HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/12/2013 - City Arts Commission - 01 Draft MinutesDRAFT
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Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 14, 2013 – 5:00pm
Central Library Friends Meeting Room
Convened at 5:00pm
1) Call Meeting to Order
Chair Goldberg called the meeting to order.
2) Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair
Arlene Greer, Vice Chair
Michaell Magrutsche
Charles Ware
Robert Smith
Commissioners Absent: Caroline Logan, Secretary
Judy Chang
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Acting Library Services Director
Natalie Basmaciyan, Adult Services Coordinator
Terri Cassidy, Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director
Tara Finnegan, Public Information Manager
Council Present: Nancy Gardner, Council Member
Public Present: Jim Mosher, Resident
Nicole Shine, Orange County Register Reporter
3) Public Comments
Jim Mosher reminded Commissioners of the monthly reports that are included in the monthly agenda.
They are addressed to the group as a whole but not for discussion amongst the Commission, nor do
they require action from the Commission.
4) Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Smith noted that when Peggy Spaulding addressed the Commission regarding Art in
the Park, she was describing how the money will be utilized. Also, the projects listed are past
projects and they continue to seek new projects as well.
Vice Chair Greer noted that on page five, the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Committee reported about art exhibits
in other communities, however the group will continue as before with a one day event. The remainder
of the report is discussion only.
Vice Chair Greer noted under Bus Tour Ad Hoc Committee an overview of James Turrell a
Retrospective Exhibit for the LACMA Bus Tour was provided.
Jim Mosher noted that the Marine sculpture is in regards to the U.S. Marines, and is not ocean
related.
It was moved and seconded (Commissioner Greer/Commissioner Ware) to approve the October
10, 2013 minutes as submitted with the changes stated. Motion carried.
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5) Current Business
Vice Chair Greer noted one error regarding the donor proposed loan of reproduction pieces, and
there being no second the motion failed. The item is not currently on the Consent Calendar and could
be revisited later.
A. Consent Calendar -
1. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative
Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services.
2. Correspondence and Press - Review of Arts Commission correspondence and/or marketing
materials.
3. Financial Report - Review of attached financial information.
Chair Goldberg explained that the format is slightly different than previous and the Consent Calendar is
heard before the Monthly Reports, and are separate.
Tim Hetherton, Acting Library Services Director, noted that there was nothing to report from the
Correspondence and Press Committee. The financial report was reviewed. Expenditures for the Hilbert
Reception, the Concerts in the Park, and Shakespeare by the Sea were noted, as well as expenditures
for the minute transcription service.
Chair Goldberg asked if everything was on track with the budget and Tim Hetherton replied yes, that
after the granting process, everything is in line.
B. Items for Review and Possible Action –
1. Cultural Arts Grants 2013/14 – Funding recommendations
Commissioner Greer presented the Cultural Arts Grants list of applicants:
Arts for Unity
Baroque Music Festival of Corona del Mar
ExplorOcean
Festival Ballet Theatre
Newport Beach Film Festival
Orange County Guitar Circle
Orange County Women’s Chorus
Seaside Musical Theater
South Coast Repertory
Southland Opera
The Magical Realism Foundation
Chair Goldberg explained that the Commission has $18,000 to fund community grants and it must be
decided if the grant request and community outreach are sufficient to receive an Arts Commission
recommendation to fund the applicant’s proposal. Artistic merit will be a consideration.
Vice Chair Greer noted that the applications are available online and the information in the grants
submittal include history of the organization, goals, funding request, program description, budget,
financial statements, outreach, etc. A completion report is required for those funded in the years prior.
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City Arts Commissioners discussed the applications that had been submitted for 2013-14 Cultural Arts
Grants, program, and funding levels. After lengthy discussion, the following recommendations and
motions were made:
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Vice Chair Greer/Commissioner Magrutsche) to decline
funding the Arts for Unity proposal. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Vice Chair Greer/Commissioner Smith) to fund $2,500 for the
Baroque Music Festival of Corona del Mar for 2013-2014. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware
abstained.
A substitute motion was moved, not seconded and failed (Commissioner Smith) to fund $3,000 for
the Baroque Music Festival of Corona del Mar for 2013-2014.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Vice Chair Greer/Commissioner Ware) to fund $1,500 for
Explore Ocean. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
Jim Mosher noted that the public is entitled to speak before any action. Nancy Gardner, Council
Member, explained that pubic comments had already occurred.
Jim Mosher commented on grant funding and was uncertain of the process being utilized for grant
awards.
Nancy Gardner, Council Member, noted that the Commission is unable to respond to public comment but
this could be discussed on a future agenda.
Chair Goldberg explained that these are directives that have been used for the past six years and it is the
responsibility of each Commissioner to come prepared, having read through the packet.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Vice Chair Greer/Commissioner Smith) to fund $2,000 for the
Festival Ballet Theatre. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
Nancy Gardner, Council Member, asked that Chair Goldberg recues herself from the Newport Beach
Film Festival, as she is currently serving on the Newport Beach Film Festival Advisory Board.
Chair Goldberg recused herself and left the room. Vice Chair Greer chaired the meeting in Chair
Goldberg’s absence.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Commissioner Magrutsche/Commissioner Smith) to fund
$6,000 for the Newport Beach Film Festival. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Commissioner Magrutsche/Commissioner Smith) to decline
funding for The Orange County Guitar Circle. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Vice Chair Greer/Commissioner Magrutsche) to decline
funding The Orange County Women’s Chorus this year. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Vice Chair Greer/Chair Goldberg) to fund $1,000 for the
Seaside Musical Theater. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
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It was moved, seconded, and passed (Vice Chair Greer/Chair Goldberg) to fund $2,000 for the
South Coast Repertory grant program. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Commissioner Magrutsche /Commissioner Smith) to fund
$3,000 to the Southland Opera. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
It was moved, seconded, and passed (Commissioner Magrutsche /Vice Chair Greer) to decline
funding the Magical Realism Foundation grant this year. Motion carried. Commissioner Ware abstained.
Chair Goldberg noted that the Cultural Arts Grant Ad Hoc Committee will be sunsetted and next year
would be the appropriate time to revisit Commissioner Ware’s request to consider Cultural Arts Grants
issues.
2. Proposed revisions to Council Policy 1-11
Chair Goldberg deferred to Commissioner Smith for the discussion. Commissioner Smith presented this
item, noting that Commissioner Logan sent out materials describing this policy, which evaluates the
manner in which art is donated to the City, either on a temporary or permanent basis. The policy has not
been modified since 2003, and the City Attorney has noted proposed additions, as well as additions by
the Commission. Point D-1 indicates art should be an original creation of the highest quality. It has
come to their attention that there is some art of the highest quality however a “limited edition.” While the
preference is for original art, there was discussion and the question arose that if a piece was considered
to be of artistic excellence however a limited edition, should the artwork be considered for acceptance.
The quality of art is very subjective. Commissioners Ware, Magrutsche, Goldberg, and Smith shared
their points of view and it was determined the revisions should be reviewed in Committee, and revisited
by the City Arts Commission at a later date.
Chair Goldberg noted that there needs to be a specific place for all the donated pieces. Additionally, it
would be beneficial for the City to accept a piece for the Sculpture Garden, making sure that this
document addresses all concerns and outlines appropriate guidelines.
Commissioner Smith noted the following: Point 5-F, which allows work to be placed on public display
and returned when not on display. He believes that the work should not be returned, and in some cases
due to death, can not be returned, therefore allowing the City the option to keep it or sell it.
Commissioner Smith brought up Point 5-H, which outlines the process an artist would follow in submitting
art for donation, which would be a City process. This should be more of an application that could be
evaluated, which would require a modification to the document.
Nancy Gardner, Council Member, left the meeting at 6:12pm.
Commissioner Smith also noted Point 5-L, which includes temporary “motions,” but should be worded
differently to be clearer.
Discussion carried about copyright laws and the intent behind 5-L, as well as 5-K and photographing art
pieces and publishing rights.
Chair Goldberg summarized that the Commission wishes to expand the scope of acceptance under D-1,
reword Item F, change the request for proposal under H, and clarify items K and L.
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Tim Hetherton, Acting Library Services Director, clarified that this can go back to the City Attorney’s
office, along with the Commission’s recommendations. A redline copy will be sent to the committee.
It was moved, seconded and passed (Commissioner Greer/Commissioner Smith) to send the
document, with corrections and questions for clarification, to the City Attorney and revisit on a
subsequent agenda. Motion carried.
It was moved, seconded and passed (Commissioner Greer/Commissioner Smith) that comments
made on the draft document will be submitted to the Art Owned By City Ad-Hoc Committee for further
review and feedback. Motion carried.
3. Proposal to schedule 2014 Newport Beach Art Exhibition and Sale in June, and to move the
event from the OASIS Senior Center to the City Civic Center.
Vice Chair Greer proposed the date of June 7, 2014, subject to availability at the City Civic Center.
It was moved, seconded and passed (Chair Goldberg/Commissioner Magrutsche) to move the date
of the 2014 Newport Beach Art Exhibition and Sale to June 7, 2014 at the City Civic Green. Motion
carried.
C. Monthly Reports -
1. Newport Beach Civic Center Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Committee - Commissioner Smith noted
that it is a work in progress, with two applications received. One application was disqualified and
the other was discussed last week and they will now set a meeting to discuss budget and plans.
2. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Committee - Fine Arts Chair Greer met with Mark Hilbert last week to discuss
the next installation of the Hilbert Exhibition. Six Millard Sheets paintings and Wireless Art will be
installed and on display at the Central Library. The Newport Beach Art Exhibition and Sale was
discussed. The goals are to increase artist participation and resident attendance with the
assistance of a media program.
3. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Committee - Chair Goldberg noted that this committee has been sun-
setted.
4. Museum Tour Ad Hoc Committee - Ad Hoc Committee Chair Greer provided details for the
LACMA bus tour, Tuesday, March 4, 2014. The tour group will visit James Turrell, a
Retrospective, Calder and Abstraction from Avant-Garte to Iconic curated by Frank Gehry,
Metropolis and Levitated Mass.
5. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Committee - Liaison Commissioner Smith reported Art in the Park
had approximately 70 artists participating and the Arts Foundation grossed approximately $5,000.
The Newport Beach Arts Foundation is considering a donation of glass art for the City Civic Center
with the proceeds earned. November 20, 2014, is Night at the Gallery, and all Commissioners are
invited to attend the tour, wine, and cheese event, held at the Grand Central Art Center in Santa
Ana at 7:00pm.
6. Master Public Art Site Plan Ad Hoc Committee (for city-wide visual and public art installations) -
Commissioner Magrutsche had a meeting with Commissioner Logan, at which time she handed
over all information and documents. The vision of the committee was clarified and a seven step
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process was established, which is always open to suggestions. Commissioner Ware came up
with a new name, Art Site Suitability Ad-Hoc Committee, which will be placed on the next Consent
Calendar for discussion and voting. Vice Chair Greer noted there is a Civic Center Art Placement
Ad Hoc Committee chaired by Arts Commission Chair Rita Goldberg that is in the process of
evaluating art at the Civic Center.
7. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Committee - Vice Chair Greer noted nothing to report.
8. Art Owned by the City of Newport Beach Ad Hoc Committee - Nothing to report.
9. Cultural Arts Activities - Tim Hetherton, Acting Library Services Director noted that this item was
removed from the Consent Calendar and at the discretion of the Arts Commission can be added
back in.
Vice Chair Greer requested the Cultural Arts report be added to the Consent Calendar as before.
6) 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 referred to the document he submitted dated November 7, 2013 City of Newport
Beach Arts Commission, outlining Arts Commissioner’s responsibilities, etc. Chair Goldberg
suggested this be referred to City staff and perhaps revisited as a subsequent meeting of the City
Arts Commission.
7) Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items
Jim Mosher noted that the City website’s Cultural Arts Department is now updated with the
Commissioners names and terms, however he would also like to see a list of committees and
descriptions available publicly as well. He referenced the City Charter noting that it is the supreme
law and cannot be changed, even by City Council. He noted that the City Arts Commission’s By-
Laws which list additional duties and responsibilities have not been updated since 1999, and may
need revisions.
The Commission agreed to address this at a future meeting.
It was moved, seconded and passed (Commissioner Smith/Commissioner Greer) to adjourn
the meeting. Motion carried by all Commissioners in attendance.
8) Adjournment – 7:02 p.m.
Submitted by: _________________________________________________