Fiscal Note
The Resolution proposes an RFP process to determine a consultant that might best help develop a City of Madison Cultural Plan. The City's Arts Coordinator has estimated that development of the plan might cost an estimated $75,000 to $90,000, with $65,000 for the consultant to be funded with City funds, and the remainder for process and implementation to be derived from private contributions. Funding of the City share is available within the Municipal Art Fund, as authorized in the PCED adopted 2008 capital budget (project #24, Fund No. 810427).
Title
Re-authorizing the Madison Arts Commission to issue a request for proposals for the purpose of enlisting the services of a cultural planning consultant to assist the Madison Arts Commission in developing of a Cultural Plan for the City of Madison.
Body
WHEREAS; in June of 2004 the Madison Common Council adopted resolution number 61682, ID number 36316, authorizing the Madison Arts Commission to apply up to $30,000 in combined capital and private funds to issue a request for proposals for the purpose of enlisting the services of a cultural planning consultant to develop a City of Madison Cultural Plan; and
WHEREAS; Request for Proposal #7779: Madison Cultural Plan, issued in April of 2006 did not yield the quality of responses that the commission was seeking; and
WHEREAS; the Madison Arts Commission then determined that it would be in the best interests for the community to pursue a regional cultural plan in cooperation with Dane County; and
WHEREAS; after several months of consideration, the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission (DCCAC) declined to partner on a regional cultural plan but has encouraged the Madison Arts Commission to proceed with a citywide plan; and
WHEREAS, the Madison Arts Commission's mission is to make the arts an essential part of the lives of all of Madison's citizens and has determined that the best way to achieve its mission is through the establishment of a cultural plan; and
WHEREAS, cultural planning is a public process, it gives voice to a community's cultural values and ideas. In addition, it assesses the strengths and weaknesses of arts and cultural organizations in the community; exploring ways to capitalize on the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of these groups.
WHEREAS; The Madison Arts Commission knows the City of Madison has many skilled artists and strong arts organizations, a strong educational infrastructure, and a wealth of individuals and organizations that believe in the arts, but has determined that a clear plan to connecting, communicating, coordinating and growing these strengths is missing; and
WHEREAS, the Madison Arts Commission, believes that based on the responses to the previous RFP, a more appropriate estimate of total project funding including a consultant, a widespread public process, and seed money for implementation might range from $75,000 - $90,000 ($65,000 for a consultant's salary, $10,000 to run the process, and $15,000 to begin implementation recommendations).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Madison Arts Commission is re-authorized to re-issue a request for proposals for a cultural planning consultant to develop a City of Madison Cultural Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that after vetting the applicants, the Madison Arts Commission will present the Madison Common Council with a recommendation to hire a specific consultant, and request Council authorization to contract with the recommended consultant.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Madison Arts Commission is authorized to raise additional funds from private contributions and grants that will be applied towards conducting a widely accessible public cultural planning process and initial funding for initiatives that result from the planning process.
BE FINALLY RESOLVED, that $65,000 from the Municipal Art Fund, is hereby designated to fund this effort, with remaining funding to be derived from private contributions.