Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2015 - City Arts Commission - 01 Draft MinutesDRAFT Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 8, 2015 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM, Study Session – 7:00 PM Friends of the Library Meeting Room, Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. ROLL CALL – 5:00 PM Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Lynn Selich, Vice Chair Caroline Logan Rita Goldberg Robert Smith Commissioner Absent: Judy Chang Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician II. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher expressed concerns with allowing public comments early on in the meeting and not giving residents the opportunity to comment on individual agenda items. He stated he would like for residents to comment on the grant applications and spoke in support of redesigning the Cultural Arts website to include community event information for increased availability to the public. Karen Carlson, Member of the Friends of the Corona del Mar Library Board, spoke in support of the Arts Commission. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes - September 10, 2015 Chair Greer provided details of suggested amendments to the minutes. Chair Greer opened public comments. Chair Greer closed public comments. Motion made by Vice Chair Selich, seconded by Commissioner Goldberg, and carried (5-0-0-1) to approve the City Arts Commission minutes from the September 10, 2015, meeting, as amended. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang A. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Financial Report - Review of financial information. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 2 2. 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 Vice Chair Selich, and carried (5-0-0-1) to approve the Consent Calendar, as presented. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION Chair Greer announced that Arts Commissioner Charles Ware has decide to resign from the Commission due to other commitments and expressed appreciation for his efforts on the Commission. She requested that staff send a letter, on behalf of the Commission. 1. Cultural Arts Grants 2015/16: Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission review the grant applications and approve the recipients for recommendation to City Council for FY 2015/16 Cultural Arts Grants in accordance with City Council Policy I-10 - Financial Support for Culture and the Arts. Chair Greer provided a brief background on the matter and reported meeting with the Ad Hoc Committee, recently, where it was discussed that it is necessary to grant the City Arts Commission, $25,000 for cultural programming, this year and listed programs to be funded next year. Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Commissioner Goldberg, and carried (5-0-0-1) to retain $25,000 to cover Arts Commission events and expenses. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang Library Services Director Hetherton suggested the process for reviewing grant applications and the award and amount of grants to each recipients. He recommended that any Commissioner with ties to any of the proposed recipients, recuse themselves from consideration of same. Discussion followed regarding reviewing each recipient one at a time. Commissioner Goldberg commented on the Balboa Island Improvement Association and stated that while she was impressed with the programs they are proposing, they are involved with commerce and not necessarily in support of the arts. She spoke in opposition to grant them funds, for that reason. She recommended no funds be allocate to them. Secretary Logan stated she is pleased that they are providing cultural arts for the City, referenced the Balboa Theater and suggested granting them a stipend as encouragement. She suggested granting them $500. 2 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 3 Chair Greer agreed with Commissioner Logan and suggested granting them $500. Vice Chair Selich spoke in favor of supporting organizations that provided artistic programming. She felt that $500 is not enough but that the City should support their efforts, and suggested granting them $1,000. Commissioner Smith commented favorably regarding supporting the various arts-related groups in the City. He recommended granting the Balboa Island Improvement Association, $2,000. Regarding the Baroque Music Festival, Commissioner Goldberg commented positively on the quality of the group's performance and favored granting them $1,500, which is what the City granted, last year. Secretary Logan concurred with Commissioner Goldberg's comments. Chair Greer suggested $1,500. Vice Chair Selich suggested granting them $500. Commissioner Smith suggested $2,000. Discussion followed regarding ExplorOcean and Commissioner Goldberg suggested granting them $1,500. Chair Greer agreed with granting them $1,500. Secretary Logan noted she is very impressed with their program and recommended granting them $1,500. Vice Chair Selich recused herself from the item as ExplorOcean is a former client of hers. Commissioner Smith suggested granting them $2,000. Discussion followed regarding Festival Ballet Theatre. Commissioner Goldberg spoke in support of granting them $1,500. Secretary Logan agreed to grant them $1,500. Chair Greer and Vice Chair Selich concurred. Commissioner Smith agreed. Discussion followed regarding KOCI radio and Vice Chair Selich recused herself from this matter. Commissioner Goldberg commented on opportunities the City could enjoy from strengthening the radio station and spoke in favor of granting them $1,500. 3 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 4 Secretary Logan and Chair Greer agreed with granting them $1,500. Commissioner Smith recommended $1,000. Regarding the Newport Beach Film Festival, Commissioner Goldberg recused herself as she is a Member of their Founding Board and sits on their Advisory Committee. Commissioner Smith suggested granting them $1,000. Vice Chair Selich and Chair Greer suggested granting them the same as last year, $4,000. Secretary Logan suggested granting them $2,000. Discussion followed regarding the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. Commissioner Smith commented positively regarding the program and favored granting them $1,000. Vice Chair Selich agreed. Chair Greer and Secretary Logan concurred to grant them $1,000. Commissioner Goldberg felt they should not receive a grant as there are so many other entities that are in greater need than the Foundation. She stated that it is not the role of the Commission to fund other fundraising entities. Commissioner Smith noted the importance of their programming and their work. Discussion followed regarding keeping in mind the agencies being funded and the amount of funds the City grants. Regarding Newport Mesa Unified School District, Commissioner Goldberg suggested granting them $2,500 to fund docent-led tours of the Sculpture Garden. Secretary Logan, Vice Chair Selich and Chair Greer agreed with $2,500 and Commissioner Smith suggested $2,000. Discussion followed regarding South Coast Repertory and Commissioner Goldberg suggested a grant for $500. Secretary Logan suggested $2,000 and Chair Greer advocated for a $500 contribution, as did Vice Chair Selich. Commissioner Smith suggested no grant. Discussion followed regarding Southland Opera and Commissioners Goldberg and Smith, as well as Vice Chair Selich and Chair Greer suggested granting them $500. Secretary Logan suggested $2,000. In terms of the Orange County Museum of Art, Commissioner Smith suggested a grant of $2,000. Vice Chair Selich suggested $1,000, Secretary Logan suggested $1,000, Chair Greer suggested $500 and Commissioner Goldberg suggested $500. 4 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 5 Discussion followed regarding next steps in the process and it was noted that the total grant amount is $15,150. Since the total amount available is $15,000, it was suggested that a little bit be removed from each grant in order to reduce the total amount by $150. Commissioner Goldberg suggested reducing the amount granted to South Coast Repertory from $500 to $425. Additionally, there was consensus to reduce the amount granted to KOCI radio by $75. The grant selection process was carried out and tabulated on an Excel spreadsheet projected for public viewing. The final approved allotment for each recipient was as follows: City Arts Commission $25,000 Balboa Island Improvement Association $800 Baroque Music Festival $1,400 ExplorOcean $1,600 Festival Ballet Theatre $1,500 KOCI Radio $1,300 Newport Beach Film Festival $2,750 Newport Beach Public Library Foundation $800 Newport Mesa Unified School District $2,400 South Coast Repertory $650 Southland Sings $800 Orange County Museum of Art $1,000 Chair Greer opened public comments. Jim Mosher stated he was pleased to see that the Commission has gone through a more open process this year than in previous years. Chair Greer closed public comments. Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Commissioner Goldberg, and carried (5-0-0-1) to approve the grant allocations as discussed above. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang 2. Cultural Arts Website: Staff recommends that the Cultural Arts division website be accessible from the "City Departments and Services" page on the City site; and that the Arts Commission review a sample revision of the "Places for the Arts" web page at the November meeting. Chair Greer addressed a proposal from staff regarding the Cultural Arts website and noted that staff recommends the website be accessible from the City Departments and Services page on the City site and that the Arts Commission review a sample revision of the Places for Art web page at the November meeting. 5 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 6 Library Services Director Hetherton addressed prior suggestions by Mr. Mosher and reported there is a link on the Library page to the Cultural Arts website stating the more ways people can get to it, the better off they'll be. He suggested having an events clearing house with all City arts information and reported that staff constantly works on promotion of City events. He presented actions requested from the Arts Commission and recommendations. Motion made by Commissioner Goldberg, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-1) to support staff's recommendation that the Cultural Arts division website be accessible from the "City Departments and Services" page on the City site; and that the Arts Commission review a sample revision of the "Places for the Arts" web page at the November meeting. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang 3. Appointment of Directors to Newport Beach Arts Foundation Board: Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission appoint two members of the Commission to serve as non- voting Directors of the Arts Foundation for a term of 1 year, per Article V, Section 4 of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation Bylaws. The Chair of the City Arts Commission will also serve as an ex-officio, non-voting Director of the Board. Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (5-0-0-1) to remove the aforementioned item from the agenda. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Selich, Smith NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang C. MONTHLY REPORTS 1. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Secretary Caroline Logan, Commissioner Judy Chang. Chair Greer reported meeting with Secretary Logan and they invited artist Eva Mahotra, from the Consulado de Mexico, to the City to exhibit her work in conjunction with the Newport to Ensenada Race. She commented on her work and addressed Ting-Ting Lee and the California Missions and reported that the next exhibition will be by Professor Joe Lewis. She added that Secretary Logan is currently working on an exhibition for the Antibes Sister City delegation’s visit on October 27. 2. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (co- Chair), Commissioner Robert Smith (co-Chair). Commissioner Smith provided a brief update including a lunch hosted by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation as well as other related events and activities. He addressed votes by residents 6 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 7 regarding the new sculptures and noted they will stay for two years. A kinetic pieces of sculpture is scheduled for placement in January, 2016. Chair Greer thanked Commissioners Smith, Ware and Goldberg for their work on this project and well as others, for their contributions to the project. 3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Secretary Caroline Logan, Commissioner Goldberg. Chair Greer reported there will be a study session regarding this matter tonight, at 7:00 p.m. 4. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan, Commissioner Rita Goldberg. Secretary Logan addressed questions for which the Commission is seeking public responses including whether the City should continue to provide the current or increased cultural arts funding, what sort of arts programing the City should support, needs for the future for additional venues and cultural arts facilities, as well as others. 5. Communications/Publicity/Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Lynn Selich, Commissioners Judy Chang and Rita Goldberg. Chair Greer reported that Commissioner Chang may be going off the Subcommittee. Commissioner Goldberg commented on increased media coverage because of the new installations in the Sculpture Garden. She stated that the Subcommittee will develop additional strategies to engage the media. Chair Greer commented on making a booth focusing on the City Arts Commission available for various City events. Materials will be available regarding programming and the various arts- related programs and events. The Commission will also reach out to homeowner associations and the Chamber of Commerce. 6. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair), Commissioner Rita Goldberg. Secretary Logan noted no report at this time. 7. NB Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Vice Chair Lynn Selich, Commissioner Robert Smith. Commissioner Smith announced an upcoming Newport Beach Arts Foundation event on Saturday, October 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on the Civic Green. He addressed activities that will be held in conjunction with the event and new exhibits that will be shown. Chair Greer encouraged residents to post on social media, regarding the event. Commissioner Goldberg encouraged residents to purchase from featured artists to encourage their continued participation. 7 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 8 8. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (co-Chair), Commissioner Rita Goldberg (co-Chair), Vice Chair Lynn Selich. Chair Greer reported that the Subcommittee has not met recently. Commissioner Goldberg commented on the various concerts including attendance and increased popularity of the concert series. 9. Public and Private Partnerships Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Lynn Selich (Chair), Commissioner Judy Chang. Chair Greer stated she would like to have the name of the Subcommittee changed to Cultural Arts Collaborations. IV. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM) Commissioner Selich commented on an opportunity that she would like discussed. She reported that the Commission has been offered a yacht to sponsor for the Christmas Boat Parade. Library Services Director Hetherton addressed the process for reviewing the matter, noting that the Chair could call a special meeting to discuss the matter. It was noted that City Council would need to consider funding the event. Chair Greer requested that staff proceed with planning and scheduling a special meeting to address the matter. Discussion followed regarding estimated costs and allocating funds provided by the Balboa Theater. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Joy Brenner, Friends of the Corona del Mar Branch Library, Founder, introduced herself and offered the group's help in supporting efforts to install a Rex Brandt mural in the proposed Corona del Mar Branch Library. RECESS – The regular session of the City Arts Commission was adjourned at 6:25 PM. Vice Chair Selich departed at 6:25 PM. VI. RECONVENE AT 7:00 PM FOR STUDY SESSION – 7:04 PM VII. ROLL CALL - 7:00 PM Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Caroline Logan Rita Goldberg 8 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 9 Robert Smith Commissioner Absent: Lynn Selich, Vice Chair Judy Chang VIII. STUDY SESSION BUSINESS 1. Master Plan for Arts and Culture - The City Arts Commission will provide an opportunity for public engagement as the City develops an arts master plan. The public is invited to share their vision for the arts in Newport Beach. Chair Greer noted that most of the City Arts programming is represented in the PowerPoint and addressed points provided by OC Arts. She provided an overview of the City's Arts programming, extension of the Cultural Arts Grant for the Festival Ballet Theatre, special projects and events, and the Sculpture Garden exhibition. The Commission is reaching out, with the Master Plan, to coordinate arts in the City with the arts in the community and to provide more vibrancy than the Commission is already including in programming and to be more inclusive. The Ad Hoc Committee is working on the Master Plan and will submit it back to the City for Council's consideration. Commissioner Goldberg reiterated that, as the Commission gets ready to go to City Council for approval, the Commission wants to know what residents want incorporated into the plan. She addressed interviews by Arts OC and prior study sessions to allow for public input. Michaell Magrutsche, former Arts Commissioner, reported that he is currently working on an Arts Master Plan for the City of Laguna Beach. He commented on a survey and on art being an emotional language. He commented on the points provided by Arts OC and questioned the purpose of the Master Plan. He suggested developing a baseline of what the people want and that each Commission present their individual visions. Chair Goldberg noted that the best indicator of what people want is what they are willing to attend. Discussion followed regarding the difference between vision and form and increasing art education. Speaker, commented on artists not liking forms and suggested the concept of pop-up events. Discussion followed regarding the City having a Twitter account as well as other types of social media. Speaker, referenced point 7 in the plan and commented on her vision for the Arts and Cultural programs. She commented on her vision for a cultural arts program, the George P. Schultz Center of Opportunity in the City, on the possibility of other arts and recreation facilities in the City including buildings, gardens, and a centralized, regional arts facility. Patrick Sopkovich commented on the City's budget and on per capita income of residents in the City. He state that arts should be independent of other considerations and is for the community. He suggested a regional outreach and commented on the possibility of a museum. Additionally, he commented on the possibility of private/public partnerships. 9 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015 Page 10 Commissioner Smith provided comparative information regarding the City's budget for the arts as well as surrounding cities. He commented on the need to look at what the City is spending money on and suggested that citizens communicate with Council as to whether the arts are adequately funded. Chair Greer agreed with Mr. Sopkovich's suggestion to look for additional funding for the arts, from the City. She added that the Commission would like to expand existing programs and larger venues for arts programming. Additionally, she noted that the City will be hiring an Arts Coordinator to help the Commission and commented on the Newport Beach Arts Foundation that raises funds for arts in the City. Mr. Sopkovich stated that the Commission should have a bigger vision. Richard Bohn, Santa Ana artist, commented on creating an art culture and on an alternative art space in the City of Santa Ana. He suggested doing things that are "edgy" and not trying to please everyone. Chair Greer asked that Mr. Bohn send the Commission information regarding the gallery in Santa Ana. Mr. Bohn clarified that he is talking about having a dedicated space for arts and noted that the City has the money to do it. He felt that artists are not supported as much as they should be. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of establishing a Newport Beach Art Museum and cooperating with nearby cities. Chair Greer encouraged residents to attend City Council meetings and comment on the arts. IX. ADJOURNMENT- 8:00 PM Submitted by: _________________________ 10