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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/2014 - City Arts Commission - Approved Minutes 1 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 9, 2014 – 5:00p.m. Newport Beach Public Library - Friends Meeting Room I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Goldberg called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Caroline Logan, Secretary Judy Chang – (Absent) Robert Smith – (Arrived at 5:07 p.m.) Charles Ware Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Dave Curtis, Library Services Manager Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher expressed concerns regarding the Arts Master Plan and the fact that the public has not seen anything in relation to it. He opined that having one meeting on it before it is presented to City Council will not provide a thorough public review. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes – September 11, 2014 and September 30, 2014 Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (4-0-0-2) to approve the minutes of September 11, 2014 and September 30, 2014, as presented. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang, Smith V. CURRENT BUSINESS 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 Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (4-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Ware 2 NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang, Smith B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Cultural Arts Grants - The City Arts Commission will review and recommend 2014/15 Cultural Arts Grants recipients for City Council approval. Vice Chair Greer reported that she and Commissioner Ware met and have developed criteria for the evaluation of each grant using a ten-point grading system and including promotion and outreach; audience development and participation, safety and accessibility, program diversity, community service and economic value; ideas and creativity, production; mission and goals; organizational management and financial management. She added that all of the grant applications submitted had been rated. Vice Chair Greer listed them and provided the details of hers and Commissioner Ware’s recommendations for each of the grant awards selected. Chair Goldberg commented positively on the work done by Vice Chair Greer and Commissioner Ware and commented on the designation of less funding this year than last year. Vice Chair Greer commented positively on this year's Concerts on the Green and hoped that by granting money to the Arts Commission they could be held again next year. Additionally, the Arts Commission has extended itself this year with increased programming including the Rex Brandt project and the Sculpture Garden exhibition. Commissioner Ware commented on the growing needs in the upcoming year and the need for granting $25,500 to the City Arts Commission. Commissioner Smith arrived at this juncture (5:07 p.m.). Discussion followed regarding the grant requested by the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. Vice Chair Greer noted that all of the grant applications were very competitive and that it was difficult to make a decision. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Ware to recommend 2014/15 Cultural Arts Grants recipients as presented for City Council approval. Commissioner Smith expressed concerns regarding the amount allocated to the Newport Beach Film Festival and not providing funding to Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). He stated that he will not support allocating $5,000 to the Film Festival. Secretary Logan also expressed concerns that no money is being allocated to the OCMA. Commissioner Ware addressed the criteria and especially, the economic value of the Film Festival. He commented on the uncertainty of the situation regarding OCMA and had to factor this. Chair Goldberg noted that OCMA has made it clear that they want to move out of Newport Beach. 3 Commissioner Smith noted that they have not moved yet and that they provide important programming. He believed that the recommendations are disproportionate in terms of funding for OCMA. Substitute Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Logan to recommend 2014/15 Cultural Arts Grants recipients for City Council approval but changing the allocation to the Newport Beach Film Festival to $2,500 and granting OCMA $2,500. Vice Chair Greer stressed that money is being allocated to programs rather than entities. She added that both the Newport Beach Film Festival and the OCMA receive significant contributions from the community. The OCMA is requesting funding for a new program which has been untried and for which there is no way to validate. Discussion followed regarding OCMA's commitment to the City and their request to fund an existing program as well as a new program, the programs offered by the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with OCMA. Chair Goldberg thanked Vice Chair Greer and Commissioner Ware for their work on this matter. Discussion followed regarding other alternatives for funding and the possibility of changing the evaluation and allocation process back to the way it was so that all Commissioners would have an opportunity for input. It was noted that the matter would need to be added to a future agenda. Ensuing discussion pertained to the merits of changing or not changing the process. Commissioner Logan stated she would have appreciated being informed regarding the criteria for issuing grants in advance. She noted that each Commissioner has different experiences and felt that involving the entire Commission in the process would be preferable. Discussion continued. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of granting the Film Festival $4,000 and OCMA $1,000 or maintain the recommended $5,000 for the Film Festival and allocate $1,000 to OCMA from the allocation granted back to the Arts Commission. Chair Goldberg recused herself as she is on the Board of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Substitute Substitute Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Ware, to recommend 2014/15 Cultural Arts Grants recipients for City Council approval but changing the allocation to the OCMA to $1,000 from the $25,500 allocated to the Arts Commission. Discussion followed regarding other ways to allocate the funds, maintaining the allocation to the Arts Commission as originally recommended and noted that specific programs by the Newport Beach Film Festival do not serve the entire community. Vice Chair Greer reiterated that money is not being granted to the Film Festival, but rather to a program. Commissioner Smith noted having the same issues with the Film Festival, year after year and suggested that programs funded should generally benefit the entire community. Discussion followed regarding the importance of film programs, the possibility of granting the Film Festival $4,000 and OCMA $1,000, or $3,000 to the Film Festival and $2,000 to OCMA, OCMA's 4 request being for additional Thursday programming, and that the Film Festival programming for their Saturday seminars have grown from one to three. Substitute Substitute Substitute Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Ware and carried (4-0-0-2) to recommend 2014/15 Cultural Arts Grants recipients for City Council approval as noted in the initial Staff Report and amend the allocation to the Newport Beach Film Festival to $4,000 and granting OCMA $1,000, leaving the $25,500 to the City Arts Commission as shown in chart below. . AYES: Greer, Logan, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang, Goldberg (Recused) The total allocated funds are $40,000. Vice Chair Grant and Commissioner Ware submitted the following grant allocations totaling $14,500, with a total of $25,500 to be granted to the City Arts Commission and used for City Arts Commission needs. Grant Applicant Requested Funds Designated Baroque Music Festival $ 7,500 $ 1,500 ExplorOcean $ 7,500 $ 1,500 Festival Ballet Theatre $ 2,500 $ 1,500 Newport Beach Public Library Foundation $ 4,000 $ 0 Newport Beach Film Festival $ 12,000 $ 4,000 Orange County Museum of Art $ 5,000 $ 1,000 South Coast Repertory $ 5,000 $ 2,000 Southland Opera $ 3,600 $ 3,000 The Bowers Museum $ 3,000 $ 0 The Magical Realism Foundation $ 20,000 $ 0 TOTAL $70,100 $14,500 Chair Goldberg returned to the meeting room. 2. Okazaki Gift Ceremony- Staff requests that the City Arts Commission approve the allocation of funds for the Okazaki Gift Ceremony on October 14. Chair Goldberg read title to the aforementioned item. Library Services Director Tim Hetherton provided details of the ceremony to honor the 30-year relationship between the Cities of Okazaki, Japan and Newport Beach as outlined in the written staff report. He asked that the City Arts Commission approve expenditure of funds for this ceremony of $2,000. Motion made by Secretary Logan seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-1) to approve the allocation of funds for the Okazaki Gift Ceremony scheduled on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None 5 ABSENT: Chang C. MONTHLY REPORTS 1. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioner Charles Ware Chair Goldberg noted that the Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee will be sunsetted. 2. Concert Programming Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair) Chair Goldberg noted that the Concert Programming Ad Hoc Subcommittee will be sunsetted. 3. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith (Chair), Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioner Charles Ware Commissioner Smith noted no report at this time. Brief discussion followed regarding tracking the number of visitors to the Sculpture Garden. 4. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair), Commissioner Charles Ware Secretary Logan reported that a metal bar on the ground, perpendicular to the four staircases and noted it is a required signal to the visually impaired that there is something overhead. She added that it has been made aware that the visually sighted can miss noticing the bar on the floor and trip over it and is considered a safety problem. City staff has suggested that the City Arts Commission consider this including the installation of easels with posters or proclamations or art displayed on easels. Discussion continued. Commissioner Smith suggested replacing the raised bar with a flat bar. He noted there is no place to install art in City Hall and opposed placing easels. He expressed disappointment that the City Arts Commission was not involved in the planning of the Civic Center and stated he will provide a picture of a flat bar for the Commission to review. Commissioner Ware commented on available spaces within City Hall in each of four bays that receive integral lighting and would be possible locations for the display of artwork owned by the City. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of temporary display of proclamations and rotating them out. 5. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Rita Goldberg(Chair) , Vice Chair Arlene Greer, Secretary Logan Chair Goldberg commented on a recent event noting that it was educational and well-attended. Pat Wayne of Arts Orange County provided an update of the process noting that over 90 people signed up for the forum and that over 50 attended. She addressed the topics of interest to be included in the survey. She reported that currently, there have been more than 80 responses to the survey and noted that it is critical to continue reaching out for a wide representation. She reported 6 that flyers about the survey are being distributed and that she has received emails with suggested ideas and provided next steps in the process. The Master Plan subcommittee will meet on October 20, 2014, to review the data and share a draft with recommendations. She added that City Manager David Kiff asked the subcommittee to address Phases 1 and 2 of the work. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Ware, Library Services Director Tim Hetherton commented on the next steps including review by the Commission and presentation to City Council. He noted that public input has been ongoing. Discussion followed regarding other opportunities for public comment, addressing Arts Commission concerns and presenting the plan to the Arts Commission first for it to develop recommendations to City Council. Ensuing discussion pertained to the established protocol and the need for clarification of the process. It was noted that the Commission is not aligned with the thinking and addressing the timing issue. Additionally, it was noted that the Commission would need materials to review prior to its next meeting in order to formulate recommendations for Council. Chair Goldberg opened public comments for this item. Newport Beach resident Sarah A. Wilkinson expressed concerns with the process noting that the public did not get a clear summary of outline to review. Additionally, she expressed concerns with the time allotted for each member of the public to comment and felt that the matter was "steam- rolled". She opined that there seems to be no vision or strategy relative to the plan and expressed concerns that the City is not prioritizing what the community wants. She added that many of her neighbors feel the same but were unable to attend the meeting at this time. She suggested that the public be given an opportunity to comment when the matter is presented to the Arts Commission. Chair Goldberg noted that the public is encouraged to write to the Commission to express their opinions and sentiments. Resident Sarah A. Wilkinson further commented and noted that the survey and the need for the process to be democratic and her concern that the City Arts Commission were responding as well. Chair Goldberg apologized to Ms. Wayne for the interruption. Ms. Wayne reported that she will accommodate the Commission's preference and will work with staff so that the matter will be presented in a way that will best serve the community. It was noted that this Committee had public and internal discussions regarding the matter. 6. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith Commissioner Smith provided an update on upcoming the Art in the Park program and noted that 104 artists that have signed up. He encouraged help from the Commission noting that the event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. 7. Juried Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioner Judy Chang, Secretary Caroline Logan Vice Chair Greer reported that the Subcommittee is currently sunsetted. 7 8. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioner Judy Chang Vice Chair Greer provided an update on the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee noting that the Michaell Magrutsche art exhibit is still on display at the Central Library and will be up until October 29, 2014, when the exhibit will be removed and the Rex Brandt exhibit will be installed. The exhibition will open November 1, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. and she addressed details of the program as outlined in the rack card for this event, including speakers and the participation of Mr. Brandt's daughters who will also speak at the event. She provided an update on the plaque including City Council consideration at their Tuesday, October 14, 2014 meeting. If approved by City Council, the unveiling will be held at the Goldenrod placement site at 11:00 a.m. November 1. Additionally, she reported that on November 20, 2014, Jennifer Wormser the Library Director for the Laguna College of Art and Design, curator of the archives for Rex Brandt, will provide a presentation and lecture at 7:00 p.m. in the Friends Room. Discussion followed regarding the Ben Carlson Memorial, and the process for considering commissioned artwork, and the Subcommittee’s plans to meet with staff and the City Attorney. 9. Art Owned by the City of Newport Beach Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioner Judy Chang, Secretary Caroline Logan Vice Chair Greer reported that the Subcommittee has not met and when they meet next they will make a recommendation to sunset this Subcommittee. VI. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM) Commissioner Ware asked to add the Arts Master Plan to an upcoming agenda. Discussion followed regarding the Ben Carlson Memorial and the addendum to the application. Additionally, discussion continued regarding addressing easels and the raised platform on the floor at City Hall. It was suggested that staff include putting display easels on the next agenda. Brief discussion followed regarding the potential for clutter. VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS - None VIII. ADJOURNMENT – 6:21 p.m. Submitted by: Rita Goldberg