HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 5638RESOLUTION NO. 5638
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A
CONTRACT, LEASE OR AGREEMENT
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RESOLVES as follows:
The MAYOR and CITY CLERK are authorized to execute, on behalf of the
City of San Rafael a contract, lease or agreement with
Institute of Museum Services Grant for Falkirk (Request for
approval for submission of Application)
a copy of which is hereby attached and by this reference made a part hereof.
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby
certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and
adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on
Monday the 19th day of March , 19 79 by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEN: Jensen, Miskimen, Nixon and Mayor Mulryan
NOES: COUNCILMEN: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN: None
.Q
J NE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
1/78 -CC
INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELrARE
m Approved: OMB No. 51-R1260 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
CFDA No. 13.923
General Operating Support Form No. 102
Grant No.: Application No.:
1. APPLICANT (see instructions on page 5) 11. SPONSORING INSTITUTION (if applicable)
(a) Falkirk Community Cultural Center (a) City of San Rafael
(Name of sponsoring institution)
(Name of museum) (b) Dennis Jauch, 456-1112, Ext. 261
(b) Dennis Jauch 456-1112, Ext. 261 (Sponsoring institution contact person)
(Museum contact person) (Telephone no.)
(c) P. 0. Box 60 III. DURATION OF GRANT AWARD
(Museum's street address or post office box) (a) Estimated starting date of grant September 1, 1979
(d) Sari Rafael, CA 94902 (b) Estimated ending date of grant August 31, 1980
(City) (State) (Zip Code) (c) Duration of grant 12 months.
(e) Five
(Congressional district) IV, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
(fl Region IX mittmee
(HEW region number) (a)—number paid (b) 5 number unpaid
(g) 94-6000424W
(Employer Identification Number) (c) 1 number of CETA funded positions
V. CONTROL OF INSTITUTION VI. TYPE OF INSTITUTION VII. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(check one) (check one)
PUBLIC: (a) El Aquarium Amount requested from IMS (a) $ 22,50(
(a) ❑ Federal (b) ❑ Arboretum
(b) ❑ State (c) IN Art Museum's annual operating
(c)UMunicipal (d) IX Botanical Garden expenditures for most recently
(d) ❑ County (e) ❑ Children's completed fiscal year Ib) $ 59 , 77(
(e) ❑ Other (specify) (f) ❑ General
(g) 0 Historic House
PRIVATE: (h) ❑History Museum's annual operating
(f) El Nonprofit (i) El Nature Center budget for current fiscal year (c) $ 45 , 07'
_—_--------- (j) ❑ Natural History
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY (k) ❑ Planetarium Museum's current fiscal year:
(check yes or no) (1) ❑ Science and Technology 7 78 / 6 79
(g) ❑ yes ❑ No (m) ❑ Zoo (month) (year) (month) (year)
(n) IN Other (specif )
'III. APPLICATION SUMMARY (Summarize in one paragraph the contents of the application.)
In order to improve the quality and scope of the function of Falkirk Commun-
ity Cultural Center, the City of San Rafael requests $22,500 from IMS. Thesi
funds will be used to improve curatorial services, expand exhibition schedu
research and develop the permanent collection, improve accessibility to
educational programs and to increase the promotion of the facility.
IX. OTHER INFORMATION
Check those Federal agencies to which a grant application (h) App0000
roxi1y how many visitors attend the museum annualh
for the current fiscal year has been submitted: 9
(a) ❑ National Endowment for the Arts Challenge Grant (i) Year Museum was chartered
(b) ❑ National Endowment for the Arts Project Grant
(c) I] National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant (i) Does the museum have exhibit facilities? (check yes or no)
(d) C1National Endowment for the Humanities Project Grant ®Yes El no
(e) ❑ National Museum Act/Smithsonian Institution (k) Minority museum (check yes or no)
(f) ❑ National Science Foundation ❑ yes Eno
(g) ❑ Other (specify)
X. CERTIFICATION BY AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL
DENN JAUCH DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AN CULTURAL AFFAIRS
(Name gqd title of museu 's authowed representative - please type)
(Sig ature) 1 do er agree to comply with all requirements pursuant to the regulations of the Museum Services Program.
(Date si ed) 7
General Operating Support Narrative
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I. MUSEUM SERVICES
A. Give a brief historical account of the museum, including the purpose for which it was
founded.
In the fall of 1974 the Dollar Estate, known as Falkirk, was purchased by
the City of San Rafael in order to preserve the late 19th century Victor-
ian mansion surrounded by 11 acres of formal gardens and natural wooded
hillside as a historic resource and to serve as a Community Cultural
Center.
Falkirk is an outstanding example of the elegant country estates which
were once so prevalent in the San Francisco Day area. The Eastlake/Queen
Anne style residence, designed by Clinton Day for Mrs. Ella F. Park, was
built in 1888.
Historically the estate is more commonly identified with its second owner
Robert Dollar, founder of the Dollar Steamship Line and recognized as the
father of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Dollar purchased the property in 190.
and members of the Dollar family lived in the home until 1968.
In 1972 the estate was threatened with the spectre of demolition to make
way for an extensive condominium/townhouse complex. A rapidly organized
citizens group, interested in historic preservation, led a City and
County wide campaign which finally prevailed upon the San Rafael Planning
Commission and City Council to deny the development proposal. The projec
was held in abeyance for two years, during which the estate was accepted
on the National Register of Historic Places and received an Award of Meri
from the California Heritage Council. City aquisition of the estate for
the purpose of preservation and use as a cultural center was finally in-
sured by a vote of the people in November of 1974.
Following the election the City Council appointed a Cultural Affairs Com-
mission to act as advisors concerning the restoration of Falkirk as an
historic landmark as well as its development as a public cultural center.
In preparing the master plan for the restoration and use of Falkirk the
Cultural Affairs Commission endorsed the following principals: That Fal-
kirk should be restored in keeping with the architectural integrity and
historic nature of the total estate and at the same time function as a
focal point for the cultural activities of the community. Since then the
exterior has been faithfully restored to its turn of the century splendor
Portions of the second floor have been rehabilitated as exhibition galler
ies for contemporary fine arts while the first floor remains a showcase o
19th century craftsmanship. The house and grounds are open to the public
and educational lectures, film classes, and concerts are held throughout
the year.
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General Operating Support Narrative
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B. Describe the organizational structure of the museum and any changes
or improvements which IMS support may generate.
Falkirk Community Cultural Center is owned and operated by the City of San
Rafael. The operation falls within the Cultural Affairs Department under the
supervision of the Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs who reports to
the City Manager and who carries out the policies of the City Council.
The Cultural Affairs Commission is appointed by the City Council to act as
advisors to the Council concerning the cultural resources of San Rafael,
including the use and restoration of Falkirk.
The Cultural -Affairs Department consists of the following:
The Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs who is responsible for all
of the recreation and cultural programs and activities sponsored by the City.
The Director of Falkirk whose duties include the coordination of all programs
and activities at the Center, the preparation of promotional materials and
the supervision of volunteers.
Secretary (C.E.T.A.)
Live -In Caretaker
Groundsman
Curatorial Consultant who is responsible for�the development of the exhibition
schedule including the coordination and installation of each exhibit, the
design and production of exhibition announcements and all arrangements perti-
nent to the functions of the galleries. As previously mentioned, this posi-
tion has been and continues to be carried out primarily on a volunteer basis
but it is unreasonable to expect this service to continue and, even if it
did, the lack of a paid professional curator severely limits the operation
and potential not only of the galleries but of the center as a cultural
resource. With the support of the IMS Grant the position of curator could
be funded to provide for an improved and expanded exhibition schedule as
well as for the research and development of the permanent collection.
(See Page 16)
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General Operating Support Narrative
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11. COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITS
A. Describe the museum's curatorial activities (research, conservation, exhibits, etc.)
As an historic landmark Falkirk visually reflects the social, economic
and creative forces of the late 19th century. As an emerging Cultural
Center it also serves as a showcase of contemporary fine arts and crafts.
The Permanent Collection: The architecture and decor of the mansion it-
self presents a permanent collection of the finest Victorian artistry
available. The exterior of the 1888 residence is a typical Queen Anne
style Victorian combination of varied surface textures on a sculpturally
interesting profile which "blossoms with gables, dormers, slanted and
rounded bays and porches."*The interior though based on a Queen Anne floc
plan, is a classic example of the Eastlake tradition. (Hints on Househol
Taste by Charles Locke Eastlake published in America in the early 1870's)
Notable decorative features include paneled vaulted ceilings with decora-
tively moulded crossbeams, brocade and silk wallhangings above inlaid bur
and redwood wainscot paneling, intricately carved oak mantles, decorated
bronze hardware and fittings and several large stained glass windows all
of exceptional quality.
In accordance with the master plan for use and restoration of Falkirk the
main floor will house a permanent collection of period art and furnishing
in keeping with the original atmosphere of the home. At present this col
lection includes an antique black laquer Chinese secretary, a 19th centur
ship model in glass case, a Victorian walnut desk, several oil paintinus,
a marble and bronze mantel clock and a large oriental carpet which have
been donated to the center or are on extended loan.
Changing Exhibitions: Currently, however, the major thrust of the exhi-
bitions at Falkirk are in the area of Contemporary Fine Art. Since 1975
when the former second floor bedrooms were converted to galleries, Falkir
has presented a series of exhibitions featuring some of the most talentec
and widely recognized artists of the San Franciso Bay area. In an effort
to stimulate interest and participation in the arts by all segments of tl
community, the curatorial staff (which has been largely volunteer until
recently) seeks to provide a balanced calendar of exhibitions which in-
clude a broad variety of work in terms of content, idiom and media by boll
established and emerging artists. At least one of the approximately six
shows per year is a competition open to all artist residents of Marin
County. Work to be exhibited in the "Annual" is selected by a guest just
of major stature in the Bay Area art world. Last year's juror was the
Director of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Henry Hopkins. Each
show opens with a preview reception when the public is invited to meet tl
artists and continues for a period of six to eight weeks. Please see
exhibition schedule for further details.
*Here Today, San Francisco's Architectural Heritage, a Junior League
Project, published by Chronicle Books, S.F. 1968, P. 237.
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General Operating Support Narrative
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B. Describe the museum's educational programs.
Recent educational programs offered at Falkirk in addition to the exhil
tions have included the following:
1. Classes in visual journal keeping, mask making, antique collecting
and cooking for large groups.
2. Lectures and slide presentations on such subjects as Victorian Arcl
tecture, the history of San Rafael, the Restoration process, what
means to own a landmark, the Splendor of Dresden exhibit at the Ca
fornia Palace of the Legion of Honor and Judy Chicago's monumental
work "The Dinner Party" which will be on view at the San Franciso
Museum of Art.
3. Concerts ranging from the classics as played by members of the Mar
Youth Orchestra to jazz and blues.
4. Guided tours of the house and grounds are available to groups led 1
trained docents able to explain the archiecture and history of the
estate as well as discuss the current art exhibit.
5. A bookshop featuring selected publications dealing with local hist
historic preservation, art and architecture.
6. Films.
7. Special events designed to expose the community to the arts includ
preview receptions in the galleries when the public is invited to r
the artists.
C. Describe the importance of the museum's collections and highlight any features
which merit special attention.
As more fully explained in the description of the collections and exhil
Falkirk presents a unique combination of the fine arts and crafts of t:
20th century within the elegant yet intimate atmosphere of the late 19,
century country estate. Falkirk is more than just an historic house mi
eum. It is a vital part of the heritage and culture of the community.
With the exception of the College of Marin Art Department Gallery whit]
has also suffered from post Proposition 13 budget cuts, Falkirk is the
major publicly funded fine art gallery in Marin. The Marin Civic Cent(
does fund a curator to install small exhibits in the hall outside the
Supervisors Chambers and a few of the libraries devote a wall or two t(
art, but these hardly qualify as a museum.
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General Operating Support Narrative
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III. ACCESSIBILITY
A. How many days per week is the museum open to the public?
Presently, the museum is open Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00.
The art gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11:00-4:00. Grounds
are open from 6:OOAM-9:OOPM.
B. What geographic area does the museum serve?
The museum serves Marin County which is in the North San Francisco Bay
area. -It is located in San Rafael, California, which is the County seat
and is centrally located geographically.
C. Will the accessibility of the museum change with IMS support? If so, explain.
Yes, with IMS support Falkirk could extend the gallery hours on weekdays
as well as keeping the Center open on some evenings and weekends. This
would greatly increase the accessibility of the Center to the working
public, particularly those who commute to San Francisco.
IV. POPULATION SERVED
A. Describe the museum's audience. If any special constituencies or interest groups
are served, describe the nature of both the audience and the service.
Marin County has a population of 227,000. The average income of a Marin
county family household is the highest in California and among the high-
est in the nation, Since there appears to be a correlation between weal
and appreciation of the arts it places an additional need in the area fc
high calibre cultural resources. Also because of the natural beauty of
the county and its close proximity to San Francisco and the urban center
of the Bay Area, Marin has become home for a large contingent of the mos
creative people in the area including artists, writers and film makers
of national as well as local reputation. Yet with all this talent therE
is no public art museum with the exception of Falkirk and only a few
quality commercial galleries scattered widely throughout the county
where the work of these artists can be enjoyed by the residents of Marir
in Marin.
Falkirk is located just a block from the San Rafael central business
district. Its gardens and beautiful grounds as well as the mansion and
galleries make it a perfect escape for those shopping; and worlci.ng 1.11
the downtown area. Its central location is also easily accessible to
the local schools.
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General Operating Support Narrative
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V. COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
A. Describe the museum's base of community support in terms of volunteer resources
and other contributed services.
In 1974 65% of the San Rafael electorate approved a property tax ballot
measure in order to finance the aquisition and preservation of Falkirk as
a cultural center. Although that tax increase has been technically nulli-
fied as a result of the passage of the Jarvis Gann Initiative, Propositiol
13, that vote still represents the strong community commitment to the
Center. As Falkirk has developed with increased programs and exhibitions
so has the involvement of the people not only of San Rafael but of the
entire County of Marin. Volunteer resources include the following:
1. The Cultural Affairs Commission which volunteers its services as an ac
visory group has, from the start, also been actively involved in the
implimentation of programs and exhibits.
2. The Cultural Affairs Service League (CASL) which is a non-profit char
table organization established to serve as a volunteer auxiliary to
the Commission. Members of CASL act as docents and as hostesses for
gallery receptions and other evening programs as well as raising fund,
for special projects and aquisitions.
3. The Gallery Committee, an informal group of working artists, assist 9.r
the installation of exhibits, arrangements for studio tours and make
recommendations concerning the gallery and exhibitions.
4. Other individual volunteers are actively involved in the research and
development of a book on the history of the estate, an oral history pi
gram, ll n oes Thetcor mur�i�r PAiAOT sg6ARr� iaT�94$FT°an alesuppor , anc�'��s�,arder
describe.
The City of San Rafael provides a base of financial support for Falkirk.
Each year monies are appropriated from the City general fund. In fiscal
year 1975-76 Cultural Affairs received $84,968; in fiscal year 1976-77 Cul
tural Affairs received $86,127; in year 1977-78 they received $125,220; an
this current fiscal year, because of the passage of Proposition 13, was ct
to $45,077. In addition to general fund subsidy the City, during the past
three years, has been actively seeking grant funding to assist in the re-
storation of Falkirk. During this three year period the following grants
have been awarded: State of California, Office of Historic Preservation
($65,000); Housing and Community Development Act ($75,000); and Economic
Development Administration ($56,000).
In addition, various community groups, business, and individuals have made
monetary contributions to assist in the financial support of Falkirk.
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General Operating Support Narralive
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VI. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
A. Describe the relationship between the museum's activities and its existing financial
support.
With the advent of Proposition 13, alternative funding sources are a neces-
sity if Falkirk is expected to continue to operate successfully. This year
the department of Cultural Affairs' budget was decreased by 64go .from $125,
220 to $45,077. This tightening of the budget will probably continue since
tax limitations have been placed on government.
Currently, the greatest percentage of the budget is spent on the maintenance'
and operation of the buildings and grounds. Only about $15,000 of the budge
goes for programming, promotion and exhibits.
Staff is managing to do the best they can with the money they have to work
with. Much of their energies are directed toward finding ways in which to
support the operation. Many self-sustaining programs and activities have br
started. Support groups have been formed such as the Cultural Affairs
Service League, Friends of Falkirk and the Gallery Committee.
Because of budgetary restraints volunteers have played a very important rolc
in the operation of Falkirk. They have assisted in curatorial, office, hos!
and fundraising functions.
Most of the furnishings for the center have either been donated, brought
through fundraising events or on temporary loan. A volunteer furnishing
committee screens all furnishings to make sure they are in keeping with the
period of the mansion.
There seems to be an ever increasing demand on Falkirk to provide more
service, programs and exhibits. Presently, dollars and staff are spread toe
thin to provide the quality of service that the City would like to present
the community.
In order to receive maximum benefit from community support groups and volun�
teers you need qualified staff. Presently there is only $11,800 dollars
budgeted for the operation and program staff. This is a very small amount
considering the scope of the center. This money pays for a center director
and a curator, whose services are contracted. This current year the center
has the services of secretarial staff. This individual is employed under t
C.F.T.A. program. The program will terminate in September, 1979, thus
placing additional strains on the next fiscal year's operating budget.
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)V
General Operating Support Narrative
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B. How will IMS support improve the museum's current financial status as described in
part VI A?
With IMS support monies would be spent in improving the total operation. Wit
an additional $22,500 the Center would be able to accomplish the following:
I Curatorial Services: Until this year the curatorial duties involved in
mounting of exhibits have, for the most part, been handled by volunteer
artist members of the Cultural Affairs Commission. At present exhibits
are curated on a contractual basis under the supervision of the voluntee
curatorial consultant with paid services being limited to the planning,
selection and installation of each individual show. Under these circum-
stances-, it is remarkable that the galleries have established and main-
tained a reputation for being the best of the few art galleries in Marin
By increasing curatorial services it would allow time to be spent to
assess the present gallery operation and to determine what improvements
or modifications would be necessary. It would also free up some of the
center director's time so more time would be able to be spent coordinati
volunteers, solicitingfor financial support and seeking grant programs.
With IMS funds, $16,000 would go toward providing curatorial staffing.
II Expanded Exhibition Schedule: Given a fulltime curator and an increased
operating budget the exhibition schedule could be expanded in terms of be
number and scope. Currently the gallery calendar is limited to six show.,
per year in the main galleries and one or two special exhibits in one of
the other rooms. Because of budget restrictions and inadequate staff,tin
Falkirk is unable to take advantage of circulating exhibits available
through Western Association of Art Museums, and resources for exhibition:
are limited to the Bay Area because of shipping and transportation costs.
Often the monetary value scope of an exhibition is limited because of the
insurance rates. Approximately $3,000 wouldtgo toward upgrading the exhi
bitions and staffing the facility an additional 20 hours so that it woulc
be accessible to the public.
III Research and Development of Permanent Collection: Although the exterior c
the building has recently been restored there has been inadequate funding
and time to implement the interior restoration program and to develop the
permanent collection of appropriate furnishings. Because Falkirk served
as a family home from the time it was built in 1888 until 1968, portions
the interior decor have been modified to reflect the changing tastes of
changing times. While in most cases these modifications have been slight:
light fixtures, draperies, etc.; -they should be replaced in the style of
the original. In other cases the original Victorian decor is in need of
repair and conservation. However, just as the exterior restoration was
based on extensive research and consultation so must the interior restora
tion and furnishings. Replacing what is appropriate, restoring what has
been changed or damaged and acquiring suitable furnishings will .requi..re n
only capital outlay but curatorial time and expertise in the field of Vic
torian interior and restoration resources. Two thousand dollars would be
used for research and development of the permanent collection.
IV Educational Programs: Presently, because of financial limitations, all o
the programs are presently on a self-sustaining basis. Because of thlti,
many people are not able to take part in these educational programs. Wit
IMS support it is hoped that some programs would be offered on a free or
reduced fee basis. One thousand dollars would be budgeted to allow for
this type of programming. (See IX, Additional Narrative, Page 18)
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General Operating Support Narrative
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VII. LONG-RANGE PLANS
A. Describe the museum's long-range plans for overall improvement and the financial
support needed to achieve these projections. (Attach additional documentation if
available. Such documentation cannot be substituted for requested narrative.)
As set forth in the Falkirk use plan as well as the goals and policies
adopted by the Commission and the City Council, the long range plans for th
improvement of the facility include period restoration and furnishing of th
main floor and the continuing presentation of exhibitions of the highest
calibre in the second floor galleries. Additional classroom and studio spa
is planned -for the third floor.
Future landscaping of grounds are to reflect the original period of the
garden. A small playhouse on the grounds is to be converted to a puppet
center for childrens groups, the original greenhouse is planned to be recon
structed and to be used as a horticultural exhibit center. Outdoor restroo-
and self -guided nature trails are also be be included.
Plans are to continue improving on the quality of exhibitions and programs
offered at Falkirk. In order to achieve the expected quality future staff
plans include a fulltime center director, curator, gardener, secretary and
additional parttime support staff. Constantly developing a strong voluntee
and financial support base by promoting and soliciting community involvemen
will be necessary in order to continue quality events at Falkirk.
Financial support from the City is expected to continue being the base nece
sary to operate. The trend towards self-sustaining classes will continue.
Monies for restoration and expansion will have to be acquired in other ways
Additional financial support will have to come (from the community, through
businesses, service organizations and individuals.
Membership drives, fundraising events and grants are also planned to play a
important role in the acquisition of future funds. Staff will aggressively
pursue these types of funding methods.
Enclosed is the proposed use plan for Falkirk. This plan was adopted in
1975. Some of the recommendations have been accomplished, while others are
still in the planning stages.
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Gonoral Oporallnp Support Narrallvo
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VIII. PRIOR USE OF IMS FUNDS (IF APPLICABLE)
A. Describe the impact of IMS funding, if previously received.
IX. ADDITIONAL NARRATIVE
A. Please include any additional narrative which is supportive and/or pertinent to the
review of this application.
(CONTINUED FROI14 PAGE 16 )
Promotion: The additional $500 would go'toward promoting and advertising
cost. As the quality of programs and exhibitions are increased, so is tr
importance of keeping the community informed of the events that will be
taking place. Promotion also plays an important role when seeking suppor
from outside groups.
Summary: In summary, Falkirk is seeking $22,500 from IMS. This includes
$16,000 for improved curatorial services; $3,000 in order to expand exhi-
bition schedule; $2,000 for research and development of the permanent
collection; $1,000 to improve accessibility to educational programs; and,
$500 toward increasing promotion.
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