3.8. SR 04-03-2006
City of Elk River Item Number
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
3.8.*
Agenda SectionMeeting DatePrepared by
ConsentApril 3, 2006Lori Johnson, City Administrator
Item DescriptionReviewed by
Release of Elk River Area Arts Alliance
Introduction
The Elk River Area Arts Alliance is requesting release of the $10,000 designated for arts programming
and activities in 2006.
Discussion
The 2006 budget includes $10,000 for the Elk River Area Arts Alliance for funding programs such as
Strings for Youth, Arts in Harmony, the Performance Series, and other arts programs.
Financial Impact
Funding for this request is included in the 2006 Recreation budget.
Attachments
Letter from Mary Smith, Development Director, Elk River Area Arts Alliance.
Action Requested
The City Council is asked to consider a payment of $10,000 to the Elk River Area Arts Alliance.
Council Action
Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
S:\Council\Lori\2006\Arts Alliance Request.doc
ELK RIVER
ARE A
ARTS
ALLIANCE
-- -:~-t
The Handke Center. 1170 Main Street. Elk River, MN . 55330 . Ph: 763.441.4725 . Fax: 763. 241.3521
www.elkriverart.org.elkriverart@sherbtel.net
March 22, 2006
Elk River City Council
Lori Johnson, City Administrator
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Road
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Dear Mayor Klinzing, members of the Elk River City Council, and Ms. Johnson:
Thank you for your past support and for approving our request for continued support for
the Elk River Area Arts Alliance. In accordance with the City Council's approval, this
letter is a formal request to release the $10,000 designated for 2006.
We continue to offer programs and events that build community, increase the vitality and
economic impact of the Elk River area, and increase the quality of life for people of all
ages and abilities by offering access to the arts. We continue to offer: Strings for Youth;
art exhibitions at the Sherburne County Government Center, including Arts in Harmony,
which just celebrated it's 11th anniversary; our Performance Series at the Zabee Theater,
which offers an opportunity for area residents to experience musical and theatrical
performances by professional artists; arts classes and workshops at the Handke Center,
and the ArtSoup Festival. ArtSoup continues to be a vital part of our programming and
our 2005 festival in June offered an abundance of arts experiences for all.
The City of Elk River can be proud of its history of supporting the arts by helping fund
the Arts Alliance and its programs and events. With your assistance, we have been able
to continue to serve the needs of the community and to establish support from
foundations, corporations, and individuals.
In addition to the quality of arts programming that we provide, we continue to establish a
permanent home at the Historic Handke Center by working with District 728 Community
Education to create a community arts center in Elk River. This partnership includes the
development of ArtScape, which is a brochure to market arts classes and workshops for
youth and adults.
Per your phone request, I have enclosed a copy of the letter that was sent to Pat Klaers in
October, 2005 atthe City of Elk River requesting the $10,000 funding support to the Elk
River Area Arts Alliance. We would also be happy to make a presentation to your
Council at an upcoming meeting in April or May, 2006 to bring you up-to-date with our
goals and vision and answer any questions that you may have. Please contact us at the
ERAAA office at 763-441-4725.
Sincerely,
)t{~L~L
Mary E. Smith
Development Director
ELK RIVER
ARE A
ARTS
ALLIANCE
-- -~--4
The Handke Center. 1170 Main Street. Elk River, MN . 55330. Ph: 763.441.4725 . Fax: 763. 241.3521
www.elkriverart.org.elkriverart@sherbtel.net
October 24, 2005
Elk River City Council
Mr. Pat Klaers, City Administrator
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Road
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Dear Mayor Klinzing, City Council Members, and Mr. Klaers:
The City of Elk River can be proud of its history of supporting the arts by funding the work of the
Elk River Area Arts Alliance. Believing in the power of the arts to build and maintain healthy
communities, we believe that we made a difference with our programming last year and
anticipate another year of activities that inspire, educate, and engage individuals of all ages.
In 2005-06, city funding will support our mission and the following programs:
. Strings for Youth registration is complete with 60 students participating in affordable
viola, violin and cello lessons for student's ages 5-17.
. Arts in Harmony, our national juried art show, celebrated its 10th year last year and
plans are now underway for another successful show. Entries are already arriving from
all parts of the United States. This year the entry form was added to our website,
elkriverart.org.
. The Performance Series is now underway in its fourth year, with two shows completed
and over 300 audience members participating.
. ArtSoup 2007 plans will begin in spring of 2006 with the recruitment of many
community volunteers.
. Strategic Planning Process will begin in November 2005 with an experienced facilitator
who will lead the organization into the future.
. Restoration and renovation of the Handke School continues with a feasibility study
conducted by the ERAAA for a community space/atrium and art gallery and architectural
planning by professionals hired by ISO 728.
We are very pleased with our growth in programming and development over the years and
continue to seethe future positively. Contributions from the City of Elk River are vital to our
success. Therefore, we formally renew our request for $10,000 with this letter. My conversation
with you in July of 2005 indicated that the City of Elk River would be including that amount
again in the city budget to support the arts.
Sincerely,