MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 19, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor Lee and Members of the City Council of The City of Culver City
FROM: Chair Fleischer and Members of the Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission
SUBJECT: 2021 Accomplishments and 2022 Work Plans
CC: John Nachbar, City Manager
Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager
On January 18, 2022, the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) approved the transmittal of the following information to the City Council:
Cultural Affairs Commission 2021 Accomplishments (July 1 – December 31):
• General Plan Update (GPU): Provided guidance and comments on the Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Policy Framework which will inform the Cultural Element of the GPU.
• Culver City Arts Foundation (Culver Arts): Liaised and supported Culver Arts in their activities and reviewed two quarterly reports and the Foundation’s FY 2021-2022 Annual Plan per the MOU between Culver Arts and the City.
• Revitalization of Media Park: Received a presentation from Economic Development staff and City’s consultant on two conceptual plans for Media Park that included cultural elements. Provided feedback regarding the overall design and individual components and the impact on the Ivy Substation, The Actors’ Gang and the community at large.
• Performing Arts Grant Program: Reviewed 2022 Grant Guidelines and Notice of Funding Availability and grant applications from 24 organizations. Determined appropriate levels of grant funding and made recommendations to the City Council.
• Washington/National TOD Gateway Public Art: CAC Public Art Subcommittee participated in a review of six art concepts for the open green space and selected one finalist artist and concept for further development.
Cultural Affairs Commission 2021 Accomplishments and 2022 Work Plans Page 2 of 2
Cultural Affairs Commission 2022 Work Plan (January 1 – June 30):
• Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) and Virtual Performance Center:
CAC members continue to participate in ERTF meetings and review applications for the Virtual Performance Center.
• Art in Public Places Program: Continue review of applications for new artworks in conjunction with private development and inspections of installed artworks for conformance with approved concepts. Public Art Subcommittee will continue work on Washington/National TOD project and updates to CCMC Section 15.06 et seq. Performing Arts Grant and Public Art Subcommittees will complete revisions to the Art in Public Places Program Ordinance and will forward those to the CAC for a recommendation to the City Council.
• Marketing and Outreach: As appropriate, CAC participates in outreach about various programs.
• Historic Preservation Program: Program updates as included in the CCMC.
• Performing Arts Grant Program: Performing Arts Grant Subcommittee coordinates with staff on supporting grant funded performances.
• Artist Laureate Program: Provides on-going support and input as necessary for current Artist Laureate Alexey Steele and will inform program guidelines and search for new Artist Laureate in Spring/Summer 2022.
• General Plan Update: CAC will provide feedback on relevant GPU elements as they are completed and presented for review.
• Culver City Arts Foundation: Continue to liaise and support Culver Arts.
• Creative Economy: Subcommittee will continue to work with Cultural Affairs and Economic Development staff on future stakeholder meetings.