MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 31, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor Lee and Members of the City Counci l of the City of Culver City FROM: Chair Fleischer and Members of the Culver City Cul tural Affairs Commission SUBJECT: 2022 Accomplishments and Activities Plan
CC: John Nachbar, City Manager
Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager
On July 19, 2022, the Cultural Affairs Commission ( CAC) approved the transmittal of the following information to the City Council:
Cultural Affairs Commission Accomplishments (January 1 – June 30, 2022):
Art in Public Places Program: Public Art Subcommittee and CAC reviewed applications for new artworks in conjunction with private development. Subcommittee continued work on Washington/National TOD art concept by Charles Gaines and participated in inspections of installed artworks for conformance with approved concepts.
Artist Laureate Program: Received comprehensive update from current Artist Laureate Alexey Steele about projects, collaborations and community activities for 2021, including “Love My Neighbor” virtual drawing sessions. Artist Laureate Subcommittee met with Alexey Steele and staff to discuss plans for 2023; members of CAC supported events including the May 1 st benefit concert for Ukraine.
Creative Economy : Subcommittee met with Economic Development staff on future creative economy stakeholder meetings.
Cultural Affairs Division Work Plan: Received update from staff about current fiscal year work plan and status of ongoing projects. Reviewed proposed work plan for next fiscal year and provided input.
Culver City Arts Foundation (Culver Arts) : Reviewed two quarterly reports from Culver Arts and discussed reconciliation of loan. Made recommendation to City Council that the $35,000 initial loan should be considered offset by the $67,600 in direct payments made to the City.
Culver City Arts Foundation Liaison Subcommittee : Attended monthly Board meetings and community events, including the Book Festival at The Wende Museum.
Cultural Affairs Commission 2022 Accomplishments and Activities Plan Page 2 of 3
Outreach and Community Engagement: As appropriate, CAC participates in outreach about various programs and attends cultural activities in Culver City , including The Glorya Kaufman Creative Community Center groundbreaking event.
Performing Arts Grant Program: Performing Arts Grant Subcommittee reviewed and revised the 2023 Application Guidelines and Notice of Funding Availability. Members of CAC subcommittee attended 2022 grant-funded performances.
Cultural Affairs Commission Activities Plan (July 1 – December 31, 2022):
Art in Public Places Program: Continue review of applications for new artworks in conjunction with private development. Public Art Subcommittee will continue work on Washington/National TOD project, and other art projects in connection with recent developments including a new permanent art concept adjacent to The Culver Steps.
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.
Artist Laureate Program: Provide continuing support for current Artist Laureate Alexey Steele to include a potential in-person live drawing session in the fall. Work closely with staff and Culver Arts on review of program guidelines and application for 2023 Artist Laureate appointment.
Creative Economy : Subcommittee will continue to work with Cultural Affairs and Economic Development staff on future stakeholder meetings.
Culver City Arts Foundation: Continue to liaise and support Culver Arts. Provide input on MOU amendment, receive quarterly updates, an annual report, and attend Board meetings.
Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF): CAC members continue to participate in ERTF meetings with a focus on the launch of an art in empty storefronts/businesses program.
General Plan Update: CAC will provide feedback on relevant GPU cultural elements as they are completed and presented for review.
Historic Preservation Program Update: Program updates as included in the CCMC.
Outreach and Community Engagement: As appropriate, CAC participates in outreach about various programs and attends cultural activities in Culver City.
Cultural Affairs Commission 2022 Accomplishments and Activities Plan Page 3 of 3
Performing Arts Grant Program : Provide support for the formal evaluation of grant applications for performances during 2023, including attending the peer review panel meeting. Determine appropriate levels of grant funding based on panel scores and overall distribution of funds, and make recommendations to the City Council.