4a
25-88075
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Arts and Culture Commission recommendation to fund performances and film screenings for the Alex Theatre's 100th Birthday Celebration in an amount not to exceed $240,000 dispersed from the Urban Art Fund
1. Motion approving the funding of performances and film screenings for the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration in an amount not to exceed $240,000 dispersed from the Urban Art Fund to Evensong Collective.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for June 10, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On March 20, 2025 the Arts and Culture Commission approved the proposed FY 2025- 26 Work Plan which included the funding of performances and film screenings for the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration in an amount of $120,000.
On May 15, 2025, the Arts and Culture Commission approved a Motion to recommend that City Council approve the funding of performances and film screenings as part of the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration at the Alex Theatre, in an amount not to exceed $120,000 dispersed from the FY 2024-25 Work Plan. The total funding for the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration would be $240,000 over the course of two fiscal years (FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26) dispersed from the Urban Art Fund. 4a2
25-88075
6 1
0 3
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council approve the funding of performances and film screenings as part of the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration in an amount not to exceed $240,000 dispersed from the Urban Art Fund to Evensong Collective.
ANALYSIS
For 100 years, the Alex Theatre has been a cultural landmark in Glendale, bringing people together through arts, music, films, dance - a legacy of entertainment. Many community members have voiced their expectations to Evensong Collective (Alex Theatre management company), that the City should support the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration since this is an un-paralleled opportunity to honor the City’s legacy of supporting arts and cultural initiatives.
This anniversary is more than just a milestone—it’s a chance to shine a spotlight on Glendale as a thriving cultural hub, bringing in visitors and strengthening community pride.
On March 20, 2025, during the Regular Meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission, the Commission approved the FY 2025-26 Work Plan in an amount of $2,200,000 which included programs and projects for the fiscal year. The FY 2025-26 Work Plan included funding for the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration in an amount of $120,000 to support performances and film screenings.
On May 15, 2025, during the Regular Meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission, the Commission approved an additional $120,000 from the current FY 2024-25 Work Plan to support performances and film screenings as part of the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration. Evensong Collective has created a funding proposal that includes a season of special programming that showcases Glendale’s rich artistic heritage and connects with our diverse community which will be reviewed for the Council’s consideration.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Evensong Collective has invited community members to participate in the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration Advisory Committee, which includes two Arts and Culture Commissioners, Arlene Vidor and Mark Marat Hay.
FISCAL IMPACT
The funding for performances and film screenings as part of the Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration will cost $240,000. $120,000 is pending approval as part of the proposed FY 2025-26 budget. Additional funding of $120,000 was approved as part of the FY 2024-25 budget.
4a3
25-88075
6 1
0 3
FY 2024-25 Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$120,000 43110-2100-LAC-0010-P4148 Urban Art Fund
FY 2025-26 Proposed Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$120,000 43110-2100-LAC-0010-P4148 Urban Art Fund
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
CEQA does not apply to projects where the lead agency determines "with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment." CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs.) § 15061(b)(3). Here, the action involves approval of funding in support of the Alex Theatre’s 100 th Birthday Celebration where food, activities and entertainment will be provided for the community. There is no possibility that the action may have a significant effect on the environment.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: The City Council may decline to adopt the Motion.
Alternative 2: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, Director of Library, Arts & Culture Prepared by:
Jennifer Fukutomi-Jones, Principal Library, Arts & Culture Administrator Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
EXHIBIT A – Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration Proposal EXHIBIT B – ACC_032025 – FY 2025-26 Work Plan Motion
EXHIBIT C – ACC_051525 – Alex Theatre’s 100th Birthday Celebration Funding Motion