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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/08/2015 - City Arts Commission - 01 Draft MinutesDRAFT Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 10, 2015 – 4:00 PM Friends of the Library Meeting Room, Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. ROLL CALL – 4:02 PM Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Lynn Selich, Vice Chair Judy Chang Rita Goldberg Robert Smith Charles Ware Commissioner Absent: Caroline Logan, Secretary Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician II. STUDY SESSION BUSINESS 1. Master Plan for Arts and Culture – The City Arts Commission will provide an opportunity for public engagement as the City develops an Arts Master Plan. The public is invited to share their vision for the arts in Newport Beach. Chair Greer introduced the item and encouraged the public to share their vision for the arts in the City. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS – Lila Crespin, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, commented positively regarding the expansion of sculptures in the Art in the Park program. She urged the Commission to go forward with twelve sculptures, instead of ten and stated she would like to see realistic sculptures added to the collection. Commissioner Goldberg stated that the Commission reviewed a representation of all types of art and focused on quality, this time around. She added that the Commission is considering opportunities for including realistic sculptures. Leslie Miller asked regarding the breadth of what the Arts Commission does. She commented on her experiences and her position as an Arts Commissioner in the City of Palm Desert. She offered her help to the City of Newport Beach and commented on two of the City's present sculptures. She asked regarding the process for addressing negative comments from the public and commented on the possibility of allowing the public to choose future sculptures through voting. Chair Greer responded to Ms. Miller's comments and listed events hosted as well as programs supported by the City Arts Commission. Vice Chair Selich commented on the upcoming Taste of Balboa event. Chair Greer commented on the role of the various committees within the Commission and on improved communication with the public. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2015 Page 2 Discussion followed regarding having a dedicated City staff person in charge of events and programming and Commissioners as volunteers. Jim Mosher commented on revising the Arts and Culture Master Plan and suggesting distributing copies to the audience attending Commission meetings. Chair Greer noted that the document is available on line. Mr. Mosher commented on the number of points in the plan and suggested having fewer objectives and goals. He referenced a separate handout, listed his responses to the questions therein and commented on programs in the Cities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. He suggested better coordination between the two cities and thinking "more regionally". Commissioner Goldberg pointed out the benefits of arts programming in Newport Beach and the sense of community that is inherent in the City. She addressed the importance of offering opportunities to experience art but noted it is only one component of the Master Plan. The opportunity is lost when residents are sent elsewhere. Chair Greer noted that the City reached out to other communities for last year's Rex Brandt celebration and will continue to do that for specific programs and events. Michaell Magrutsche, former Arts Commissioner, commented on his vision for the City of Newport Beach relative to the arts and on the need for a clear vision. He suggested getting Council Members engaged and having sculpture exchanges between City districts. Commissioner Goldberg commented on opportunities to constantly evaluate arts programming and modify it accordingly. She encouraged public feedback. Discussion followed regarding developing a vision through community input, the Commission being aware of what residents want, and the Commission's efforts in seeking funds. Commissioner Smith commented on the Arts Master Plan which was well planned by Arts OC. He referenced a table within the plan that provided information regarding what other cities spend on the arts and noted that in Newport Beach, 1/10th of 1% of the City's budget is allocated for the arts. He added that the issue needs to be addressed by Council; that the total budget for arts in Newport Beach is $150,000 and that a larger commitment is required. Chair Greer referenced a survey of residents with respect to the Arts Master Plan. Patrick Sopkovich opined that the Commission should be challenging Council to increase its budget allocation to the arts. He commented on engaging other cities and opined that Newport Beach could support its own museum. Chair Greer felt that having a museum in the City would be beneficial. She addressed reaching out to other communities including the Consulado de Mexico (Mexican Consulate). Commissioner Goldberg added that she has met with art representatives from the Newport Beach School District to coordinate field trips for grade-schoolers to the Sculpture Garden. 2 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2015 Page 3 Lila Crespin, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, noted that the arts budget for Newport Beach has not changed for many years and asked how that could be changed. Chair Greer spoke on the need for residents to become engaged, make their requests known during Council meetings, share their feelings with neighbors and be more proactive. Lila Crespin, Newport Beach Arts Foundation, suggested sending out polling information to the public to determine their interests in the arts. Lesetja Mohlabane, Irvine, commented on his experience learning vocational skills and on a Newport Beach school teaching film-making and videography. He commented on art within the realms of education and business and a previous competition held by the City. He noted that the latter impacted him and addressed the City's goals within the Arts Master Plan. He commented on the Library's Multi-media Lab noting that it would easily compete with local universities. He suggested the possibility of holding more competitive activities to bring the community in to appreciate the art and to better utilize the Library resources in terms of increasing skills. Discussion followed regarding mixing genres, enriching the vocational prowess of participants and using resources that are already in place. Chair Greer commented on the possibility of holding a workshop and addressed having an additional study session or two during the evening hours to capture input from those unable to attend earlier study sessions. Library Services Director Hetherton suggested calling a special meeting, promoting the date and providing appropriate noticing. He added that he is printing copies of the Master Plan for distribution to those interested in same. Laura Curran commented on the study session and outreach to the community at different venues and offered a list of events where the Arts Commission could interact with the community. Regarding the Arts Master Plan, she opined that the Commission is looking to solve a problem that does not exist and noted there are many opportunities to enjoy art in the City while at the same time there are issues needing to be addressed such as a Landscape Master Plan and others. Nick Komer commented on his background and asked regarding the amount of the total Arts Commission budget. He addressed temporary sculptures, marketing, funding, whether the City is over-insured and opined that the art, itself, should draw people in. He suggested holding events where industries can participate. Chair Greer noted the need to proceed with the regular meeting and encouraged Mr. Komer to attend subsequent study sessions. Additionally, she thanked members of the public who provided their input. RECESS – 5:14 PM IV. RECONVENE AT 5:00 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING – 5:24 PM V. ROLL CALL 3 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2015 Page 4 Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Lynn Selich, Vice Chair Judy Chang Rita Goldberg Robert Smith Charles Ware Commissioner Absent: Caroline Logan, Secretary Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher commented on the minutes from the August 13th meeting relative to the formation of a new Ad Hoc Committee to study the relationship with the Newport Arts Foundation and reported that there is not information regarding the committee members or whether the committee has a name. Additionally, he addressed the financial report, the City negotiating funds from its tourism BID as well as other items of concern, within same including staff overtime. He suggested the need for additional detail in the report. He commented on the Arts Commission Facebook page, social media and the fact that the government is not a business. VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes – August 13, 2015 Chair Greer opened public comments. Chair Greer closed public comments. Motion made by Commissioner Chang, seconded by Commissioner Goldberg, and carried (6-0-0-1) to approve the City Arts Commission minutes from the August 13, 2015, meeting, as presented. AYES: Chang, Goldberg, Greer, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Logan A. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Financial Report – Review of financial information. 2. 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 Commissioner Goldberg, seconded by Commissioner Ware, and carried (6-0- 0-1) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Chang, Goldberg, Greer, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None 4 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2015 Page 5 ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Logan B. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Importance of Social Media – Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission increase its usage of social media platforms as a marketing tool for cultural events sponsored by the City of Newport Beach. Commissioner Selich referenced the newly launched Library website and commented on creating an Arts website in order for the Commission to have a "more vibrant" presence. She suggested adding the item to a future agenda. 2. Cultural Arts Grants Criteria and Administration – Staff will provide an overview of the criteria and administration of the annual Cultural Arts Grant process. Library Services Director Hetherton provided an overview of the criteria and administration of the annual Cultural Arts Grant process noting that it should be completed by the end of October. Checks will be presented at the November meeting of the Arts Commission. Brief discussion followed regarding the deadline for applying. Chair Greer listed the appointments of Commission Members to the various Ad Hoc Subcommittees as stated in the staff report. She asked that if anyone is unable to serve, they let her know between now and the next meeting. She addressed the Ad Hoc Subcommittee's tasks, meeting schedules and their purposes. She highlighted the Communications Subcommittee noting that it will go out into the community and provide a speaker's bureau so that the City Arts Commission will be in touch with citizens, businesses and residents of the community and provide feedback, through the Subcommittee. C. MONTHLY REPORTS 1. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith (Chair), Commissioners Rita Goldberg and Charles Ware Commissioner Smith announced the unveiling and acceptance of the next ten temporary sculptures in the Sculpture Garden on Saturday, September 12, 2015. He addressed new elements in the event including a luncheon by the Arts Foundation, guided tours of the sculptures, art projects, music, the ability to take selfies at some of the sculptures to post on Instagram and refreshments. 2. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair), Commissioner Charles Ware No report at this time. 5 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2015 Page 6 3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Commissioner Rita Goldberg (Chair) , Chair Arlene Greer, Secretary Caroline Logan Commissioner Goldberg suggested scheduling a study session to discuss this matter further and obtain additional public input. Library Services Director addressed the possibility of scheduling a special meeting and reported it can be called within twenty-four hours. He suggested allowing him to return to the Arts Commission with potential dates for same, at a subsequent meeting. He added that he foresees scheduling it between the 10th and 19th of October. Discussion followed regarding holding two additional study sessions, later in the day and the possibility of holding the special meeting on October 10th. Discussion continued regarding the possibility of narrowing down the points within the Arts Master Plan. 4. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith Commissioner Smith announced the Arts Foundation Art in the Park on October 10th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 5. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Vice Chair Lynn Selich, Commissioner Judy Chang Chair Greer provided an update including information on the exhibits planned through the end of the year. Additionally, she provided an overview of a visit, to the City, by Consulado de Mexico. 6. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Chair Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Lynn Selich, Commissioner Rita Goldberg Chair Greer reported that the Kelly Rae Band performance drew large crowds and that Britain's Finest will be the last Concert on the Green performance of the year and will be held on September 27th. 7. Cultural Arts Collaboration Subcommittee – Vice Chair Lynn Selich (Chair), Chair Arlene Greer and Commissioner Judy Chang Vice Chair Selich noted nothing to report at this time. 8. Museum Bus Tours Ad Hoc Subcommittee Chair Greer commented on the possibility of adding this to the Fine Arts Subcommittee and noted nothing to report at this time. 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 Selich suggested considering the addition of public art at various locations within the City including Marina Park as well as other options in which the Arts Commission may be 6 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes September 10, 2015 Page 7 involved. Additionally, she would like to discuss the possibility of the Arts Commission having an entry in the Christmas Boat Parade. Discussion followed regarding Murals under the Stars. Commissioner Goldberg requested adding consideration of docent-led student field trips to the Sculpture Garden as a form of community outreach. Chair Greer added that she would like consideration of incorporating three Members of the City Arts Commission to the Newport Beach Arts Foundation. Commissioner Chang left the meeting at 6:00 PM. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher commented on the unveiling of the temporary sculptures at the Sculpture Garden and referenced Brown Act requirements. Additionally, he reminded the Commission of the need for Ad Hoc Subcommittees to report to the Arts Commission during public meetings for discussion. X. ADJOURNMENT – 6:05 PM Submitted by: _________________________ 7