Our Agency

Board Members Present: In person: Amber Danielson, Lance Ehmcke, and Frank Sposeto. Electronically: Suzanne Conquest, Tim Dickmeyer, Donna Dostal, Michelle Hargrave, Akwi Nji, and Claudia Rivera
Board Member Absent: Jennifer Dutcher

Staff Present: Director Debi Durham, Jon Berg, Vicky Clinkscales, Sarah Florian, Rita Grimm, Mike Hogan, Rick Peterson, EJ Philby Burton, David Schmitz, Deanna Triplett

Guest(s) Present: None

Call to Order
Welcome
Danielson called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.

Roll Call
Florian called the roll. A quorum was present.

Approval of Minutes
MOTION: Sposeto moved to approve the June 22, 2023 Minutes. Ehmcke seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Report from Chair
October is National Arts and Humanities Month. The Arts & Economic Prosperity Study results will be launched in November.

Report from IEDA
Rick Peterson shared progress with the State alignment and the Iowa Arts Council transition to IEDA|IFA. The Iowa Arts Council team should be located at Bell Avenue in October. The Bell Avenue entrance construction project should be completed by October 31. Director Durham provided an update on the new division that includes the Iowa Arts Council.

Report from Division Administrator
Schmitz provided updates on grants, program highlights, partnerships, and strategic priorities. The May 1 round of FY2024 grants was announced. Application deadline for four programs is November 1. Director Durham provided an update on a new grant program through the Iowa Tourism Office. Schmitz shared program highlights in creative industries/film and media, artistservices, and community development. Schmitz and Director Durham provided an update on Iowa Great Places and the Destination Iowa Fund. Schmitz provided an update on the Iowa Cultural Leadership Cohort as well as key partnerships including the AEP 6 Study, Arts Midwest, NASAA, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Schmitz closed by providing an update on current Iowa Arts Council strategic priorities and goals.

Board Discussion
Danielson entertained general questions from the board and discussion ensued.

Community Updates
Board members provided community arts and culture updates.

Public Comment
No public comment was made.

Adjournment
The next meeting is scheduled for December 14 at 9 a.m. Danielson adjourned the meeting at 2:38 p.m.