HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/13/2015 - City Arts Commission - 02 Draft MinutesDRAFT
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, July 9, 2015 – 4:00 PM City Council Chambers
I. ROLL CALL – 4:05 pm Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Vice Chair
Caroline Logan, Secretary
Judy Chang (Arrived at 4:27 PM) Lynn Selich
Robert Smith Charles Ware
Commissioner Absent: Rita Goldberg, Chair Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician II. STUDY SESSION BUSINESS
1. Master Plan for Arts and Culture – The City Arts Commission will review Council direction in regard to the Master Plan for Arts and Culture and provide an opportunity for public
engagement in matters pertaining to City Arts. Library Services Director Tim Hetherton provided details of the staff report including Council
consideration and direction.
Vice Chair Greer reviewed the format of the meeting adding that there will be subsequent
meetings offering additional opportunities for public comment. She addressed the objective and
goal of the study session and next steps.
Vice Chair Greer opened public comments on this matter. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Richard Stein, Executive Director of Arts OC, commented on the Master Plan and noted he looks
forward to receiving public input. Michaell Magrutsche, former Arts Commissioner, expressed concerns that no one seems to know
where art is heading. He addressed the importance of looking at human behavior, the need to
have a central point where everyone can be informed of all arts activities, and stated that Council needs to be made aware, by the Arts Commission and staff that art is changing too much, too fast
and that no one knows the future.
Public comments made noting the need for better communication and commented on integration
of the arts and raising the overall profile. Carmen Smith, Arts Foundation, thanked the City and the Arts Commission for developing an Arts
Master Plan. She commented on the need for integration of new and old and spoke about a unified City.
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Jim Mosher commented on Council action relative to the Arts Master Plan. He opined that City
Council has not approved anything in the Arts Master Plan and stated he has a problem regarding
"stakeholders". Michaell Magrutsche, former Arts Commissioner, stated that a vision needs to be developed first,
then a function and subsequently, how the function will be achieved.
Laura Curran commented on arts organizations participating in arts activities in the City and
stated that the need for an Arts Master Plan and adding a staff member has not been made clear. She commented on problems related to adding staff to coordinate matters among departments.
Additionally, she reported that the Public Art project in connection with a park does not reflect the
original principles of the park which was to have public art that reflects the natural environment adding that what currently exists is a "mish mash" of sculptures. She felt that as a Commission, a
better case must be made in support of the Arts Master Plan and adding a staff member. She commented on the various arts events already in the City.
Michaell Magrutsche, former Arts Commissioner, commented on the importance of knowing what the City already has and then "doing something". He addressed integrating a Cultural Master
Plan with the Arts Master Plan and spoke regarding the large number of arts activities in the City.
Commissioner Ware commented on representing a physical place, having a diverse collection of citizens, and identifying the City as a destination. He noted that it takes a lot of work to integrate
culture and arts, commented on the Arts Master Plan and on the importance of government leadership. Commissioner Ware addressed the possibility of a public/private partnership.
Secretary Logan noted that public input does not necessarily need to be obtained in person, that Commissioners may be contacted through email as well. She encouraged the public to continue
providing input regarding any issues that need to be addressed.
Novell Hendrickson, former teacher, commented on the work already done on this matter and
provided a brief background of arts in the City. She commented on the loss of the Balboa Theater and the need to hire someone that knows art and has been around the world, rather than a high-profile person. She encouraged the Commission to review the plan and modify the plan as
it seems to be "all over the place".
Discussion followed regarding generating a Newport Beach art history, the City's art inventory,
history being one of the Art Commission's objectives, contacting other Arts Commissioners, sharing the information with others, communicating with residents and subsequent study
sessions.
Ensuing discussion followed regarding available arts grants and developing a comprehensive arts
plan with other organizations in the City, such as a master calendar of arts events.
Discussion continued regarding the Master Plan being done with a very limited budget, engaging
the past with the future, social media, improving communication regarding arts activities and
using other available resources.
Vice Chair Greer closed public comments.
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RECESS – 5:05 PM
IV. RECONVENE AT 5:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING – 5:17 PM V. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Caroline Logan, Secretary
Judy Chang
Lynn Selich Robert Smith
Charles Ware
Commissioner Absent: Rita Goldberg, Chair
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager
Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher commented on a policy regarding Arts Grants and on the Financial Report being
presented under the Consent Calendar. He noted the importance of the Commission and the public knowing how much money the Commission has to work with.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes – June 11, 2015
Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Commissioner Smith, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve the minutes of May 14, 2015, as presented.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Goldberg
A. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Correspondence and Press – Review of any Arts Commission correspondence and/or marketing materials that have been received.
2. Financial Report – Review of attached financial information.
3. Cultural Arts Activities – Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library
Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Commissioner Smith, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None
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ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Goldberg
B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION
1. Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park – Staff recommends that the City Arts
Commission select an alternate piece to recommend to City Council to replace Loomings; and to adjust the placement of La Cage Aux Folles and Re-cycled.
Commissioner Ware provided an update addressing Council consideration and concerns. He reported that there were safety concerns regarding "Loomings" and that the "Equator Z360" will
be proposed, as a substitute, to Council. He asked for concurrence from the Arts Commission in
order to make recommendations to Council.
It was noted that placement of the sculptures remain the same. The "Equator Z360" piece will be located where "Loomings" would have gone. Additionally, "Recycled" will be moved closer to the dog park to avoid glare.
Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Ware, and carried (6-0-0-1)
to substitute "Loomings" with "Equator Z360" as well as moving the placement of "Recycled" as
suggested. AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Goldberg
2. Joan Irving Brandt Centennial Celebration - The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee requests
that the event be held on March 5, 2016 in the Central Library Friends Room.
Vice Chair Greer noted that the Arts Commission has already approved the Joan Irving Brandt
Centennial Celebration and that consideration of the date will be given at this time.
Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve March 5, 2016, as the date for the Joan Irving Brandt Centennial Celebration. AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Goldberg
3. 2015 Cultural Arts Grants – Staff will provide an overview of the annual Cultural Arts Grants
process.
Vice Chair Greer reported that the Cultural Arts Committee Ad Hoc Cultural Arts Grants
Subcommittee had been sun-setted, but that it is time to reactivate it as now is the time to accept
applications.
Library Services Director Hetherton provided details of the staff report and addressed applications
and the selection process as well as staff recommendations.
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Secretary Logan reported looking forward to an open review of the grants contributing to cultural
arts for this coming year.
Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (6-0-0-1) to
approve that the Arts Commission reactivate the Ad Hoc Cultural Arts Grants Subcommittee.
Chair Greer added to the motion to appoint Secretary Logan and Commissioner Ware as
members of same.
Discussion followed regarding helping colleagues understand the objective scoring and criteria-
based process.
AYES: Chang, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith, Ware
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Goldberg
It was noted that all arts organizations are eligible to apply for grants and that grants to individual
artists are not allowed. Programs must directly benefit children and adults living in the City and
schools within the City's boundaries. Applications are available online and must be received no later than 4:00 PM on September 25, 2015. A detailed timeline of next steps was provided.
Vice Chair Greer opened public comments.
Jim Mosher commented on specific dates within the timeline.
Michaell Magrutsche, former Arts Commissioner, spoke about promoting arts events in lieu of
giving out grants.
Laura Curran stated she struggles, philosophically, with the concept of grants and asked about
the number and amounts of grants given out last year. She reference the amount available this year ($40,000) and wondered if there are other grants available, outside that amount. She added that this is public money and that where the money is going should be transparent and clear.
Vice Chair Greer closed public comments.
C. MONTHLY REPORTS 1. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith (Chair), Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioner Charles Ware – No report at this time.
2. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair),
Commissioner Charles Ware
Secretary Logan provided an update of the Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair), Vice Chair Arlene
Greer, Secretary Caroline Logan – No report at this time. 4. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith
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Commissioner Smith provided an update on activities and actions by the Arts Foundation. He
added that they will meet on July 21st, at 6:00 PM. He added that the Rolling house will be open
for viewing by the Arts Foundation and that they are trying to recruit members for the Foundation.
5. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioners Judy Chang and Lynn Selich
Vice Chair Greer reported on the current exhibition of James Strombotne as well as his recent lecture. The next exhibition will be by artist Richard Bohn. Additionally, she provided an overview
of the recent Newport Beach Art Exhibition.
6. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioners Arlene
Greer and Lynn Selich
Commissioner Selich announced upcoming performing arts events.
7. Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee – Lynn Selich (Chair), Arlene Greer and Judy
Chang
Commissioner Selich reported that the Subcommittee continues to put together a plan, working
with the Arts Foundation, the public and staff, to create a public/private alliance in support of the arts in Newport Beach.
Vice Chair Greer opened public comments.
Seeing no one, Vice Chair Greer closed public comments.
VIII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-
DISCUSSION ITEM) Vice Chair Greer reported meeting with the Mexican Consul, Luis Ferrer, and Mexican art expert,
Gregorio Luke, who provided an interesting presentation on “Murals Under the Stars”, and she
asked to place the matter on the Commission's next agenda. Additionally, she asked that the matter of better communication with the Arts Foundation be placed on the next agenda. Library
Services Director Hetherton noted that a staff report will be presented at the next meeting outlining the criteria for evaluation and selection of cultural arts grants recipients. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
In response to an inquiry from public member Michaell Magrutsche, Commissioner Selich addressed seeking a public /private alliance to advance the arts in the City, which is currently in
the planning stages.
X. ADJOURNMENT – 6:01 PM
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Submitted by: _________________________
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