Exploring the Metropolis Inc

“James S. Sligar ( Board Secretary) is the personal attorney for Eugenie C. Cowan Havemeyer.”

“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 Finance Manager reviews the 990 after it is prepared by the accountant. Then both the Finance Manager 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 and employees 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.”

“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.”

“Programs Services: During the year ended December 31, 2015, EtM operated the following program services: EtM Con Edison Composers' Residency EtM administers the EtM Con Edison Composers' Residency, a residency program designed to accommodate composers from New York City, who are carefully selected by a panel of music professionals through an annual application process. The program provides each composer with a stipend and free suitable workspace in a cultural or community facility for composition work. As part of EtM's goal to broaden public access to the performing arts, at the end of each program, each composer is required to present, in cooperation with the host facility, an event that is free and open to the public. In 2015, based on a comprehensive program evaluation, EtM extended the residency period to six months instead of three. Stipends were doubled for the five selected artists. Subsequently, applications to the program doubled from the previous year, to 94. Since 2009, the EtM Con Edison Composers' Residency has supported more than 45 composers, providing them with more than $375,000 worth of no-cost rehearsal space and cash support. In addition, EtM has provided more than $70,000 worth of support to NYC's nonprofit cultural and community centers to maximize their space usage, and supported more than 50 free public programs for New York City audiences. Previous EtM Composers-in-Residence have gone on to win awards, recognition and commissions from the Pulitzers, the Jerome Foundation, the Kleban Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, the Kronos Quartet, American Composers Orchestra, New Music USA, ASCAP Plus, the Prototype Festival and American Lyric Theater. Other Programming related to the Composers' Residency: With funding from a previous Board member, EtM programmed three open-air public performances in September 2015 at Anita's Way, located within the through block connecting W 42nd and W 43rd Streets, between 6th Ave. and Broadway. These were lunchtime concerts, and were attended by over 140 audience members. EtM programmed eleven free public performances this year featuring our resident composers, including the three at Anita's Way. There were between 400 and 500 audience members/participants.”

“This program matched four artist teams (eight individuals total) with space at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning in Jamaica, Queens. Each team receives three months of free rehearsal space plus a stipend, and performs one public program in cooperation with JCAL. In 2015 we had one of the four artist teams begin their residency.”

“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.”