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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/09/2015 - City Arts Commission - Approved Minutes 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. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2015 Page 2 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. 2 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2015 Page 3 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 3 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2015 Page 4 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. 4 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2015 Page 5 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 5 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2015 Page 6 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 6 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2015 Page 7 Submitted by: Chair Arlene Greer 7