ITEM 5.2 SOAR GrantITEM 5.2
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TO: City Council
FROM: Ross Demant, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: February 4, 2016
RE: SOAR Grant
Background:
Staff has been working with the St. Michael, Otsego, Albertville, Rogers (SOAR)
Regional Arts group to host two theater productions this summer. This production
would fulfill one the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and comments generated
by the Parks and Recreation Commission which is to maintain a balance between active,
passive, and cultural recreation.
SOAR had approached the City with the idea of applying for a grant through the Central
Minnesota Arts Board (CMBA). Staff had updated the Council at the January 25t", 2016
City Council meeting on the partnership and potential grant application. SOAR
contacted City Staff on Tuesday, February 2nd to inform them about the grant and said
that due to conversation the group had with CMBA. They stated that due to the fact
SOAR was already receiving a grant from CMBA in 2016; they would be ineligible for
another grant this year.
Since that time, SOAR has agreed to pay for the production costs for the plays and is
asking for rehearsal space during the day at Prairie Center. Currently, the plays are
slated to take place at Prairie Park on June 28t" and July 19t" at 7:30 p.m. There would
be 2 plays on each of those days with each of the plays lasting approximately 30
minutes. The rehearsals would take place the week before each production and would
be between the hours of 8a.m.-4p.m. with about 9 to 10 people rehearsing at any one
time. Since these are times that Prairie Center is typically staffed no additional staff
would be required. Additionally, if there were rentals or programs during the day of the
rehearsals, the rehearsal locations could be moved within different rooms of Prairie
Center.
Conclusion:
Staff is recommending continuing to work with SOAR to put on two separate theater
productions in the summer of 2016.