Waukee Area Arts Council Justifies City Funding

The Waukee Area Arts Council wants the Waukee City Council to know they are good stewards of the city’s money.

After making their official request for funding from the city in fiscal year 2013-2014, representatives for the non-profit gave a presentation to the council on how they benefit the community and spend the money allocated to them. During the council’s regular meeting Monday, the arts council highlighted its annual events, emphasizing the strong turnout and support of the activities.

Councilman Casey Harvey asked if the arts council had any plans to decrease its dependency on city money. Karen Dluhos, president of the arts council, indicated that other community art groups around the metro get support from larger companies, which they are unable to get in Waukee.

"Big cities like Des Moines and Ankeny have large companies that have the resources to help out in a big way," Dluhos said. "Our local businesses support us, they just don't have the capacity to help us in that big of a way."

The arts council saved money in 2012 by subletting its ArtsCentral space on Maple Street to help pay rent. Group members are also talking about launching a small business fundraising campaign for the future.

Each year, non-profit organizations are open to ask for donations from the city. The deadline for donations to be allocated in fiscal year 2014 has passed. The council will review the fiscal year 2014 non-profit donation requests during a work session at a later date.