HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Arts Commission Meeting 09-12-2024 Agenda PacketCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION AGENDA
Newport Beach Public Library - Central
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach CA 92660
Thursday, September 12, 2024 - 5:00 PM
City Arts Commission Members:
Melissa Kandel, Chair
John Blom, Vice Chair
Heather Ignatin, Secretary
Maureen Flanagan, Commissioner
Barbara George, Commissioner
Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner
Vanessa Moore, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
The City Arts Commission meeting is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act requires
that the City Arts Commission agenda be posted at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of each regular meeting and
that the public be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Commission and items not on the agenda but are
within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Arts Commission. The Chair may limit public comments to a reasonable
amount of time, generally three (3) minutes per person.
The public can submit questions and comments in writing for the City Arts Commission to consider. Please send them
by email to the Library Services Department at ArtsCommission@newportbeachca.gov by Wednesday, September 11,
2024, at 4:00 p.m. to give the City Arts Commissioners time to consider your comments. All emails will be made part of
the record.
The City of Newport Beach’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director, at
least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation
is feasible at (949) 717-3801 or mhartson@newportbeachca.gov.
NOTICE REGARDING PRESENTATIONS REQUIRING USE OF CITY EQUIPMENT
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Newport Beach’s equipment must be submitted to the Library Services
Department 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The City provides a yellow sign-in card to assist in the preparation of the minutes. The
completion of the card is not required in order to address the City Arts Commission. If the
optional sign-in card has been completed, it should be placed in the tray provided.
The City Arts Commission of Newport Beach welcomes and encourages community
participation. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes per person to allow
everyone to speak. Written comments are encouraged as well. The City Arts Commission has
the discretion to extend or shorten the time limit on agenda or non-agenda items. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
September 12, 2024
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City Arts Commission Meeting
V.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are invited on agenda items. Speakers must limit comments to three (3)
minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record.
The City Arts Commission has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit on
agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all speakers. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
VI.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. City Arts Commissioners have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the City Arts Commission votes on the motion
unless members of the City Arts Commission request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward to the lectern upon invitation by the
Chair.
A.Approval of Minutes of the August 8, 2024, City Arts Commission Meeting
Draft of 08/08/2024 Minutes1.
Draft of 08/08/2024 Meeting Minutes
B.Consent Calendar Items
Financial Report2.
Review of financial information.
Financial Report
Cultural Arts Activities3.
Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for
upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
Cultural Arts Activities
VII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review and Possible Action
Halloween Spooktacular4.
The Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee will present a proposal for
the City Arts Commission to host a booth at the 7th Annual Halloween Spooktacular
event.
Halloween Spooktacular Staff Report
September 12, 2024
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City Arts Commission Meeting
Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Phase X Proposal5.
The Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee will present a Sculpture Exhibition
proposal that introduces a 3-year rotating exhibit of 10 sculptures in Civic Center
Park.
Sculpture Exhibition Proposal Staff Report
Attachment A - Sculpture Exhibition 3-Year Rotation Proposal
B.Monthly Reports
Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee6.
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Flanagan, Commissioner Moore
Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee7.
Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Flanagan
Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee8.
Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Kaufman, Commissioner Moore
Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee9.
Commissioner George, Commissioner Kaufman, Commissioner Moore
Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee10.
Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin
Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee11.
Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin
Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee12.
Commissioner Kaufman
Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison13.
Commissioner Moore
Historical Resources Liaison14.
Vice Chair Blom
VIII.CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS
WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR
REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
September 12, 2024
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City Arts Commission Meeting
IX.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited on non-agenda items generally considered to be within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the City Arts Commission. Speakers must limit comments to three (3)
minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record.
The City Arts Commission has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit on
agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all
speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
X.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Newport Beach Public Library
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Thursday, August 8, 2024 – Regular Meeting
City Arts Commission Members:
Melissa Kandel, Chair
John Blom, Vice Chair
Heather Ignatin, Secretary
Maureen Flanagan, Commissioner
Barbara George, Commissioner
Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner
Vanessa Moore, Commissioner
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
DRAFT
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Melissa Kandel called the City Arts Commission Regular Meeting to order at5:00 P.M.
II.ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:Chair Melissa Kandel Vice Chair John Blom Secretary Heather Ignatin Commissioner Maureen Flanagan
Commissioner Vanessa Moore Commissioner Barbara George Commissioner Wayan Kaufman (arrived late)
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Kandel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived
V.PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
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City Arts Commission Meeting August 8, 2024
Page 2 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the July 11, 2024, City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 7/11/24 Minutes Chair Melissa Kandel requested edits, changes, or deletions of the minutes, there were none. B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report Review of financial information. Commissioner Maureen Flanagan noted there was $8,676 funds left available from the prior year’s budget and asked if there were any bills left to pay.
Library Services Director Melissa Hartson explained there was $5,000 that was not awarded in grants and $3,000 that came in at the end of the year for special events for
the Arts Exhibition. 3. Cultural Arts Activities
Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services. Chair Kandel opened the Consent Calendar for public comment, there were none. Motion made by Vice Chair John Blom, seconded by Secretary Heather Ignatin, and carried 6-0-0-1 (with Commissioner Wayan Kaufman absent) to accept the Consent Calendar. VIII. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Ad Hoc Subcommittee and Liaison Appointments
Chair Kandel to assign City Arts Commission Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Liaison Appointments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25.
Chair Kandel explained the structure of subcommittees, how they work, and shared her goals and focus for each subcommittee as listed in the staff report. In addition, she said, the CAC should commit to accountability and clarity in its subcommittee work. Specifically, each subcommittee will appoint a chair, who will be responsible for sending staff updates from that subcommittee meeting, which will then be shared during the CAC meeting for discussion and review. She’d like the Commission to have updates from each
subcommittee regardless of whether or not it met. Chair Kandel made the following appointments for the Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Liaisons: Ad Hoc Subcommittees: Art in Public Places: Vice Chair Blom, Commissioners Flanagan, Moore
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City Arts Commission Meeting August 8, 2024
Page 3 Music and Live Entertainment (Changed from Concerts on the Green): Chair Kandel, Commissioners Flanagan, Secretary Ignatin Cultural Arts Grants: Vice Chair Blom, Commissioners Kaufman, Moore Newport Beach Art Exhibition: Commissioners George, Kaufman, Moore Public Relations and Marketing: Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin Sculpture Exhibition: Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin Student Art Exhibition: Commissioners Flanagan, George, Kaufman Liaison Appointments: Newport Beach Arts Foundation: Commissioner Moore Historical Resources: Vice Chair Blom Commissioner Barbara George declined the appointment to the Student Art Exhibition Subcommittee. Commissioner Wayan Kaufman said she would email Chair Kandel.
Chair Kandel opened the item for public comment. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, commented that he noticed in the staff report that it
states an ad hoc subcommittee is a temporary advisory committee and pointed out that their purpose is to advise the full City Arts Commission and not other subcommittees. 5. Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Budget Update Staff to present a budget update of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park for Phases VII, VIII, and IX. Library Services Director Hartson reported what was spent on an annual basis for Phases VII, VIII, and IX of the Sculpture Exhibition and explained that Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) provided public art coordination and site management services for each Phase for $119,000, which included installation, deinstallation, contingency costs and project management of each phase. Additionally, each phase budgeted $50,000 for artist honorariums, plus sculpture plaques, brochures, and advertising of $4,000 bringing the total to $173,000 annually. Director Hartson noted the staff report stated $175,000, which
was a typo. Library Services Director Hartson continued, stating that funding has consisted of both
public and private contributions. City Council allocated $135,000 from the General Fund each FY, and supplemental funding has been received from the Cultural Arts Division Programming and Professional Services budgets. The Newport Beach Arts Foundation has contributed funding to support a portion of the artist honorariums, giving $20,000 for Phase VII and $10,000 for Phases VIII and IX. The reallocation of funding from the Cultural Arts Division Programming and Professional Services Budgets has had an impact on event programming, art maintenance, and various responsibilities that fall under the purview of the Cultural Arts Division. Proper maintenance of City-owned art is an important responsibility of the Cultural Arts Division. Several bronze sculptures have had basic wash and wax cleanings for the past three years and need more thorough maintenance to remove red oxide and related corrosion and restore the patina finishes. Programming has managed to maintain its current status; however, the City has not had the funds to further expand Cultural Arts programs such as bringing in higher profile cover bands for the summer concert series. Staff have taken on the event management for the Newport Beach
Art Exhibition, which takes away from their ability to take on more projects.
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City Arts Commission Meeting August 8, 2024
Page 4
Commissioner Vanessa Moore inquired about the project management expenses and
requested a detailed breakdown of those costs. Library Services Director Hartson responded staff would need to request that information from ArtsOC as a more formal breakdown of all the services and listed some such as the call for entries, managing artist applications, Arts Commission ranking process, public poll and survey, contracts, installation and deinstallation of the pieces, and continuous monitoring of the pieces.
Secretary Heather Ignatin requested staff bring back the report for the next meeting, and if possible, break it down by sculpture.
Chair Kandel suggested that the report should be reviewed by the Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Vice Chair John Blom inquired about the unused portion of the budget for Phase VII, and why that phase was not reflected on the Year End fiscal report. Library Services Director
Hartson explained the funds were encumbered from three years prior and staff has requested those remainder funds be rolled into Phase X. Generally, remainder funds are rolled back into the General Fund. Additionally, the budget for Phase IX on Attachment A
shows an administrative error, the installation project management was charged the full $35,000, not $30,000 as shown on the document, which brings the total for Phase IX to $160,115.97. Each year’s budget only reflects one Phase of expenses for that year.
Secretary Ignatin commented there are a lot of great things the Commission can do. But it is imperative the CAC be fiscally responsible and demonstrate they can manage the limited resources appropriately and stay within budget. She said it is not acceptable to put the City in a position to re-allocate money from basic city services, such as restorative cleaning on city owned statues. The CAC needs to find a way to fix the Sculpture Exhibition financials — and that makes the work of the subcommittee very important. Once the CAC does that, it will have a stable financial platform to build upon
Chair Kandel commented she was at the July 21 Concert on the Green; it was a fantastic turnout and an amazing time. One of the spectators shared that they felt their tax dollars
that contributed to cultural arts programming had been put to good use for the event. Another expressed gratitude. These comments help show there’s value to the Summer Concerts on the Green program and indicates that live performance and entertainment
are aspects of cultural arts programming that residents appreciate and want to see; and echoed the sentiments of Secretary Ignatin on the importance of fixing the problem of having to shuffle funds to the Sculpture Exhibition.
Commissioner Moore mentioned she also attended, heard similar community input, and felt a stage would have helped make the band seen by the audience.
Chair Kandel opened the item for Public Comment, there were none.
B.Monthly Reports
6.Newport Beach Art Foundation LiaisonCommissioner Vanessa Moore
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City Arts Commission Meeting August 8, 2024
Page 5 Chair Kandel was not able to attend the meeting, Newport Beach Arts Foundation (NBAF) President Arlene Greer provided an update.
Arlene Greer, NBAF President, reported NBAF is fully prepared for Art in the Park and are expecting between 120 and 130 artists total, the band has been selected, two food trucks are planned and there will be a pop-up dessert display that was donated by Dessert Company for pastries and coffee. Set up begins at 7 A.M. and opens to the public from 10 A.M. until 5 P.M. Nicole Hickey is managing the event and manages events for the LibraryFoundation. Sponsorship has been increased, and President Greer suggested theCommission consider augmenting the Sculpture Exhibition’s funding with sponsorshipsthrough the Arts Foundation. The community has shared great input and is excited aboutthe event. President Greer thanked the Commission for the advertisement in the fall issueof the City’s Navigator and shared a copy. There are artists and artisans that attend the
event, and the live music helps to keep people there longer to buy art. NBAF is looking tomake a contribution from what’s made to help augment the Sculpture Exhibition funds andlook forward to the support of each of the Commissioners in the way of volunteering the
day before the event between 3-6 P.M. and during set up the following morning. PresidentGreer then passed around a volunteer sheet for sign up. Those who aren’t yet sure of theircalendars can reach her through Library Services Director Hartson or by calling her
personally.
Chair Kandel opened the item for Public Comment, there were none.
IX.CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERSWOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION, ORREPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
Chair Kandel explained a proposal for and conducted a straw poll for the Commission’sinterested in starting a new poet laureate program. The Commissioners in favor wereKandel, Blom, Ignatin, Flanagan, Kaufman and Moore. Commissioner George abstained.
X.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Arlene Greer, NBAF President, requested her phone number not be recorded in the
minutes.
XI.ADJOURNMENT – 5:32 P.M.
Chair Kandel adjourned the meeting with a reminder of the upcoming Concert on the
Green on September 22 featuring AbSOULute.
99
As of September 1, 2024
ACCT NAME BUDGET DATE VENDOR EXPENSES AVAILABLE NOTES
Programming 60,500.00$
07/11 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 56,162.33 COTG Sound -07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)
07/11 Rebel Music Entertainment 3,250.00 52,912.33 COTG Band - 07-21-2024 (Radio Rebels)07/25 Mr. Rock N' Roll Inc.3,250.00 49,662.33 COTG Band - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super Grou
07/25 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 45,324.66 COTG Sound - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super Gro
07/31 Paul's Flowers 258.60 45,066.06 2024 Art Exhibition - Flowers
07/31 FEDEX Office 90.47 44,975.59 Concerts on the Green signs
08/01 Alliant Insurance Services 2,506.00 42,469.59 Insurance for Concerts on the Green
08/01 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)958.00 41,511.59 Children's Activities - 07-21-2024 (Radio
Rebels) & Business License Fee
08/01 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)615.00 40,896.59 Children's Activities - 08-11-2024 (Wilbury Super Group)08/08 Amazon.com 26.93 40,869.66 Concerts on the Green supplies
08/08 Amazon.com 19.66 40,850.00 Concerts on the Green supplies
08/23 WESTAF (CallforEntry.org)525.00 40,325.00 CallforEntry.org 2024 Art Exhibition Processing Fee
08/23 Tracy Kiggen (ARTovator)615.00 39,710.00 Children's Activities - 09-22-2024
(AbSOULute)08/30 DJE Sound and Lighting 4,337.67 35,372.33 COTG Sound -09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
08/30 Leon Chalnick 3,250.00 32,122.33 COTG Band - 09-22-2024 (AbSOULute)
TOTAL $60,500.00 $28,377.67 $32,122.33
City Grants 30,000.00$
TOTAL $30,000.00 $0.00 $30,000.00
Professional Services 23,000.00$
08/15 TAVD Virtual Assistant 159.75 22,840.25 Transcription of Minutes (07/11)
08/23 Svartifoss Corp 75.00 22,765.25 Art Installation (Indivisible - Sister City Artwork)
08/23 Svartifoss Corp 400.00 22,365.25 Art Installation (Christopher Evans exhibit)
08/30 Crown Building Services 825.00 21,540.25 Sculpture MaintenanceTOTAL23,000.00$ $1,459.75 21,540.25$
Sculpture Exhibition 135,000.00$
Phase X
TOTAL $135,000.00 $0.00 $135,000.00
Advertising $ 1,340.00
07/31 Gotprint.com 181.41 1,158.59 COTG rack card
07/31 Gotprint.com 120.78 1,037.81 COTG banners
TOTAL $1,340.00 $302.19 $1,037.81
REVENUES
Special Events (NBAE)$0.00
TOTAL $0.00 $0.00
BUDGET EXPENSES AVAILABLECultural Arts Totals $249,840.00 $30,139.61 $219,700.39
FY 2024-25Cultural Arts Division
09/05/2024 1 of 1 10
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
September 12, 2024
Agenda Item No. 3
CONCERTS ON THE GREEN: WILBURY SUPER GROUP
The Newport Beach Summer Concerts on the Civic Green continued with classic rock cover band,
Wilbury Super Group. This cover band played hits by Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Bob
Dylan and Jeff Lynne and were well-received by concert goers, with around 3,000 attendees gathering
on the Civic Green. Children’s activities, provided by ARTovator, included face painting and balloon
animals and rounded out this family-fun event. The next concert will be on September 22, featuring
funk and soul band AbSOULute.
PHASE IX SCULPTURE EXHIBITION - HEAVY LANDING
In August, “Heavy Landing” by artist Vojtech Blazejovsky was temporarily deinstalled from Civic Center
Park. After receiving reports of damage to the work of art, Arts Orange County assessed the sculpture,
communicated with artist Blazejovsky to coordinate repair, and had the piece removed for the repair to
take place. Artist Blazejovsky is currently repairing his work of art and a re-installation date is forthcoming.
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
TITLE: Cultural Arts Activities for August 2024
11
Cultural Arts Activities for August 2024
09/12/2024
Page 2
CENTRAL LIBRARY GALLERY EXHIBITS
C.M. Evans was born and raised in Northern California and has lived in
Southern California since 1999. Evans graduated from San Francisco
State University with a BFA in Conceptual Design in 1991. He’s also
spent a few years in Chicago, and some years in Minnesota where his
works have been exhibited in various galleries and art shows. Currently
he lives in Laguna Beach. When not making art, he works in the
computer and technology field, testing cameras and helping develop
video games.
Evans has been creating art in a variety of mediums (writing, painting,
drawing and sculpting) since he could pick up a pencil or crayon. His
primary influences are Dada, Action Painting, and recycled materials.
He takes particular inspiration from Ernst, Miro and Calder.
“I create work with someone in mind, and though I do not know them, they are integral to the finished
piece.” Evans states. “If you see my work, I hope you take from it an impression or experience, and later
if you see the work again, something is different. Then the art is yours, it has gone beyond me. “
Artwork will be on display until September 20, 2024.
UPCOMING CENTRAL LIBRARY GALLERY EXHIBITS:
2024:
•Shant Beudjekian (Oil paintings): September 23 – November 15
•Faro Mojahedi (Photography): November 18 – January 10
2025:
•Tianyi Wang (Photography): January 13 – March 7
•Liberty Dickinson (Acrylic paintings): March 10 – May 2
•Joan Gladstone (Giclées): May 5 – June 27
•Kathy Kehoe Bambeck (Puzzle Paintings): June 30 – August 22
•Joe Cladis (Lithographs): August 25 – October 27
CULTURAL ARTS CALENDER OF EVENTS:
City Arts Commission (CAC) meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
•Next meeting – Thursday, October 10, 2024
CONCERTS ON THE GREEN
•September 22 – AbSOULute (6-7:30 p.m.)
CONCERT AT MARINA PARK
•October 13 – Gotham City Swingers (4-5:30 p.m.)
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
September 12, 2024
Agenda Item No. 4
ABSTRACT:
The Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee will present a proposal for the City Arts
Commission to host a booth at the 7th Annual Halloween Spooktacular event.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Arts Commission review and approve the Music and Live Entertainment Ad
Hoc Subcommittee’s proposal to have the City Arts Commission host a booth at the Halloween
Spooktacular event.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Newport Beach Recreation and Senior Services (RSS) Department organizes an annual
Halloween Spooktacular fall event. This event hosts a variety of carnival games, costume contests, and
other family-friendly activities such as crafts and trunk-or-treating. The 7th Annual Halloween
Spooktacular will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Mariners Park.
The Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee proposes that the City Arts Commission (CAC)
reserve a booth for the Halloween Spooktacular event and provide a small art activity for attendees. The
activity will consist of painting miniature pumpkins for children to take home. Art activity supplies include
pumpkins, paint, brushes, and paper plates. In addition, a booth banner will be produced and candy to
giveaway will be purchased. This event will provide an opportunity for the CAC to connect with the
Newport Beach community and bring further awareness to cultural arts programs and events.
Staff recommends that the CAC approve the proposal. If approved, staff will coordinate with RSS to
reserve a booth space at the event.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Pumpkins, paint, brushes, and additional supplies is estimated at approximately $1,000, to be expensed
from the FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Division Programming Budget.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Arts Commission considers the item).
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
TITLE: Halloween Spooktacular
13
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
September 12, 2024
Agenda Item No. 5
ABSTRACT:
The Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee will present a Sculpture Exhibition proposal that
introduces a 3-year rotating exhibit of 10 sculptures in Civic Center Park.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Arts Commission review and approve the Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc
Subcommittee’s 3-year Sculpture Exhibition proposal to present to City Council.
DISCUSSION:
Background
The Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park is an ongoing rotational public art display that is an integral
feature of the Newport Beach Civic Center. Civic Center Park, which turned nearly half a million square
feet of undeveloped land into a new public park, was designed by renowned landscape architectural firm
Peter Walker and Partners (PWP). PWP developed a master plan for art in the park, and identified various
spots in the park where art, particularly sculpture, may be exhibited. The City Arts Commission determined
that a rotating exhibition was an optimal approach to bring sculpture to Newport Beach in a cost-efficient
manner. In August 2013, the Newport Beach City Council authorized the City Arts Commission to
implement an inaugural rotational sculpture exhibit in Civic Center Park. The City has exhibited nine
sculpture phases in Civic Center Park with Phases VIII and IX currently on display in the park.
Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) has provided public art coordination and site management services for all
nine phases of the Sculpture Exhibition. Annually, ArtsOC’s proposed budget for managing each phase is
$119,000. In addition, artist honorariums totaling $50,000, and sculpture plaques, brochures, and
advertising of $4,000 brings the current total per phase to $173,000. Funding has consisted of both public
and private contributions. For phases VII, VIII, and IX, the City has allocated $135,000 from the General
Fund for each phase and additional funding from the Cultural Arts Division Programming and Professional
Services budgets supplement the project costs. Lastly, the Newport Beach Arts Foundation has
contributed funding to support a portion of the artist honorariums, giving $20,000 for Phase VII and
$10,000 for Phases VIII and IX.
At the 2024 City Council Special Meeting Planning Session, City Council directed the City Arts Commission
to determine and present alternate options for the Sculpture Exhibition program. The City Arts
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Recommendation
14
Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Recommendation
September 12, 2024
Page 2
Commission formed a Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee to meet, discuss, and propose
alternative recommendations for future phases of the Sculpture Exhibition.
Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report
Summary
This Subcommittee believes it is critical that the City’s Sculpture Exhibition be managed in a fiscally
responsible manner and within the budget allocated to it by the City. As a result, the Subcommittee
recommends that the Sculpture Exhibition move from a 2-year rotation cycle to a 3-year rotation cycle,
as set forth below.
Background
The City’s Sculpture Exhibition located in Civic Center Park contains room for displaying 20 sculptures at a
time, with each sculpture resting on its own concrete pad. Each sculpture is displayed for a limited period
of time, after which it is replaced by another sculpture.
In other words, each year, half of the sculptures are replaced. As a result, every year, there is de-
installation of 10 sculptures and subsequent installation of 10 new sculptures.
Analysis
The rapid installation and de-installation of sculptures on an annual cadence has brought with it significant
yearly costs such as the following:
•Locating and curating potential new sculptures
•Executing an online public poll to select new sculptures
•Renting equipment such as heavy machinery to install and de-install new sculptures; and
•Labor for installation and de-installation
The Subcommittee’s determination after reviewing the data is that the bulk of the annual cost of the
Sculpture Exhibition is not the cost of having 20 sculptures on display for the public to enjoy — rather, it
is the cost of annually changing those sculptures.
As a result, the Subcommittee believes that costs can be significantly reduced — even while keeping 20
sculptures on display — simply by reducing the cadence of replacement of sculptures.
Recommendation
The Subcommittee recommends the following:
•Going forward, the City selects all sculptures with the intent to display them for three years
•The City moves to a 3-year cadence wherein:
o No sculptures are replaced in Year 1
o 10 sculptures are replaced in Year 2
o 10 sculptures are replaced in Year 3
Specifically, the City will work with Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) and the artists of the existing sculptures
in Phases VIII and IX to extend their current contracts by one year so that the City may immediately move
to the recommended 3-year cadence. Currently, Phases VIII and IX are scheduled to be de-installed in
2025 and 2026 respectively. The proposal would extend Phase VIII to 2026 and Phase IX to 2027. In
addition, the Subcommittee recommends Phase X be installed in 2026 for three years.
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Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Recommendation
September 12, 2024
Page 3
The Subcommittee is also recommending City Council to consider further cost-saving options by lowering
the cost of the honorarium per artist per year. Current cost of the artist honorarium per year is $2,500
and would result in a $7,500 total honorarium over three years (total cost $75,000). Should City Council
consider a lower honorarium amount, the cost savings to the Sculpture Exhibition program are as follows:
•Option #1 — $6,000 artist honorarium per sculpture allocated over the 3-year period, which
would cost $60,000 and save $15,000.
•Option #2 — $4,500 artist honorarium per sculpture allocated over the 3-year period, which
would cost $45,000 and save $30,000.
Expected Impact
The recommended plan would result in an estimated savings of $66,500 by eliminating installation and
de-installation services in each “Year 1” of the 3-year rotation. The cost would remain roughly at current
levels in “Year 2” and “Year 3” of the rotation. The Subcommittee recommends that the City allocate a
portion of the savings from “Year 1” to help fund the project costs of “Year 2” and “Year 3.” In addition, if
City Council establishes a lower honorarium of $6,000 per artist or $4,500 per artist over three years, this
could result in further cost savings of $15,000 or $30,000 respectively.
The recommended plan would result in new sculptures installed every two out of three years going
forward. The public would be able to enjoy each new sculpture for a longer period of time, and the City
Arts Commission would no longer incur the steeper cost of a 2-year rotation cycle.
The transition of the current sculptures on display to the 3-year cadence would need to be negotiated
with ArtsOC, which in turn would execute the contract extensions for the individual artists. The
Subcommittee expects that this can be done without incurring significant material cost. In the event that
it cannot, the Subcommittee will return to the City Arts Commission with recommendations on alternate
arrangements to present to City Council.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A – Sculpture Exhibition 3-Year Rotation Options
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EXTENDING PHASE 8 & 9 CONTRACT SCHEDULE
June 2025 (Year 1)June 2026 (Year 2)June 2027 (Year 3)June 2028 (Year 4)June 2029 (Year 5)June 2030 (Year 6)June 2031 (Year 7)June 2032 (Year 8)June 2033 (Year 9)
Phase 8 - Extend Phase 8 - Deinstall
Phase 9 - Stays Phase 9 - Extend Phase 9 - Deinstall
Phase 10 - Install Phase 10 - Stays Phase 10 - Stays Phase 10 - Deinstall
Phase 11 - Install Phase 11 - Stays Phase 11 - Stays Phase 11 - Deinstall
Phase 12 - Install Phase 12 - Stays Phase 12 - Stays Phase 12 - Deinstall
Phase 13 - Install Phase 13 - Stays Phase 13 - Stays Phase 13 - Deinstall
Phase 14 - Install Phase 14 - Stays
Phase 15 - Install
Partial Funding Need Partial Funding Need Full Funding Need No Funding Need Full Funding Need Full Funding Need No Funding Need Full Funding Need Funding Need
(Phase 8 Extensions)(Phase 9 Extensions)(Phase 11)(Phase 12)(Phase 13)(Phase 14)(Phase 15)
AND
Full Funding Need
(Phase 10)
On Exhibit - 8 & 9 On Exhibit - 9 & 10 On Exhibit - 10 & 11 On Exhibit - 10 & 11 On Exhibit - 11 & 12 On Exhibit - 12 & 13 On Exhibit - 12 & 13 On Exhibit - 13 & 14 On Exhibit - 14 & 15
$35,000
$9,500
$46,500
$20,000 Artist Honorariums $50,000 Project Contractor $119,000
$8,000 Plaques & Brochures $4,000 Additional Costs $54,000
$119,000 TOTAL $54,000 PROJECT TOTAL $173,000
Project Contractor*$119,000 Project Contractor*$119,000 Project Contractor*$119,000
Artist Honorariums $75,000 Artist Honorariums $60,000 Artist Honorariums $45,000
Plaques & Brochures $4,000 Plaques & Brochures $4,000 Plaques & Brochures $4,000
TOTAL $198,000 TOTAL $183,000 TOTAL $168,000
*Project Contractor cost based on 2-year schedule of billing rates
Budget Allocation $7,500 Honorarium $6,000 Honorarium $4,500 Honorarium
FY 2024-25 (Year 1)$135,000 **$25,000 **$25,000 **$25,000
FY 2025-26 (Year 2)$135,000 ***$223,000 ***$208,000 ***$193,000
FY 2026-27 (Year 3)$135,000 ****$198,000 ****$183,000 ****$168,000
FY 2027-28 (Year 4)$135,000 $0 $0 $0
TOTAL $540,000 $446,000 $416,000 $386,000
**Phase 8 contract extension costs only account for artist honorariums
***Phase 9 contract extension costs only account for artist honorariums; Project Contractor cost based on 2-year schedule of billing rates
****Project Contractor cost based on 2-year schedule of billing rates
TOTAL
3-YEAR $4,500 HONORARIUM OPTION3-YEAR $6,000 HONORARIUM OPTION
Deinstallation Services
Project Contingency
3-YEAR $7,500 HONORARIUM OPTION
10 SCULPTURES - 3-YEAR ROTATION OPTIONS
EXISTING 2-YEAR PROJECT CONTRACTOR
SCHEDULE OF BILLING RATES
Project Management - Installation
Project Management - Deinstallation
Installation Services EXISTING 2-YEAR PROJECT TOTALEXISTING 2-YEAR PROJECT ADDITIONAL
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SCULPTURE EXHIBITION STAFF REPORT - ATTACHMENT A