Westport Arts Center

“Prior to filing form 990, the executive director, business manager and treasurer review the return and approve the information. Any required information from board members is acquired. Form 990 is then signed and filed.”

“The executive director's compensation is approved by the executive committee of the board. Surveys and review of comparable compensation levels are reviewed and considered in determining compensation level.”

“Compensation for key employees is reviewed and approved by the executive director and executive committee of the board.”

“The center's board annually review and disclose any conflicts of interest to the officers and management. Any instances of a conflict for employees or volunteers are disclosed as soon as any would occur.”

“The center provided the following other program services for the fiscal year 2014: westport youth film festival - this program was founded in 2003 as an outlet for aspiring high school filmmakers to showcase their films and receive mentorship, guidance and, and support from film industry professionals. The festival is held each spring and showcases approximately fifty student films in seven different categories (animation, comedy, drama, documentary, experimental, music video and social action). Literary - the center sponsors literacy competitions, and evenings of storytelling presented by local writers, actors, etc. These events are highly succesful. These events are held four times a year. Cam - the hieda hermanns international music competition holds both piano and voice contests. The two categories rotate every two years. The aim of the competition is to give young artists aged 19 through 30 (19 through 35 for voice) support in the early stages of their careers. The competition attracts contestants from all over the united states, inluding many foreign musicians studying or working in the united states.”

“The center currently does not have an audit committee. The center's executive director and executive committee assume the responsibility for oversight of the audit of the financial statements and selection of independent accountant.”

“As of beginning of the fiscal year, the center changed its accounting method to the accrual basis of accounting. The center also records certain in-kind donations. Previously, the center followed the modified cash basis of reporting in which transactions are reported on the basis of cash receipts & disbursements (which included the center capitalizing fixed assets and recording depreciation expense over the estimated useful life). Donations.”