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August 18, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Public Arts Grant Award Recommendations: Accept the Performing and Visual Arts Grant Review Panel’s Award Recommendations for 2026
Report Number: 26-0203
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Library Department
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution accepting the Performing and Visual Arts Grant Review Panel’s award recommendations for 2026 with a total monetary grant award totaling $30,000.
SUMMARY
The Performing and Visual Arts Grant (“PVAG”) Program is funded through a sublease agreement with Live Nation, Inc. whereby a portion of annual ticket sales from the amphitheater located at 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911 (“Amphitheater”)_are allocated to Chula Vista cultural arts. The PVAG funds projects in a variety of artistic fields, including dance, design arts, media arts, music, photography, theatre, traditional/folk arts, visual arts, and interdisciplinary expressions with the purpose of creating a robust and sustainable cultural arts scene in Chula Vista (“City”)_. This year’s PVAG Review Panel has recommended grant funding in the amount of $30,000.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
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BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Cultural Arts Commission accepted these recommendations at its July 2026 meeting.
DISCUSSION
Funded through a portion of ticket sales from the amphitheater, the PVAG has granted upwards of $1 million since its inception and is a primary City funding source of cultural arts in the City. It is the objecti ve of the PVAG Program to support projects that nurture and cultivate innovation and creativity, strengthen the City’s competitive edge, and create a better quality of life for all residents. Projects funded through the PVAG must have a community benefit and be accessible to the public.
The PVAG Review Panel has recommended funding for 5 of the 31 grant requests received for a total PVAG grant recommendation of $30,000 dollars (Attachment 1). 2026 Grant Review Panel Members:
Kate Bishop – Cultural Arts Commissioner
Maria Echevarria - Cultural Arts Commissioner
Erwin Magbanua - Principal Librarian and Cultural Arts Manager, City of Chula Vista Thelma Rufolo – Cultural Arts Commissioner
Felix Sablan – Cultural Arts Commissioner
Natalie Vega – Librarian III, City of Chula Vista
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund as a result of this action. The recommended grant awards are fully funded from available PVAG appropriations in the Donations Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026 PVAG Award Recommendations
Staff Contact: Joy Whatley, Library Director
Erwin Magbanua, Principal Librarian and Cultural Arts Manager