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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved City Arts Commission 02-13-2025 Meeting MinutesCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Newport Beach Public Library 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 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 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Melissa Kandel called the City Arts Commission Regular Meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chair Melissa Kandel Vice Chair John Blom Secretary Heather Ignatin Commissioner Wayan Kaufman (arrived at 5:05 p.m.) Commissioner Vanessa Moore Commissioner Maureen Flanagan Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Barbara George (excused) 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 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR City Arts Commission Meeting February 13, 2025 Page 2 A. Approval of Minutes of December 12, 2024, City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 12/12/24 Minutes Chair Kandel requested edits, changes, or deletions of the minutes. There were none. B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report Review of 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. In response to Commissioner Flanagan’s inquiries on Item No. VI.B.2, Library Services Director Melissa Hartson confirmed the expense in question is for the maintenance of the sculpture Sphere 112. She reported this expense will be repeated quarterly. Chair Kandel opened each item for Public Comment and there were none. Motion made by Secretary Ignatin seconded by Vice Chair John Blom, to accept the Consent Calendar and carried 5-0-0-2 (with Commissioners Kaufman and George absent) VII. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Entry Guidelines The Newport Beach Art Exhibition (NBAE) Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends that the City Arts Commission approve revisions to the annual art exhibition entry guidelines. Director Hartson reported that staff met with the Ad Hoc Subcommittee, leading to several changes. One clarification involves the submission deadline, which is set for 11 p.m. Pacific Time (PT). Because the vendor operates in the Mountain Time Zone, any entry submitted between 11 p.m. and midnight PT would be considered late by the vendor. She also noted that guidelines have been updated to specify that all submitted artwork must be available for sale. Additionally, a frame will be required for all artwork unless a special exception is granted for materials such as canvas. Diptych and triptych artwork will be considered a single piece. Director Hartson also reported that staff worked with the exhibit’s curator to clarify expectations for the overall look and feel of the exhibit. Commissioner Moore, NBAE Subcommittee Chair, added that adjustments will also be made to the easels. She commended the proposed changes and expressed her support. Chair Kandel requested that the edited provision on Page 19 of the Agenda packet be revised to state that the entry fee will "not be refunded" rather than "forfeited" for greater clarity. City Arts Commission Meeting February 13, 2025 Page 3 Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia provided historical context, explaining that entry fees had been forfeited in the past when late arriving or unframed artwork failed to meet entry guidelines. She added that she is open to any wording changes recommended by the Commission. After considering various wording options, Chair Kandel agreed that "not be refunded" better conveys the consequences of non-compliance. In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiries, Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia noted that some past entrants have submitted unstable easels. She explained that prohibiting certain types of easels will help ensure the stability and security of displayed artwork, as the added weight of frames can be problematic for less-sturdy easels. She also mentioned that the staff report includes a list of acceptable easels. Commissioner Moore added that they discussed providing internet links to examples of approved easels available for purchase from common vendors such as Amazon. Chair Kandel opened the item for public comment and there were none. Motion made by Commissioner Flanagan seconded by Secretary Ignatin, to accept the revisions to the entry guidelines and carried 6-0-0-1 (with Commissioner George absent) 5. Fiscal year 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grants Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission review grant applications and approve the recipients for recommendation to City Council for the FY 2024-25 Cultural Arts Grants in accordance with City Council Policy I-10 – Financial Support for Culture and Arts. Director Hartson reported that the Commission received ten grant funding requests, and the Subcommittee recommends awarding a total of $30,000 to eight of the applicants. She noted that the staff report includes documentation outlining the Subcommittee’s rationale for awarding grants to Backhausdance for $4,000, Balboa Island Improvement Association for $3,000, Baroque Music Festival for $4,000, Emerald Magic Events for $2,000, Newport Theatre Arts Center for $5,000, Pacific Chorale for $3,500, Pacific Symphony for $5,000, and South Coast Repertory for $3,500. Commissioner Moore stated that The Art Spread and Musica Transalpina did not receive funding solely due to the timing of their programs. She recommended that both organizations reapply next year. Commissioner Kauffman added that the Subcommittee would like for staff to invite groups to explore the City’s Special Event Grants, which may better align with their funding cycles. In response to Commissioner Flanagan’s inquiry, Commissioner Moore confirmed that The Art Spread, Emerald Magic Events, and Musica Transalpina are all first-time applicants. She added that Emerald Magic Events faced a similar timing issue as the other two organizations but noted that its November event will still benefit from the current round of grant funding. City Arts Commission Meeting February 13, 2025 Page 4 In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Director Hartson clarified that the Baroque Music Festival is receiving $4,000 rather than its full $5,500 request to ensure the $30,000 is distributed effectively among all eight recipients. In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Director Hartson confirmed that it has been many years since the Newport Theatre Arts Center last applied for this specific grant. In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiry, Director Hartson consulted with the City Attorney’s Office to determine Newport Theatre Arts Center’s eligibility. In response to Commissioner Moore’s inquiries, Director Hartson stated that grant recipients are responsible for their own event promotion. She added that the Commission holds a ceremony to recognize recipients and that the final grant approvals will appear as an official agenda item for the City Council’s review. Cultural Arts Assistant Escareal-Garcia also noted that the City can distribute promotional materials for funded events, provided that the City’s seal is included to indicate sponsorship. Chair Kandel opened public comment. Patricia Rodriguez, Gallery Assistant for the Coastline College Art Gallery, announced an upcoming exhibition at the Gallery, with a reception on February 22nd featuring critic Peter Frank, who will engage with the artists. She encouraged attendees to visit the Gallery and explore its contributions to the community. Chair Kandel closed public comment. Motion made by Vice Chair Blom, seconded by Commissioner Moore, to approve the recipient recommendations to the City Council and carried 6-0-0-1 (with Commissioner George absent) 6. 2025 Summer Concerts on the Civic Center Green and Fall Concert at Marina Park Staff recommends the City Arts Commission review and approve the Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s recommendations of two bands, a Pacific Symphony performance, and two alternate bands for the summer concert series on the Civic Center Green, as well as review and approve a band and an alternate for the fall concert at Marina Park. Director Hartson reported that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee met to review submissions for the Summer Concert Series. She announced that the recommended performers for the summer Concerts on the Civic Green are Tijuana Dogs, Pacific Symphony, and Cassie B, with Red Skies and The FABBA Show as alternates. For the fall Marina Park concert, the Subcommittee recommended the 805 Social Club, with Empty Pockets as an alternate. She confirmed that funding is secured based on the projected Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget and noted that staff is exploring the costs of a stage and metal truss with a promotional banner. City Arts Commission Meeting February 13, 2025 Page 5 Subcommittee members explained that their recommendations considered a variety of musical genres, as well as which performers would be better suited to each venue. Promotional videos were presented, including one showcasing Cassie B’s experience performing for The Walt Disney Company and a medley of popular 1990s hip-hop songs. The Commission also discussed her performances covering Taylor Swift’s music and her original songs. A promotional video was also played for the 805 Social Club, highlighting their covers of current pop hits, which the Commission agreed would be a good fit for the youth-friendly Marina Park setting. In response to Vice Chair Blom’s inquiry, Director Hartson suggested that the $30,000 donation the City received for the Pacific Symphony concert, in addition to the standard event funding, may create a surplus that could help cover the rental cost of a stage. In response to Commissioner Moore’s inquiry, Director Hartson was unable to confirm whether purchasing a non-permanent stage to be shared with other City departments, such as Parks and Recreation, would be more cost-effective over renting. She acknowledged potential concerns regarding storage and transportation but offered to explore the feasibility of the idea. Chair Kandel clarified that the stage would be specifically for the Civic Center Green, as the current step used for performances is lower than many assume. She noted that attendees who are not positioned near the front frequently complain about limited visibility. Chair Kandel opened the item for public comment and there were none. Motion made by Secretary Ignatin seconded by Commissioner Moore, to approve the band recommendations and carried 6-0-0-1 (with Commissioner George absent) B. Monthly Reports 7. Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Flanagan, Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore reported a resident is interested in donating a large piece of art made of metal sculpted into the shape of Newport Harbor. She expressed hopes it can be displayed at the Newport Beach Public Library. 8. Music and Live Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Secretary Ignatin, Commissioner Flanagan Secretary Ignatin reported the Subcommittee met to come up with the recommendations in Item No. VII.A.6. Chair Kandel added, until the summer concert series begins, they will be looking at the feasibility of the stage and banners. 9. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee Vice Chair Blom, Commissioner Kaufman, Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore reported the grants were reviewed and approved in Item No. VII.A.5. City Arts Commission Meeting February 13, 2025 Page 6 10. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioner George, Commissioner Kaufman, Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore noted they are a member short. Chair Kandel reported the Subcommittee moving forward will be Vice Chair Blom, and Commissioners George and Moore. Commissioner Moore added there will be a call for artists in March. There was a notification James Samimi is available to play flamenco guitar at the event again this year. 11. Public Relations and Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin Commissioner Ignatin stated there is nothing current to report. 12. Sculpture Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Kandel, Vice Chair Blom, Secretary Ignatin Commissioner Ignatin stated there is nothing current to report. 13. Student Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee Commissioner Kaufman Commissioner Kaufman stated there is nothing current to report. 14. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Commissioner Moore Commissioner Moore announced that Art in the Park is scheduled for September 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. She reported that the Foundation has approved a new contract with event planner Nicole Hickey for the sum total of $5,000 and noted that booth prices will increase by $10 after May 1st. She also mentioned discussions about incorporating the winners of the Student Art Exhibition into the event. She acknowledged that the Foundation has lost some board members but expressed excitement over a recent $5,000 donation. Additionally, she reported that the Foundation is working on organizing a Korean Art Fair, with October 24-25 as potential dates. In response to Chair Kandel’s inquiry, Commissioner Moore confirmed that the Foundation will, as usual, reach out to the Commission regarding Art in the Park volunteer opportunities and other event needs. 15. Historical Resources Liaison Vice Chair Blom Vice Chair Blom reported a discussion of distributing a short book titled “Happy House” about the first house built in the Corona Del Mar neighborhood. He added it has been distributed to City schools. He reported the next project will be “Tales of a Naughty Newport” by Judge Robert Gardner with consideration being given to publishing a portion on Corona Del Mar separately. City Arts Commission Meeting February 13, 2025 Page 7 Vice Chair Blom clarified the Newport Beach Historical Society is a different group than the meeting he attends after Chair Kandel noted the Historical Society have been seeing great benefits from a recently hired marketing firm. VIII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION, OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Commissioner Moore proposed holding an Art Week at the end of June 2026, adding it could include a Sunday concert. She added many of the musical grant recipients could be involved during the daytime hours and stated local hotels and restaurants may want to be involved. She added there could also be a film component as part of a variety of week-long events. She added many events included in her week-long initial concept already happened and would just have to have a date adjustment next year. She encouraged working with the Newport Beach Public Library about incorporating its regular arts-themed programming such as a speech and poetry class from the Poet Laureate. The Commissioned lauded the idea. Chair Kandel noted it all may be as simple as a matter of scheduling as a lot of the pieces of a formal Art Week already exist. Commissioner Moore added she was considering working with the Newport Beach Arts Foundation and others on a fundraising Friday night event in the Sculpture Exhibition with bands. She added a call could be made to Newport Beach residents to design the Art Week logo and banners with the City Council and Mayor to select the winner. In response to Commissioner Moore’s inquiry, a recommendation was made to form an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to begin more formally exploring the concept of an Art Week. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None X. ADJOURNMENT – 5:42 P.M. Chair Kandel adjourned the meeting. Approved by: Melissa Kandel