2. Arts Commission Applications — Costa Mesa City Council, January 17, 2023

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Tod Gerald Beckett-Frank
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Arts Commission (Complete Questions 9-17 on the Next
Page)
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

I have lived in Costa Mesa for more than 26 years and am very interested in promoting the Arts in Costa Mesa and especially interested in how the city can facilitate participation in the arts by it's residents, both young and old. I have been involved with the performing arts for over 50 years and am currently principal horn with the Southern California Philharmonic, a community orchestra that currently rehearses in Costa Mesa. I hold a BA in Music History/Theory from CSU Fullerton.

I have also held positions on the boards of non-profit organizations PFLAG South Orange County and the Community Youth Orchestra of Southern California.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? One of the things that community performing arts organizations have struggled with have been both performance and rehearsal spaces. Many have turned to public schools for spaces, but these have become unavailable for various reasons, especially during COVID. I am especially interested in how Costa Mesa can partner with these organizations and help them secure both rehearsal and performance spaces and are within their budgets. While my expertise is performing arts, I am interested in learning more about community participation in the visual arts as well.
#15

COMPL ETE
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Last Modified: Thursday, December 29, 2022 10:07:26 AM Time Spent:
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IP Address:
192.
145.36.195

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ATTACHMENT 2
City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 3
Q5
Optional Resume:

Tod%20Beckett-Frank%20music%20resume.docx (22.9KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: Tod Beckett-Frank
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature RequiredNote: Once appointed, Commission
members must complete an Oath of Allegiance,
administeredby the City Clerk, required by Article XX,
Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of California.

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Tod Beckett-Frank
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 3
Q12
Please share you background and experience or
knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts
education, arts administration and community
outreach/engagement:

Respondent skipped this question
Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the city of Costa Mesa?
Respondent skipped this question
Q14
Please share you vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

Respondent skipped this question
Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or
participating in arts and multicultural programming:

Respondent skipped this question
Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience,
volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

Respondent skipped this question
Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
Respondent skipped this question

Tod G. Beckett-Frank
Costa Mesa, California 92626
(714) 747-9752 [email protected]

Music Instructor
Horn ~ Recorder ~ Brass - Private and Small Ensemble Instruction

• Experienced performer in large and small ensembles
• Experienced coach of horn sections and small ensembles • Experienced with beginning players

EXPERIENCE

Nutcracker Ballet Pit Orchestra, Tustin Ballet Company
Horn (2019 & 2022) Branden Muresan, Conductor

Southern California Philharmonic, Costa Mesa CA
Horn, principal (2020 - 2022) Branden Muresan, Conductor

Southern California Philharmonic, Corona del Mar CA
Horn, co-principal (2018 - 2019) Branden Muresan, Conductor

Saddleback College Symphony, Mission Viejo CA
Horn, principal (2015 - 2019) Yorgos Koritas, Conductor

Boesendorfer Consort, Woodwind Quintet/Sextet, Irvine CA Horn (2019-2020)

Amici d’Amelia Woodwind Quintet, Irvine CA
Horn (2003 - 2012) Amelia Neustadt, founder

Saddleback College Symphony, Mission Viejo CA
Horn, principal (2006 - 2009) Carmen Dominguez, Conductor

Men Alive: Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, Santa Ana CA Baritone (2002 - 2003) Rich Cook, Music Director

Orange Coast College Symphony, Costa Mesa CA
Horn, principal (1997 - 2001) Alan Remington, Conductor

Palomar College Symphony, San Marcos CA
Horn, principal (1993 - 1996) Robert Gilson, Conductor

South Coast Brass Quintet, Santa Ana CA
Horn (1988 - 1992)

Mater Dei High School, Santa Ana CA
Horn Section Coach and Private Horn Instructor (ca 1985 - 1986)

Puente Hills High School, Hacienda Heights CA
Horn Section Coach and Private Horn Instructor (ca 1985 - 1986)

Koyasan Cub Scout Troup, Los Angeles/Little Tokyo CA
Recorder Instructor/Director (ca 1982 - 1986)

California Music Academy, Fullerton CA
Horn Section Coach and Recorder Instructor (ca 1983 - 1985) Benton Minor, Music Director

Fullerton Civic Light Opera, Fullerton CA
Horn/Recorder (ca 1982 - 1992) Benton Minor & Leo Kreter, Music Directors • Shows include: Song of Norway, Carmen, Robin Hood, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Show Boat, Sound of Music, Carousel, Jesus Christ Superstar

Consort da Camera Renaissance Ensemble, Brea CA
Lead – Recorders/Crumhorns (ca 1981 - 1987)

Private Music Instructor, Orange County CA
Horn and Recorder (ca 1982 - 1986)

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California

Bachelor of Arts, Music
California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 4
Q1
Full Name:

Syed Zia Hussain
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Arts Commission (Complete Questions 9-17 on the Next
Page)
,
Parks and Community Services Commission ,
Planning Commission
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

I am completing my undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and have worked for the planning dept Cal Poly Pomona and City of Tustin. I have also conducted research on Walkability in Costa Mesa.

I have undergraduate degree in Management from Netherlands and Associate degree in Architecture and Event Management. 1- I run an Environment Design meetup group. And have travelled Europe. I understand the value of Open spaces and street art. I recently walked the Stroget Street in Copenhagen.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I have travelled and lived in many countries especially in Europe and I understand the value of small-town look design, where even far distinctions are walkable. It is because how each street and every site is designed in a way that is comfortable and interested and full of people.

I would like to make my City ( Costa Mesa) more interesting and comfortable for all its residents and make it most sustainable city within OC. I like to keep my ideas innovative so it also becomes the most tourist place with in OC and California. #17

COMP LETE
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Sta
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Last Modified: Saturday, December 31, 2022 4:47:10 AM Time Spent:
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IP Address:
216
.158.109.163

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 4
Q5
Optional Resume:

URP-Resume.pdf (247.2KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: Syed Zia Hussain
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Syed Zia Hussain
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Planning dept Cal Poly Pomona University
Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

Intern Planning Aide

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 4
Q11
Key Accomplishments:
maintaining architectural physical drawings, customer service, drawing on update developments Q12
Please share you background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

I have been member of UNESCO-CID for the past 8 years. I am the first UNESCO-CID member and first IDTA, UK qualified Muslim and Pakistani.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?=LM91W5qqk7o&t=230s
(Netherlands TV show)
2- I was singer and songwriter for Lasers group for 8 years. 3- Taught dancing at French Cultural Center, Karachi, Pakistani, Parnas Arts Center, Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Was Leader in Dance group and Music group in InterCollege, Nicosia, Cyprus. 3- Hosted a radio show at Mercurius radio Leeuwarden, Netherlands. 4- Did several events and dance workshops with Expect-Leeuwarden.

Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the city of Costa Mesa? I have international experience in the fields of Music and Dance. And I can also introduce a new culture of Art from the South Asia. My Bhangra Choreography at the Orange Coast College Concert was one of the unique dance piece.

Q14
Please share you vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

I believe Costa Mesa has a lot of potential to grow and expose in art. Art if a great expression of culture also. Without art the life is dull and very machine like.

I have released three music albums and have organized several music shows Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or participating in arts and multicultural programming:

I have organized and conducted several multicultural dance events in Netherlands and some in Costa Mesa. I have received funds from the Cultural dept Leeuwarden Netherlands, and have worked with non profit organization "Expect-Leeuwarden" and received appreciation letter.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 4 / 4
Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

Member of UNESCO-CID and qualified International Dance Teachers Association UK (IDTA).

Interviewed in Leeuwarden Courant (newspaper).
(I have certificates and appreciation letters for evidence) if required can present them if required) Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
Email
Syed Zia Hussain
1300 Adams Ave 17N, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. [email protected]. [email protected] Ph: 1-714-280-3730

Key Skills
Public speaking/Presentation MS office: Excel, MS Words, Power Point Fluent in English, Urdu and Punjabi. Basic
French
Working on Sketch up, Rhino and
AutoCAD, also Adobe Creative Suite,
ArcGIS and InDesign. Word Processing,
Excellent in verbal and writing skills.

Technical Report writing and
Communication/Presentations

Excellent in Research, Analysis and technical
writing. Basic statistic on Excel and use of
census data website.

Principles of Urban Planning, Knowledge of
zoning and local laws on Urban Planning
Ability to work independently.

Achievements:
➢ Owner “OC Smart City Developer” Sept 2022. https://www meetup.com/oc-smart-city-developers- meetup-group/
➢ Received scholarship in Architecture study Program 2018 at Orange Coast College. ➢ Architecture club member, and member of honor societies, Orange Coast College. ➢ Brought in three sponsors for the Homeless Veterans Summer festival at American Family Housing during internship for college credit.
➢ Certification of participant student in WTS (Transportation Academy) 2021. ➢ Student member of APA (American Planning Association) ➢ Qualified Gold Level International Dance Teacher Association, UK certification in Freestyle dance.

United States:
➢ Planning Aide Intern – (Student Intern Planning) at Cal Poly Pomona Facility Planning and Management department. Working as intern at the DRC (Documentation Record Center) for Summer 2022. Duties: Record keeping, cold calls, drawing figure grounds, Site Analysis maps, printout Architectural drawing, files keeping and admin work. ➢ Administrative Intern – (Planning and Building) at City of Tustin. dept. (Oct 2021- Feb 2022). Duties include and not limited to variance, condition permits to the clients who request for it, design reviews, Quality control and update code files. Customer service and attend phone calls for Building and Planning department concerns ➢ Worked at City of San Clemente as Recreational Leader. Aug 2020 – May 2021.

Netherlands:
➢ Event planner and Coordinators with Expect-Leeuwarden for several fundraising events, and hosted their radio show for 1 year and supported produce. Leeuwarden, Netherlands. ➢ Teacher at Parnas Performing Arts School, Leewuarden, Netherlands. 2007 to 2009.

Pakistan:
➢ English teacher at My Little World secondary school, Karachi, Pakistan. And organized several teachers workshops. 1999 to 2000.
➢ Produced three song albums and managed promotional activities of the music group. 1992 to 1997.

Education:
➢ Majoring in Urban Planning, Cal Poly Pomona CA. 3RD Year 2020-update. Expect graduation date Spring 2023. (Taking up to 16 credits study load each semester) ➢ Associate degree in Architecture (Honors) GPA 3.36, Orange Coast College, CA. ➢ Associate Degree in Meeting and Event Management from Orange Coast College, CA. ➢ Undergraduate degree in Service Management. Stenden University, Netherlands.

Research Work
➢ Original research; topic “Effects of New High Dense Housing Development on Walkability in Costa Mesa City”, at Orange Coast College symposium March 2020.

Supervisor Prof. Dr Dean Abernathy, OCC Architecture Dept. ➢ “How encouraging is Costa Mesa City to Walkability”. March 2019.

Activities: Travelled and lived in United Kingdom, Netherlands, Cyprus, Denmark, Sweden, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and visited Texas, Los Vegas, and Michigan in USA.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Edward Huang
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Arts Commission (Complete Questions 9-17 on the Next
Page)
,
Planning Commission
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

Arts Commission - Art has always had a special place in my heart. I've grown up drawing and oil painting and continue to do so today.

I've implemented digital drawing techniques at my previous architectural firm and participated in City wide chalk art festivals. I would like to continue to see and boost Costa Mesa as the "City of the Arts." Planning Commission - My passion lies within placemaking and creating vibrant spaces. Although I grew up in the area, I spent the last decade in Denver, CO focusing on bettering the city through sustainable masterplanning, mixed-use urban infill and adaptive reuse projects. Now living in West Side Costa Mesa, I would love to be part of this commission to help guide the direction of zoning and planning within the City.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Arts Commission - More arts and cultural festivals that promote local and regional artists, and also activate the public realm.

Planning Commission - Promoting greater City and Regional connectivity through the walkability and bikeability of streets and ground level activation.
#2

COMP LETE
Col
lector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Sta
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Last Modified: Thursday, December 15, 2022 2:48:07 PM Time Spent:
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IP Address:

72. 213.245.125

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 3
Q5
Optional Resume:

Edward%20Huang%20Resume.pdf (37.8KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: Edward Huang
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Edward Huang
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

TA Partners LLC
Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

Construction Manager

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 3
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Enhanced Denver's urban fabric through vibrant urban infill projects and would love to translate those ideas in Costa Mesa through the arts.

Q12
Please share you background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

Over 10 years of formal visual art education including drawing, oil painting and photography.

Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the city of Costa Mesa? Art has helped me in my life and career. I would like to pay it Q14
Please share you vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

I would love to see the arts extend more into the public realm in both 2D and 3D art around the City. Art should enhance spaces and promote a sense of discovery for both visitors and residents.

Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or participating in arts and multicultural programming:

Placed in city wide photography competitions and chalk art festivals. Continue to oil paint and produce digital art.

Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

Participated as a board member in an education based non-profit in Denver, CO.

Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
City of Costa Mesa email
Edward Huang

CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Architect in CO

LEED AP
NCARB Certified

AFFILIATIONS &

MEMBERSHIPS
NAIOP
Urban Land Institute
American Institute of Architects
NCARB
USGBC

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Architecture
• Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for academics
• Commendation Award for academics in the School of Architecture • Study abroad in India, China, Korea and England
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA - May 2009 University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO - May 2016

ACTIVITIES
• Creative lead for an educational nonprofit based in Denver, CO Nathan Yip Foundation, Denver, CO - Board Member - 2018 - Present • Participant in the 2019 ULI Development 360 program with an overview of the real estate development process on McWhinney’s RiDE studio apartments. • Pro forma analysis, yield and site studies in a year long program as a mentee to a multifamily developer in Denver, CO.

Urban Land Institute - Development 360
NAIOP - Mentorship Program

EXPERIENCE
Fentress Architects, Denver, CO - Architect - 2009 - 2017 TA Partners LLC, Irvine, CA - Construction Manager - 2022 - Present • Airports - Architect for over $3 billion in airports including Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Orlando International Airport. • Convention Centers - Architect for the San Diego Convention Center Expansion, Miami Convention Center Expansion, Colorado Convention Center Expansion Phase III. • Marketing - Designed various marking collateral to promote Fentress Architects. • Construction - Coordinating the design team with the construction team to problem solve various construction related issues. Providing contractors and subs direction on RFIs, Submittals and other day to day tasks.
• Value Add - Renovating buildings to promote better usability for tenants and residents. • Yield & Proforma Analysis - Proforma analysis for potential projects.

Tryba Architects, Denver, CO - Architect - 2017 - 2022
• Zoning & Entitlements - Led zoning studies, site entitlement and rezoning work between the client and the city and presentations at neighborhood meetings. • Construction Administration - Taken a wide range of projects from concept design through construction ranging from mixed-use developments to schools. • Masterplanning - Site layouts and complex yield studies for multi-phase, mixed- use developments ranging from 7 acres to 100 acres.
• Adaptive Reuse - Visioning and programming for office and industrial repositioning projects in to create collaborative spaces for multi-tenant lab and industrial users. • Yield & Proforma Analysis - Working closely with developers on feasibility studies on sites ranging from urban infill/adaptive reuse, to ground up development. • MBA with emphasis on Real Estate & Entrepreneurship
• 2016 NAIOP Real Estate Challenge
• Led a 6 person team to create the development vision, market research, pro forma analysis for the 21 acre, TOD site for Westminster, CO.

SKILLS
Pro Forma Analysis, Programming and Visioning. Licensed architect experienced in all phases of design and construction on complex mixed-use developments. Marketing and branding capabilities with strong concept visioning expertise on mixed-use developments. Fluent in Mandarin and English with basic Spanish.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 5
Q1
Full Name:

Fisher Derderian
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

As a proud resident of Costa Mesa, I wish to utilize my experience as the Executive Director of an international arts and culture nonprofit to serve our city on the Arts Commission and help realize its vision to be the premiere “City of the Arts” in Southern California. The organization I run is named after the world-renowned philosopher Sir Roger Scruton, the leading thinker on beauty and culture within the last 50 years. In carrying out our mission to further the legacy of Professor Scruton, my professional work in the arts and culture has been built upon cultivating an active network of some of the top musicians, composers, painters, sculptors, authors, and architects across the North and South America, Europe, and Asia. My experience includes the establishment of a $50,000 annual prize to recognize the lifetime achievement of individuals who have furthered culture and the humanities; partnerships with congressional offices in the U.S. House of Representatives and leading national arts organizations to build new coalitions around federal arts policy; and the worldwide premiere of a new opera at the historic Grange Hall venue in the U.K. this coming summer. With my experience and network, I believe my participation in the Arts Commission will be a boon to the ongoing efforts to build our community into a more beautiful place that enriches the daily lives of families across Costa Mesa. # 34

C OMPLETE
Collector: Web Link 1 ( Web Link)
Started: Thursday, January 05, 2023 4:43:11 PM
Last Modified: Thursday, January 05, 2023 4:54:20 PM Time Spent: 00:11:09
IP Address: 23.124.253.62

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 5
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? As an Arts Commissioner for Costa Mesa, my aim would be to help realize the plans, projects, and goals outlined in our city’s recently published Arts & Culture Master Plan. While the work has already begun–evidenced by the creation of this commission and the hiring of the City’s Arts Specialist–I find the four goals that seek to expand our community’s engagement with the arts and opportunities to support artists and various creative organizations especially exciting and inspiring. I would be delighted to play a part in developing the numerous programs listed under the goals such as: expanding public art in the city, creating an “art crawl”, expanding offerings for children to engage in art, expanding access to art for people of all incomes, appointing an Artist Laureate of Costa Mesa, strengthening the city’s arts grants program, and encouraging a vigorous ecosystem of artists, arts-related organizations and creative businesses in our community. It would be a great honor to use my abilities and experience to contribute to the flourishing our city and its vibrant art scene by supporting these various projects as listed in the Arts & Culture Master Plan.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: Fisher Derderian
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Fisher Derderian

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 5
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Roger Scruton Legacy Foundation
Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

Executive Director and Founder
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Forming and managing a network of leading thinkers and practitioners across various fields in the arts and culture; establishing and managing the Sir Roger Scruton Prize, a $50,000 cash prize and medal awarded to one individual annually in recognition of their contributions to further the humanities and culture; organizing the worldwide concert premiere of an original opera; and organizing and hosting numerous educational programs on various topics related to the arts and culture.

Q12
Please share you background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

The arts–and, thus, art education–have been extremely important to me throughout my life. Starting as a young child, music has had a central role in my life. I’ve studied piano, trombone, and bass guitar and have had the honor to perform in various venues around the country. While I was studying in New York City, I played in and directed a small jazz ensemble that led to multiple opportunities for professional performances. I then went on to study the philosophy of art under the leading philosopher in the subject, Sir Roger Scruton. My thesis, supervised by Professor Scruton, was one of four to receive marks of distinction. The thesis examined the role of art in our lives and what it means for us to be shaped, and enriched, by our interactions with art.

Being so moved and excited by my studies, I decided to continue my work with Professor Scruton by establishing the institution which was to carry forth his legacy. Since then, I have built out a network of artists, academics, writers, and leaders who share our same dedication and love for the arts and culture, and are committed to advancing beauty around the world. More specifically, one of our projects is working with congressional offices and other leading arts nonprofits to consider how we keep alive traditional crafts in art and encourage new regional schools to create meaningful art for Americans in the 21st century. This work, and the other projects listed throughout the application, naturally require great efforts to build coalitions and engage with affected communities–including artists, policymakers, funders, think tanks, and nonprofits, among others.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 4 / 5
Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the city of Costa Mesa? The reason I am applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the City of Costa Mesa is to play a part in building our city into the premiere “City of the Arts” in Southern California. It is my belief that art and beauty have an unparalleled ability to speak to the human soul, ennobling the highest aspirations of people and bringing together communities around a shared sense of what they love. While Costa Mesa is already a beautiful city, I think there are a number of opportunities for us to grow as “the City of the Arts” in a way that continues to enrich the daily lives of families, young people, professionals, and the elderly across our community and many neighborhoods. I’d love to be a part of that growth and contribute to the welfare and uplifting of my neighbors so that we all might live better, healthy, and more meaningful lives.

Q14
Please share you vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

My vision is for the arts to play a central role in the lives of Costa Mesans. This means creating a beautiful city where all people, no matter their age or income, have the ability to experience and engage with art; where creative enterprises, both private and public, flourish; and where our reputation as “the City of the Arts” is known far and wide. Costa Mesa should value public art and opportunities to display our best art publicly that elevates our community, bringing enjoyment and appreciation to the daily lives of residents throughout the city. We should seek to continue expanding opportunities to engage in art through partnerships with our impressive arts and culture institutions, coming up with new creative ways to reach more people–whether young students, families, adults, or the elderly. Costa Mesa should be known as the place where creative businesses need to be located and the home to an active and innovative network of artists, arts nonprofits, and arts-related community organizations. Finally, this vigorous cultural ecosystem consisting of artists, art institutions, creative businesses, and a beautiful community should be the basis of our city’s reputation and establish Costa Mesa as a thriving center of a “creative” tourism industry. If we can achieve this vision, I’m confident no city in Southern California will be more worthy of the title, “the City of the Arts.” Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or participating in arts and multicultural programming:

As previously stated, my work consists in the fundraising for, planning of, and hosting arts and cultural programming. I’ve submitted numerous grant applications and raised donations from individuals to fund various projects and programming that strategically leverage our resources to have outsized impact. I’ve planned numerous events and am currently in the process of planning: a concert to premiere original music in an historic venue, an international academic conference at the University of Cambridge on beauty, and various seminars around the world to educate different groups on the arts and culture. Finally, I’ve hosted multiple lectures and interviews, online programs, a gala dinner for an international prestigious award, and a number of roundtables to develop institutional strategies with high-level constituents. This experience, I believe, will be an invaluable contribution to the Arts Commission and be a great boon to our city’s efforts in the arts.

Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

N/A
City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 5 / 5
Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
Social Media
City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 5
Q1
Full Name:

Sean Keith (Skeith) DeWine
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

My name is Skeith DeWine. I have been an artist and arts activist my entire life. I have been art arts educator both in art history and teaching various disciplines of arts either at local museums, community outreach programs or in the Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Camps working with youth at risk. I created my own art startup company Called the Leonardo Da Vinci Institute of Discovery where I teach other the benefits of combining art,science and naturalistic observations from life in order to create new technologies. The process is called "biomimicry". I fought for artist affordable housing both at the regional and state levels for the City of Santa Ana. I am currently a real estate gent where one of my objectives is to help artists procure art space either for living, working or retail. I have done fund raising in various capacities for art exhibitions. I have exhibited at multiple museums and art galleries throughout California during my career. Additionally I have run one of the longest running operational art galleries in Orange County called T.S.A.G.I.C or “The Smallest Art Gallery In California. Many significant California Artists had their very first art exhibitions out of my space and our now in Museum collections throughout the United States and around the world. #9

COMP LETE
Col
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Sta
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Last Modified: Monday, December 26, 2022 4:50:15 PM Time Spent:
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IP Address:
174
.195.192.230

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City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 5
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? First is to Bring a museum and college of fashion to Costa Mesa.The city of Costa Mesa is the sports apparel capital of the world and I would like to spotlight that and bring the sports, apparel and art world into closer proximity utilizing a fashion museum or college as the catalyst to initiate a new direction for the city.

Second: In the past I have worked to create an affordable artist housing project for the city of Santa Ana. I have had great sucess in that city and been an advisor to the City of Santa Ana for artists housing for over 20 years.

Third - Art and technology - I have been over to OCC and met with the curator Tyler Stallings several times. They have a new digital art and technology learning center where people can learn about making computer games, documentary film making and 3-D Printing and the latest trending technologies with applications in the realm of the fine arts and design. I would like to see that exploited and more accessible to the City of Costa Mesa's youth so they can tap into future vocational opportunities.

Finally, a learning and naturalistic studies learning center at Banning Ranch where we have the capacity to teach our youth the benefits of combining the studies of art, nature and science. A place where our youth can imagine, envision and create new technological breakthroughs through their closer connections and understandings of nature. I want our youth to have the opportunity to learn new skill sets in order to handle issues like global warming or instilling the abilities to understand the natural world at a higher degree and develop new technologies from those naturalistic studies.

Q5
Optional Resume:
!_SDewine_Arts_resume%20(1)%20OC_MASTER%20C.pdf (138.5KB) Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: Sean Keith "Skeith" DeWine
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 5
Q8
Full Name:

Sean Keith DeWine
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Coldwell Banker, Newport Beach, CA
Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

Real Estate Agent
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Key Accomplishments Founding member of the Santa Ana Artists Village Founder of the Santa Ana Artists Walk. Revitalizing the Abbot Kinney, Venice Beach Artists District with architect Stephen Shortridge. Creating the children/teen art and design art program at the Peterson Museum of Automotive History. Creating my own art/technology startup company called the "California Leonardo DaVinci Institute of Discovery and obtaining museum exhibitions and global media attention for my efforts especially in the arena of education by showcasing the benefits of combining art and technology. Having one of the longest operating art galleries in Orange County. Being a working thriving artist for over 25 years! Creation of the Lavender Underground – Smuggling Contraband or censored art into Russia and Iran along with other humanitarian endeavors to further the issues of social justice freedoms and acceptance of underrepresented minorities

Page 2 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 4 / 5
Q12
Please share you background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

I have been an educator both in the science and art for the city of Los Angeles. In issues with Santa Ana I had to coordinate regularly with city council and media outlets in order to help establish the city as a major arts destination. The rigor of constant community outreach, event planning are a necessity in order to attract new artist to Orange County for the past 25 years. I was the first to identify the Peterson Museum of Auto History need an arts education program and went about it myself to start the ball rolling with close communications with the LA Times and KCRW in order to garner support for efforts. And make the board see that they had a larger responsibility to the community then displaying expensive automotive. I have a background in Italian Renaissance art history especially in the area of urban planning and design with coursework at Hard University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Over the years I have become adept at understanding and creating art cities or, the very least arts districts. Its a special skill where one needs to demonstrate to merchants that the arts are a vital tool to attract new commerce to a city and the privileges and hospitality requirements that brings. I come from a family of jazz musicians, screen writers and scenic and set designers. I have over 60 museum or gallery exhibitions under my belt. Additionally, I have been a regular curator of gallery owner with exhibitions with artist from varied cultures, social and economic demographics. I have participated in a great many panel discussions on the fine arts over the years. I have been a civil rights activist utilizing my skill and knowledge of arts as my main tool to bring about social changes and justices. I was employed at the Laguna Museum of art for over three years in the exhibition and display department.

Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the city of Costa Mesa? In the early 1990's I felt Costa Mesa did a very poor job supporting their arts community and spent the majority of it's time and financial efforts devoted to the development of it's Orange County Performing Arts Center. I felt left out in the cold and neglected as a visual artist in the city. When I lodged complaints with the city council of Costa Mesa it fell on deaf ears. So, I left and went onto to put all my efforts into the City of Santa Ana. The city was respectful and excited to have me. Years later the owner, of Juxtapose Art Magazine, Greg Escalante had seen my arts activism in Venice Beach, Ca and Santa Ana. He asked me to return to Costa Mesa and help bring fashion, sports and the fine arts into closer proximity of one an other in order to formulate a new vibrant unexpected art scene. Greg wasn't only an arts entrepreneur but, an avid surfer. He was aware of my past arts activism. And, I figured since I am in Costa Mesa I can be one of many people to guide the city in a positive direction for artists so others do not leave the city out of disappointment like I did in the past. It's an opportunity to come full circle, rewrite history and empower other artists with the knowledge I have learned to apply towards grassroots art city community planning and development.

Q14
Please share you vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

I believe my vision of Costa Mesa falls into three categories. The first is to embrace, enhance and accelerate the overlooked fashion component of the city and spotlight it through the arts and upcoming Olympics the intersection that art can supply to support that. The second is to place Costa Mesa into a leadership role of environmental activism by utilizing the fine arts and Banning Ranch as a catalyst to initiate change or participation and heightened knowledge about our environment through fine art studies. Finally, to increase awareness and branding of Costa Mesa as a key art city within the Pacific Rim and extend invitations to other countries and cultures of the Pacific Rim to share their artistic and cultural customs within the city of Costa Mesa.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 5 / 5
Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or participating in arts and multicultural programming:

Participant in Media Arts Santa Ana - (MASA)
Educator and volunteer for the Los Angeles Unified School System working in the "Pregnant Minor Program".

Helping create an underground organization called the "Lavender Mafia" where we smuggled censored or controversial artwork on the back of postage stamps to be enlarged at later date and connect insular art communities to the outside world. Later through our work we were given locations of safe houses and encoded their locations in drawings and paintings. This work helped save lives in both Russia and Iran. You learn a few tricks when you grow up in a Jewish household.

On multiple occasions showcased trans and LGBTQ individuals artwork out of my art gallery.

Exhibited artwork of artists dealing with addictions and gave them a space to tell their personal narratives though art and utilize it as a source of therapy.

Exhibitions with key Native American and Latino artists out of my art gallery like Richard Vargas and political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz.

My own artwork deals with immigration and migration issues. Further themes in my art demonstrates missed opportunities when we neglect the natural environment.

My latest work in the sports world is garnering attention and upcoming gallery exhibitions to break down social and gender barriers in the world of sports.

Lectured at U.C.R and other regional institutions about combining art and technology and the benefits and breakthroughs in science that brings.

Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

Media Arts Santa Ana (MASA), Urban Land Institute, member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ran workshops out of my art
studio regarding art making or social/community projects for over 20 years.

Taught science and art in the LACOE Juvenile Detention Camps. Worked as a volunteer for "Poor Boy Industries", Worked in the Direct Mail Industry with family business. Designed backdrops and scenic designs for plays. Hosted fashion shows out of my art studios. Networked for years to bring the OC and LA art scenes closer together with many varied special events. Created the Leonardo Da Vinci Institute of Discovery - (combining science art and tech together into one single bundle, practicing architectural design and industrial design, grant writing. Currently working on a body of paintings and sculptures that capture Socal and Costa Mesa's skateboarding and surfing scenes.

Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
A roundabout way from Richard Stein in conjunction with Pocha Pena and Victor Payan and Lisa Berman. Some additional credit needs to go to Greg Escalante for talking me into coming back to the city. He got me fired up about accentuating Costa Mesa skateboard and surfing scene and have fun with it in the public spotlight if I was ever given the opportunity. You never really think of art as an "OPPORTUNITY" But, rather an obligation to help make changes with god gifted skill sets. Art changes everything and brings out the best qualities in humanity.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 4
Q1
Full Name:
rhonda valles
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I am a lifetime resident of Costa Mesa, attending both St Johns and Estancia. I am also now a homeowner. I desire t be a part of the city planning and progress. I am available to invest time to assist the city. I am also a business owner in manufacturing uniforms for the US government, with SBA 8a, 8m, minority designations with over 15yrs past and present working with the US government as a civilian contractor. I am familiar with process. I am also an artist, having been a professional touring songwriter/guitar player under the Budweiser True Music program from 2003-2010 with large venue, tv and radio performances. I am currently active as a songwriter with tv placements but no longer touring. My business success as well as my music success gives me a perspective that i believe will be useful to the city for its progress and growth into the new year. #12

COMP LETE
Col
lector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Sta
rted: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 5:20:44 PM
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 5:44:15 PM Time Spent:
00:
23:31
IP Address:
108
.255.45.53

Page 1 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 4
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I am interested in assisting with the direction the city is taking or will take with regards to both building developments, business support, housing and recreational upkeep and expansion, which from my purview is overall planning. My first choice would be to join the planning committee, as a business owner and having grew up in the apparel sector (velcro valley) with business letters of recommendation from Quiksilver CEO and Performance Accolades from USMC I have experience in what small (and large) businesses need from their cities with regards to zoning and access needs (i.e., SBA HUB) while maintaining the residential integrity that the city was founded upon. I would prefer to be on the Planning Commission.

I am also interested in the Arts Commission. As an artist and supporter of the arts, i see ways to integrate and encourage arts and art activities for the residents with continuing projects such as the painted utility boxes, which add character to a kind city while maintaining the residential integrity of long time residents like myself. I believe in more social involvement and public reach outs, educating on the history of the city with more historical arts projects perhaps, giving attention to the indigenous people who lived here before us, and presenting the city in a way where its inhabitants, both native and new residents take pride in the upkeep, and overall community cooperation. Encouraging through the arts a cleaner, safer, cooperative, and cohesive community.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: rhonda valles
Address:

Address 2:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:
rhonda valles

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 4
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:
self
Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

US Military Uniform Mfg Consultant
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Awarded over $40m in Government contracts, SBA 8a & 8m, Concert Performances in over 10 large venues for audiences ranging from 3-15,000 people and television/radio appearances.

Q12
Please share you background and experience or
knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts
education, arts administration and community
outreach/engagement:

Respondent skipped this question
Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or
participating in arts and multicultural programming:

Respondent skipped this question
Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience,
volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

Respondent skipped this question

Page 2 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 4 / 4
Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
Respondent skipped this question
City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Travis Gramberg
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I would love to be apart of the Arts movement within Costa Mesa. I am a Licensed Landscape Architect with a passion for the arts. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor in Science in Landscape Architecture and I technically also have a minor in Fine Art.

My minor in Fine art was unfortunately not acknowledged since the Fine Art department was dissolved while I was graduating.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Finding ways to incorporate art into our city through public development. I also would like to take a look at our existing park systems or public streets to find opportunities for art to be incorporated. This can be done through sculpture, mural walls, wildflower gardens, interactive pathways, or even augmented reality markers.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
#16

COMP LETE
Col
lector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Sta
rted: Thursday, December 29, 2022 1:13:33 PM
Last Modified: Thursday, December 29, 2022 2:00:23 PM Time Spent:
00:
46:50
IP Address:
107
.184.179.62

Page 1 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 3
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: Travis Gramberg
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Travis Gramberg
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Self Employed - Koheid Design, Inc.

Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

President - Landscape Architect
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Successfully starting and growing my company over the past 6 years.

Page 2 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 3
Q12
Please share you background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

I'm a Landscape Architect that has worked in Land Art sculptures, painting, ceramics, and charcoal drawing. I spent a fifth year at Cal Poly Pomona taking all the classes necessary for a minor in Fine Art. This was never fully recognized as the art department was dissolved. Landscape Architecture is art in itself and at my company I make sure to bring that into the forefront of every design.

Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the city of Costa Mesa? I have a passion for the Arts and Costa Mesa. I want to be apart of a group that fosters growth and opportunities for all of the artist that live within this city.

Q14
Please share you vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

To make art more interactive within Costa Mesa. Artwork that is seen, participated in, and grown.

Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or participating in arts and multicultural programming:

I have planned and constructed artwork within public and private landscapes.

Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

I volunteered my expertise at the 19th Street Methodist Church to plan and oversee the landscape renovation. This project was completed 100% with volunteers and donated planting. Most of the planting was harvested from landscape crews that were planning on throwing away the plants. I have also been apart of two Make A Wish Foundation Murals. One I organized at Cal Poly Pomona, the other one I participated in painting at an elementary school.

Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
Personal research and a phone conversation with Laurette Garner.

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 1 / 4
Q1
Full Name:

Talena L Mara
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I am a highly experienced arts executive at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and previously at Lincoln Center in New York City. I lead the largest direct services arts education programs in the nation here at Segerstrom Center, and these programs serve 300,000 people each year throughout Costa Mesa, Orange County, and the region. I am actively involved and can provide an expertise in all aspects of community engagement through the arts and would very much like to help nurture and provide expertise to the City of Costa Mesa to further and enhance its reputation as the City of the Arts.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I'm interested in helping to plan community arts festivals and in helping arts organizations throughout the city collaborate on projects that allow our community to actively engage with fun, interesting arts activities that will help them connect more deeply to one another and the City of Costa Mesa. I am also interested in being part of this leadership group that brings an expertise to all aspects of leadership in the arts in this city I love, and in which I work each day Q5
Optional Resume:

Talena%20Mara_Resume_update.pdf (139.7KB)
#6

COMP LETE
Col
lector: Web Link 1 (Web Link)
Sta
rted: Monday, December 19, 2022 12:06:51 PM
Last Modified: Monday, December 19, 2022 1:35:55 PM Time Spent:
01:
29:04
IP Address:

12. 236.92.61

Page 1 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 2 / 4
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Name: Talena L Mara
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Talena Mara
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Q10
Current of Most Recent Job Title:

Vice President, Education

Page 2 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 3 / 4
Q11
Key Accomplishments:
• I design and implement the Beckman Arts and Science Community Festival at SCFTA along with many other community events. • Lead the largest arts in education programs in the nation. • I have actively led and participated in designing and implementing high quality, meaningful, engaging multi-cultural programming in Costa Mesa through Segerstrom Center for the Arts for more than a decade. • Recently awarded the Distinguished Education Partners Award by the Irvine Chamber of Commerce. • Santa Ana Mayors Award recipient. Distinguished Community Partners Awardee from CSU Fullerton. • Guest speaker at the United Nations Forum in New York City presenting on multi-cultural arts and how these shared experiences connect communities despite known historical barriers.

Q12
Please share you background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

I am a highly experienced and demonstrated executive leader in the area of executive non-profit arts leadership, arts education and artistic presentation/production and arts education with many years of experience working in urban/rural communities nationally and internationally, and in successful interdepartmental collaborative processes in university settings as well. The range of my experience includes organizational artistic vision and thought leadership in designing relevant, engaging, impactful arts content that connects to the larger artistic vision. Skills the City of Costa Mesa might find useful:
-- Visionary strategic organizational planning expertise in artistic endeavors and arts education, along with a deep understanding of the extraordinary impact these programs have on individuals, schools, and whole communities. -- Influential, inspiring leadership, administration, and public speaking -- Connection builder and recognized effective internal/external relationship building -- Impactful organizational storyteller and successful fundraiser -- All-levels arts educator, an expertise in K-12 school cultures and in building university-setting collaborative relationships and processes.

My canon of work and life experiences provide both theoretical and artistic understanding of arts and culture combined with well- informed passionate advocacy and community leadership. I have always worked successfully in furthering the mission, expanding the vision, and guaranteeing the well-being of the organizations with which I have been associated throughout my career. My extensive experience at The Juilliard School and my tenure in executive leadership positions at Lincoln Center and presently as Vice President of Education at Segerstrom Center for the Arts located in Southern California make me especially well qualified to apply these acquired skills as a visionary leader for arts programming and processes as part of the local community. Holding to a career-long commitment to the arts and public service along with a keen vision for the role of arts in local communities and cultures, I offer the City of Costa Mesa access to these specialized arts leadership tools and expertise.

Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the city of Costa Mesa? I would like to be part of a larger vision for the City of Costa Mesa as I help to build and create the vision for Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the largest arts non-profit organization in Orange County City of Costa Mesa Application for Commission Appointment 4 / 4
Q14
Please share you vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

With the passage of Proposition 28 in our recent election, the landscape for the arts in Costa Mesa will be profoundly impacted for the better as local students slowly gain access to the arts in their school environments. This means that students and their families will be better acquainted with basic arts standards and will begin to seek opportunities to either participate in or create their own neighborhood/local community through which to engage with world arts and arts processes. The City of Costa Mesa should see a huge increase in the numbers of people who would like to participate in city-wide arts programming in the 5-10 years ahead, and I would very much like to be part of the group that helps guide the city towards preparation for such an arts renaissance in our own community and across the entire state.

Q15
Please share your experience in producing and or participating in arts and multicultural programming:

Each day my team and I program the largest arts education programs in the nation to work intentionally and effectively with the largely diverse and multicultural community throughout Southern California. Our work primarily focuses on helping communities connect to one another to and through the arts in the ways in which they are most comfortable. This has been the entire focus of my career both here at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, but also in my many years successfully programming and participating in multicultural arts in New York City prior to being offered my current role in Costa Mesa.

Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:
-- Member -- Broadway League's Audience Engagement Committee -- Member -- Broadway League
-- Member -- National Guild for Community Arts Schools and Organizations -- Member -- OCDE's OC Music and Arts Administrators Committee -- Founder and Partner -- Arts Leadership Forum
-- Actively involved with organizations across Orange County that help and guide high risk youth in our communities, including those who are incarcerated.

Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
Eileen Cirillo encouraged me to apply and be part of these important conversations Talena Mara
Garden Grove, CA / New York, NY /[email protected] / (646)263-4510 Non-Profit Executive Leader
Versatile and innovative arts management and education leader driving creativity, growth, transformation, and provides proven success to quickly expand existing and new initiatives. Recognized visionary thinker and leadership in partnering internally and externally to help organizations reach the fullest potential through thought leadership, operational excellence and collaboration while driving accountability to improve performance, productivity, and community impact to meet and exceed mission goals. • Visionary leader in strategic development, defining organizational priorities, mission and culture, collaborative new initiatives, project implementation and organizational leadership for growth working across organizations, governments, NGOs and local authorities.
• Champions and compels mission development, strategic design for execution and managing cross-organization to support broader organizational vision and mission
• 20+ years as a national and international executive experience working in education, community engagement, and the arts in the United States, Middle East, Africa and Asia • Thought Leadership & Innovation
• Arts Education & Community
Engagement
• Fundraising & Development

• Strategic Planning & Implementation
• Program Development, Scaling & Sustainability
• Transformation & Change Agent
• Operational Effectiveness & Collaborator

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Costa Mesa, CA 2008–PRESENT Vice President, Education and Community
Directs community development and educational programming, guiding collaborative relationships with internal leadership and teams, as well as external community partners to advance the arts and education. Builds a creative culture around arts in education programming through innovative program delivery with a team of 200 advisors/volunteers for 2,300+ annual events. Member of the SCFTA Senior Leadership team. - Managing a complex $3.5M budget, assisting in fundraising efforts and overseeing funding compliance to ensure programs are designed and delivered to meet funding requirements - Works closely with Board of Directors, a large Board Education Committee, and leads in establishing the vision and mission of the organization as wells as cross-organization execution through strategy development - Direct responsibility for education grant soliciting for over $17M annually accounting for 60% of SCFTA’s fundraising goal and 25% of the Center’s annual operating budget of $68M - Co-Project Investigator on the National Science Foundation’s Equitable Science Curriculum for Integrating Arts in Public Education (ESCAPE) $6.5M Arts + STEM grant – NSF’s most highly funded arts related grant - Hires, manages and trains a team of professionals and over 150 contractors to create and deliver arts in education programs reaching more than 300,000 students across a regional population of 15 million - Developing and building California’s largest arts programs, overseeing the involvement, training and support to offer award-winning arts education programs to extend the brand and visibility across national and international markets, positioning it as a leading education thought leader - Operates as official representative and liaison of SCFTA externally in coordinating with external partners, government agencies, peer organizations and the media. Provides governance and oversight leadership across organization on behalf of the president
THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL, New York, NY 1995–2009
Department Chair and Faculty, Music Advancement Program - Chaired Faculty Council, established program policies, created advisory board and programming delivery - Developed Arts History curriculum with a global cultural focus, which was adopted as a core requirement - Taught audience impact skills classes for advanced level students and directed/conducted choral program Talena Mara (646)263-4510 /[email protected] / page 2

NEW YORK CITY OPERA (NYCO), New York, NY 2004–2007
Director of Education and Audience Development
Led large-scale education programs and innovative school and community partnerships to further the organization’s mission and reach the five boroughs of NYC and beyond, serving vast ethnic/racially diverse populations in the area.
- Directed and supervised 45 school programs geared toward educational reform and improving test scores in partner schools
- Managed staff of 20 and a $1M budget taking programs to 25,000 New York City students - Created the first overseas education program for NYCO, designing and implementing a tour to Japan requiring cross-cultural leadership and diplomacy across multi-cultural contexts - Directed the development, curatorial services and video production for 4 in-house lecture series and 1 off- premise series produced at the Guggenheim Museum
- Chaired the company’s Education Task Force, raising $500K in donations, edited publications and served as a national/international organizational representative and spokesperson MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, New York, NY 1999–2002
Director of Education Outreach and Member of Faculty
Provided education program leadership by designing and delivering more than 500 performance events serving traditionally underserved NYC students and families. As faculty, prepared 150 graduate students to be impactful arts educators.
- Directed partnership operations, overseeing $250K budget development - Secured funding to successfully develop innovative distance learning programs - Cultivated donor relationships and designed an education program that traveled in conjunction with an MSM Orchestra Tour to South America
THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL, New York, NY 1994–1999
Senior Development Associate/Scholarship Coordinator (1997–1999) Development Associate (1994 – 1997)
Managed more than $2M in scholarships, oversaw distribution, compliance, reporting, correspondence and the annual budget that ensured donor terms and academic policies were met, annual audits were passed, and ongoing funding support was secured.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY), New York, NY
Faculty, Department of Music & Art
EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC (ETM), New York, NY
Director Special Projects and Leadership Consultant
STARKEY ACADEMY, Baton Rouge, LA,
School Principal and Faculty
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, Baton Rouge, LA
Faculty & Continuing Education Program Manager
WAXAHACHIE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, Waxahachie, TX
Director of Secondary Arts Programs and Choral Activities Talena Mara (646)263-4510 /[email protected] / page 3

EDUCATION
MASTER OF SCIENCE, Organizational Leadership (Business), Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT MASTER OF MUSIC, Vocal Performance, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (studied) BACHELOR OF MUSIC, Music Education (All Levels), Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX BACHELOR OF MUSIC, Vocal Performance, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX

CURRENT BOARD SERVICE & ADVISORY
- Advisory Board -- Department of Design Thinking, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, https://designthinking.extension.ucr.edu/talena-mara.html - Advisor, Broadway League’s Education and Community Engagement Committee, New York, NY - Director/Advisor, Jacques Overhoff Foundation, Los Angeles, CA - The Boeing Company’s Arts + STEM Collaborative for 21st Century Learning, Seal Beach, CA - Policy Board Member, CREATE CA, California Arts Council, Sacramento, CA - Performing Arts Center Council for Education
- Former Advisory Council, Lincoln Center Council on Education, New York, NY

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PANELS
- United Nations
Conference on Cultural Diplomacy
– “Cultural Diplomacy and Soft
Power in an Interdependent World:

The Opportunities for Global
Governance”
New York, NY
& Washington, D.C.

Speaker: Dynamics of the Creative
Process in Community
Development
- Opera America Conference
Panel Moderator: Creating
Successful Family Programming

- Opera America Conference
Panelist: The Changing Role of the
Teaching Artist in a Global Culture
- Kennedy Center Partners in
Education Annual Meeting
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
Keynote Speaker

- Education Through Music
Leadership Conference
Bank Street School
New York, NY
Keynote Speaker

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- National Science Foundation’s
(NSF) Equitable Science
Curriculum for Integrating
Arts in Public Education
(ESCAPE) Grant
- Member, The Boeing
Company’s Arts + STEM
Collaborative for 21st Century
Learning
- Broadway Across America
- NAFSA, Association of
International Educators
- VSA
- New York City Arts and
Education Roundtable
- Opera America
- California Arts Commission
- Orange County Music and Arts
Administrators Association
- American Choral Directors
Association
- Arts Orange County
- National Guild for Arts and
Community Arts Education

References available upon request

Costa Mesa City CouncilJanuary 17, 2023

Costa Mesa City Council
January 17, 2023