walk event was very busy that same day.
S. Fiffer then reported that he and staff were meeting with
writers and representatives from the Library and Friends of
the Library on Wednesday to discuss the proposed Evanston
writers' event.
Finally, he mentioned that a representative of Trinity Theatre
had called him to complain that they felt they had been un-
fairly treated during the review and evaluation of applications
for the vacant second floor studio in October.
BI1 1I. °I IrII Ii i II , ii�
''��I�I pi �liiAP �p o��� � Ili �� + 'il�� � I � � � °� ' ' r� +� �� ii ir I�uliu
MInutes, 10/18/88 page 2
STAFF REPORTS: J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the written
Staff Reports. He also read a draft memo to the Evanston
Zoning Commission concerning the proposed Public Art Program
and bonus provisions for private developers. Concensus was to
approve the memo as presented.
PRESENTATION BY
NORTHLIGHT
THEATRE STAFF: J. Zendell introduced Susie r$edak, Managing Director and Russ
Vandenbrouck, Artistic Director of Northlight Theatre, indicating
that they were here to discuss the theatre's current season
and its plans for new space. Both indicated that the search
for a new theatre space was continuing at a relatively slow
pace. Asked what the theatre would like from the Arts Council,
both responded with "more funding' and the possibility of a
line item in the City's budget, plus assistance in finding
a new facility.
COMMUNITY NITY SERVICE
REPORTS: G. Hebert called the Council's attention to the written Quarterly
Community Service Report, indicating that on page one the
list of $600 for Sue Sussman and Robin Goldberg's service should
be corrected to $250.
G. Hebert presented proposed Community Service Guidelines
revisions. It was agreed that the guidelines should include
a requirement that tenants promote and publicize the Noyes
Center whenever possible during performance of community
services that are required through Noyes leases. There was
a general discussion re. the lar►guage concerning "minority
schools" and the need to add specific definitions of "minorities"
to these guidelines as they are listed in the Grants Program
Guidelines. Staff indicated these changes would be made.
C. Springer reported that at the Noyes Center Committee meetings,
tenants had indicated a concern that there may be instances when
a tenant may not be able to perform the required community service
during a particular year. For this reason, they argued, some
of the tenants wanted to retain the policy allowing community
service value to be carried over from one lease year to the next.
Council consensus was that such issues shculd be dealt with on
a case by case basis and that the police carry over for
community service should be abolished, per staff recommendations.
It was further agreed that community service value, beginning
with the next fiscal year, will be calculated at 20% of the
total rent paid by a tenant, per staff recccimendation.
PROPOSED SUPPORT
FOR LIBRARY
DESIGN: R. Isaacson presented a draft of a letter to the Library Board
concerning the design process for the proposed new library.
Concensus was to approve the letter and send from the Arts
Council.
11.1II" i' 11 J91 �I�II'` h��I �I� 1� II' 1 r11 11 �i' II IIII ��
Minutes, 10/18/88
ARTS & AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION COMMITTEE
REPORT: It was agreed to table this report until the next meeting.
NOYES COP4=E
REPORT: C. Springer indicated that he had nothing further to report.
Obi ISSUES: R. Isaacson called the Council's attention to the letter
inviting the public to the Art & Public Spaces Forum set for
8 pm later this evening. He indicated that some of the language
was negative and inappropriate. He directed staff to be more
careful in the f-utsre when preparing public notices and to be
more positive.
J. Zendell asked which Council members would be attending the
upcoming Mayor's Award for the Arts. R. Isaacson, C. Springer
and S. Fiffer agreed to attend.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm
Submitted by �C,���«�%P� December 20, 1988
,�Oleph,o&ndell, Director
EVANSTO -r OUNGIL
Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes St. Evanston, IL 60201 312/491.0266
C.:.9r .a1 :..;• x1
Minutes of the Evanston.Arts Council - December 20, 1988
Steven Fiffer called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm in Studio 106 of the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201.
MDIBERS PRESENT: Muriel Chalem, Steven Fiffer, Chairman, Charles Harrison,
Laura Smith -Irvin, Byron Schaffer Jr., Craig Springer,
Francine Markwell, Robert Hirsch and Ron Isaacson.
STAFF: Joseph Zendell and Geralyn Tsehaye Hebert.
APPROVAL OF
11/15/88 MINUTES: B. Hirsch moved and R. Isaacson seconded approval of the
minutes. Approved unanimously.
CHAIR'S REPORT: S. Fiffer reported that he was working with staff and the
Evanston Library Friends in the establishment of an Evanston
writers' organization, the first meeting set for Sunday,
January 15 at 11 am at Noyes. It was suggested that staff
post notices of the meeting in area book stores.
STAFF REPORTS: J. Zendell called the Council's attention to the written staff
reports. R. Isaacson added that the activity listed under
Objective #4, specifically the work of staff and the Public
Art Committee, is significant in that it is impacting on other
public bodies, i.e. the Zoning Commission and the Planning
Commission. B. Hirsch added that he hopes that these agencies
are availing themselves with the resources of the American
Planning Institute.
ART & BLACK CULTURE
PROJECT: J. Zendell presented a proposal for the Arts Council to co-sponsor
an exhibition of Evanston African/American artists, Art and
Black Culture, during Black History Month in February. The
Arts Council would not only provide mailing costs up to $300
and reception costs up to $100, but would act as financial
fiduciary for the project. The project is being coordinated
by Noyes tenant Mona Rankin. B. Schaffer asked who's in trance
would cover the work. J. Zendell indicated that the Prism
Gallery and/or Mona Rankin would have that responsibility. He
also indicated that a letter of agreement would be drafted be-
tween the Arts Council and Mona Rankin. It was agreed that
staff would develop a proposed policy for Council consideration
dealing with the adoption of projects from outside sources and/or
the involvement of the Arts Council in non -Arts Council sponsored
programs. B. Hirsch indicated that staff should contact other
local arts agencies to determine how they deal with this issue.
C. Harrison moved and R. Isaacson seconded approval of the
staff recommendation to co-sponsor the Art & Black Culture
exhibition. Approved unanimously.
page 2, minutes ,
C. Springer indicated that the proposed Friends of the Noyes
Renter might be used as a possible fund raising arm to accept
funds for these kinds of projects. B. Schaffer reminded the
Council that there was as yet no consensus on the need to
create such a fundraising arm for the agency.
ARTS WEEK REPORT: J. Zendell presented the written Arts Week '88 Report. R.
Isaacson commented on the success of the Mayor's Award and
suggested that the award be presented each year at the November
Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. B. Hirsch asked staff to get
a copy of the Mayor's speech for the Council,
R. Isaacson indicated that although the Noyes Open House was
a success, the event also managed to point up the visual
lifelessness of the Noyes Center. He suggested that the Art
Council consider promoting the use of Noyes tenant community
services toward the aesthetics of the Noes Center, i.e. a
mural, public art, both inside and outside. C. Springer
agreed to raise the issue to the Noyes Committee. R. Isaacson
suggested that the 1989 Noyes Open House be a target period
for a "new look" for the Noyes Center. B. Hirsch suggested
that the Noyes Committee develop a proposal on this issue for
tenants. Staff will investigate city restrictions on signage,
and public art on the building and grounds around Noyes.
ARTS & AFFIP ATIVE
ACTION REPORT: C. Harrison discussed the Arts & Affirmative Action Committee's
current planning for the 1989 Ethnic Arts Festival adding that
the committee is an exciting and sensitive group of dedicated
volunteers. He further reported that the committee proposes
becoming more involved in the agency's grants program by
participating in tN grants review process, specifically
addressing the affirmative action compliance aspect of each
application. General discussion of the proposal as follows:
question of appointing panel members who may not have specific
experience in an arts discipline; why not just train the
appointed panelists in affirmative action compliance; perhaps
the committee members would be able to act as facilitators rather
than watchdogs on the panels; staff should investigate other
models for the use of affirmative action specialists on grant
review panels; why can't staff provide that kind of expertise?
we need to use these volunteers to train our advisory panels;
it may be better to use these committee members to help the
applicants before applications are submitted.
It was consensus of the Council that the four volunteer
committee members would work with staff in the review of
affirmative action compliance for each application with a
specific goal of educating the advisory panels ::ith what
an organization has accomplished or needs to accomplish re.
Affirmative Action.
Minutes, page 3
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE
REPORT: J. Zendell reported that he had submitted an application for
$2,000 to the Chicago Community Trust to provide a con::ultancy
fee to Beth Hart for completion of the agency's Public Art Program
Plan. R. Isaacson passed out a proposed memo to the Toning
Commission outlining specific public art issues to be dealt with
during the current review of the city's Zoning Ordinance.
There was consensus to approve the memo as presented.
R. Isaacson also mentioned that there is a need to contact
area developers, i.e. the developer of the Central Street
Medical Development and Transit Station to encourage the
use of public art. He suggested that the letter be similar
to the one the Arts Council sent to the Research Park Inc.
Board. Staff was instructed to prepare the letter for R.
Isaacson's approval.
NOYES CENTER
CQ%1MITTEE REPORT: C. Springer indicated that there was no report this month.
ARTS COUNCIL
CALENDAR FOR 1989: J. Zendell presented the 1989 Calendar of meetings and asked
all members to note important meeting dates in their personal
calendars.
OTHER ISSUES: S. Fiffer reported that staff had received a call from a local
gallery owner who was upset because an Arts Council member had
entered the gallery and voiced objections that certain art
object was objectionable and should not be on public display.
He indicated that this incident raises two questions: What
is the appropriate role of a member of the Council in rep-
resenting the agency? What is the process for the Arts Council
to respond to such issues of concern in the community.
L. Smith -Irvin indicated that she was the Council member who
raised this issue with the gallery but denied that she identified
herself as an Arts Council member, indicating instead that she
said she was a member of the NAACP. She further stated that
she had been told by several community members that the gallery
was showing dolls that were blatantly racist and offensive.
She added that she felt it is indeed the duty of the Arts Council
to monitor offensive artwork.
R. Isaacson stated that the Arts Council cannot be placed in
a censorship role. We can be an educational resource to
help people understand these issues, but we cannot be responsible
for censorship in any form.
S. Fiffer added that the issue raises another question, i.e.
what is the role of the :arts Council with respect to community
issues and can we as individuals speak for the Arts Council
on an issue that has not been discussed by the Arts Council?
Staff was instructed to investigate with City 'tanager whether
or not this issue is covered by the city's Code of Ethics for
discussion at the January meeting.
Minutes, page 4
F. Markwell added that it is important for the community
to understand the role of individual Council members, to
know who we are.
It was agreed to continue this dicussion at the next meeting,
after receiving information from the Board of Ethics, focusing
on the question: Do Council members automatically represent
the Arts Council to the public when dealing with art issues
simply because they are public officials?
S. Fiffer indicated that he wanted two or three Council members
to assist with the evaluation of staff after the Council
meeting. B. Hirsch and R. Isaacson agreed to assist
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm