Arts Council By-Laws

Perhaps you won't find this riveting reading, though I don't know why not -- these by-laws have kept me up at least as many nights as Harry Potter. But if you do enjoy by-laws, then you'll enjoy this list of the ten principles embodied in the Arts Council's proposed by-laws.

The list was prepared as an executive summary for the City Council, which will vote tonight, we may hope, to adopt the proposed by-laws for the Arts Council.

• The by-laws acknowledge that the Arts Council is a government entity sponsored by the City of American Fork. As such, the Arts Council must comply with government requirements for accounting, procurement and oversight. As cumbersome as this is, it is recognized that the arts in general will not flourish without strong government support.
• The by-laws create oversight of the Arts Council by a governing board with representation from people of diverse competencies and backgrounds. The governing board provides a check and balance against other sources of power. Board members have both tenure and turnover to allow for effective service and response to societal change.
• The position of executive director is affirmed. The executive director is paid and accountable to the Chief of Staff under the human resource policies of the City. The executive director is charged with implementing the direction of the governing board and with carrying out the day-to-day operations of the Arts Council.
• The executive director’s job description and time commitment are expanded to match those of other arts councils in other communities. The executive director, acting in concert with the governing board, is now accountable to set and meet fund-raising and marketing goals.
• Participation from the surrounding region is encouraged, so long as programs are offered principally for the benefit of American Fork residents. We welcome both the talent and the ticket revenues of residents from our sister cities.
• Because the Arts Council is funded by the taxpayer, the benefit must accrue to the taxpayer. Programs are limited to those that add value to large cross-sections of the community. To be eligible for City funding, an organization must be named in the by-laws and its budget must be approved through the City budget process.
• The by-laws allow for the nurture of grass-roots organizations through the creation of an affiliate program. Small organizations, for a reasonable fee, may apply for access to Arts Council resources and facilities at cost. (The by-laws themselves do not activate this program -- that will wait until the governing board can propose an acceptable policy.)
• The by-laws allow for a collegial and mutually beneficial relationship with the Timpanogos Arts Foundation, while maintaining separate missions, separate accounting, and separate governance.
• The by-laws allow for what is unique about our Arts Council and our community to continue. Specifically, they allow for the choir, the symphony, and other like programs to continue as volunteer-led organizations with direct participation by residents, while adding the administrative support of a paid director and the oversight of a governing board.
• The by-laws open up avenues for greater partnership with the local business community.

Questions are welcome and copies of the by-laws are available on request -- just email me.