Exploring the Metropolis Inc

“Eugenie C. Cowan (Founder and Board Chairwoman) and Horace Havemeyer III are husband and wife. James S. Sligar ( Board Secretary) is the personal attorney for Horace Havemeyer III and Eugenie C. Cowan.”

“Exploring the Metropolis Board does not have a committee to act on its behalf. The Board makes all governing decisions relating to the organization and documents all its meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year.”

“The Program Associate reviews the 990 after it is prepared by the accountant. Then both the program associate and the Executive Director review the 990 together to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information on the 990. Once he Executive Director is satisfied with the 990, it is forwarded to the Board Chairwoman who reviews selected sections of the 990 to ensure that the organization still meets its 501(c)(3) status. Each Board member is then provided a copy of the 990 before it is filed.”

“All Board members are required to sign Conflict of Interest statements annually. This is monitored by the Chairwoman.”

“The board sets the executive director's salary. The Board Chair and the Treasurer discuss the budget with the Executive Director and make a determination as to whether an increase is feasible. All changes in salary are approved by the Board.”

“Exploring the Metropolis makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request. Anyone who needs a copy of the 990 of the organization can also obtain a copy by visiting the organization's office. Exploring the Metropolis form 990 can also be accessed by the general public at guidestar.org and the New York State Charities Bureau's website.”

“Although Exploring the Metropolis did not have Document Retention and Whistleblower Policies in effect in 2013,these policies have been drafted and will be discussed for approved by the Board at its next meeting. The policies are expected to be implemented in 2014 once they are officially approved by the Board.”

“The mission of Exploring the Metropolis (EtM) is to study, analyze and resolve the workspace needs of the cultural and performing arts community in the New York City area. Etm seeks to foster a vibrant and prolific performing arts community around shared resources of space and talent in order to increase stability and growth within the artistic community while broadening public access to performing arts. EtM accomplishes this mission by (1) matching artists and performing arts organizations seeking affordable, suitable workspace to rehearse and perform with facilities managers seeking to rent spaces (2) advising funders and government agencies in addressing workspace issues that affect the arts industry in all five boroughs of New York City (3) performing studies of physical facilities to assist facilities managers with better management and utilization of their existing spaces.”

“This may be a workshop, master class, free public performance or other community-based activity. In 2013 the EtM Con Edison Composers' Residency public programs were attended by 260 individuals.”

“EtM then gathered existing data sets including data from the NYS Cultural Data Project, census data from the Furman Center at NYU's Wagner School and data from NYC Performing Arts Spaces. Initial surveys were drafted for performing artists and cultural facilities. Two focus groups of 14 people each were held to discuss issues and refine surveys and the surveys were launched in October 2013.”

“In 2013, Exploring the Metropolis (EtM) changed its accounting method from cash to accrual method.”

“Exploring the Metropolis does not have a committee that assumes the responsibility for oversight of the review of its financial statements and the selection of an independent accountant. The Board of Directors fulfills these responsibilities.”