1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
Nov 15, 2021
Meeting by teleconference (Zoom) – in accordance with procedures on agenda 1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Marcy called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Manna, Rubino, Spackman, Tokashiki, Chair Marcy
Absent: Ryan
Staff present: Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager (CAM); Linda Robb, Parks and Recreation Management Analyst; Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -
September 20 , 2021: Moved and seconded ( Rubino/Manna) to approve as submitted. The motion carried 4-0-0-1: 4 aye; 0 no; 0 abstain; 1 absent (Ryan) by voice/hand vote.
October 18, 2021: M oved and seconded ( Manna/Spackman) to approve as submitted. The motion carried 4-0-1-1: 4 aye; 0 no; 1 abstain(Rubino); 1 absent (Ryan) by voice/hand vote.
D. CEREMONIAL – None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) –
Resident and artist Ann Pitts advised of her concerns regarding potential environmental impacts to the beach of the Catalina Classic Sculpture project.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
CAM Stewart suggested reversing the order of the two General Business items in that she thinks the 2022 Work Plan discussion may be informative to the discussion of the current Work Plan projects and with the new composition of the Commission, there are some items that there may not be as much passion for and which are also not as important to City Council. Given the long list of projects already needing action, she encouraged the Commissioners to closely examine why those projects are on the Work Plan. Commissioner Rubino suggesting maybe taking the lead with the 2022 Work Plan but blend in discussion of the status of the current plan items.
It was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Manna) to reverse the order of the General Business items; seeing no opposition it was so ordered by Chair Marcy.
1. Discussion of 2022 Work Plan
Chair Marcy stated he felt that having some pilot programs for 2022 would be good. Commissioner Tokashiki agreed but would appreciate having info on past programs ( e.g., utility beautification). CAM Stewart will pull together background info on the citywide murals.
CAM Stewart gave a brief overview of the joint Work Plan meeting process and then discussion focused on whether to delay some current projects and not include in the 2022 Plan. CAM Stewart explained that there will be a chance to again discuss in December. The Commission agreed that all projects except PR Campaign (vote unanimous 5-0
2 to remove, not delay) should continue on to the next plan with some paused, but still on the plan. Discussion and direction were as follows:
a. MBAC Revamp: (Committee: Manna, Rubino, Spackman): signage should be a top priority and the frieze repair will still remain a part of the Plan.
b. PR and Marketing Campaign: remove from 2022 Work Plan.
c. Rainbow crosswalk: (Committee: Marcy, Rubino, Ryan): Will stay on plan until done; CAM Stewart expects to install in 2022.
d. Arts Grants – General Guidelines: (Committee: Marcy, Spackman, Tokashiki): Much work was done last meeting with the guidelines.
e. Arts Grants – Murals: (Committee: Tokashiki, Ryan): It was agreed that this program, and Utility beautification, will remain and take priority on the 2022 Work P lan but t he committee needs background info from CAM Stewart.
f. Arts Grants – Utility Infrastructure Beautification: (Committee: Marcy, Rubino) see Murals.
g. Arts Grants – Sculpture Garden : Discussion was held on how to define the program.
Commissioner Rubino questioned whether a Sculpture Garden would be located at the Art Center, CAM Stewart explained that historically cities used the term to refer to a “pot and pole” set up where art would be temporary and move from one city to another and therefore the sculpture installations are temporary. But, since Manhattan Beach, similar to other cities, has stopped use of the pot and pole, “Sculpture Garden” programs have generally ceased. She supports changing the program name for that reason. Commission Spackman suggested changing to something more accurate, like “Permanent Sculpture”. Commissioner Tokashiki agreed with idea of breaking down by category of permanent and temporary sculptures. The Commission agreed both permanent and temporary (Sculpture Garden) programs will remain on the Work Plan but be paused to redefine and rework. It was also suggested and generally agreed upon to pu rchase the Circles sculpture in Polliwog Park (currently on loan as part of the Sculpture Garden program), as a new permanent artwork.
h. Arts Grants – Performing Arts: Commissioner Rubino briefly discussed a concept of a performing arts grant pilot program (having live performances at exhibition openings) but this needs more work and guidance from Eric Brinkman, Cultural Arts Supervisor (CAS) heading up the Exhibition Program at MBAC; Chair Marcy noted that he’d like to make sure it will align with the general art grants guidelines. It was agreed that this program would be paused but the goal woul d be to have performances at some of the 2022 exhibit openings. It was agreed that a decision on whether to pause this grant or pilot it in 2022 would be made in De cember, after the Committee has a chance to meet with CAS Brinkman and further develop the proposal.
i. Digital Wall Art: The actual digital wall will likely be installed in 2022 and will not need artwork until after the installation is complete, so there will naturally be a soft pause for content and grants.
j. School /Education: It was agreed that this program would be paused.
k. Permanent Sculpture: see g. above.
3 Chair Marcy summarized the direction of the Commission for a “slimmer” Work Plan to be proposed for the 2022 Work Plan. In addition to removing the PR Campaign some projects would be paused to allow a pilot program in arts grants, to be developed. These include: murals and infrastructure beautification.
2. Discussion of Work Plan Items.
a. MBAC Revamp: Commissioner Rubino currently participating in Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB) Class of 2022, suggested that the installation of a long mural on the parking lot wall, as previously discussed, could be an LMB project that could bring the community together. She is looking for input before presenting to that group. Commissioner Manna reported he is waiting for a cost estimate for a new sign from a sign contractor.
b. PR &Marketing: no new information.
c. Rainbow Cross Walk: progress is happening. CAM Stewart was thanked as council supported the idea of exploring additional cross walk locations. CAM Stewart explained the success in council support of all projects approved by the City Council at its October 19 th meeting, including a permanent stage at Polliwog Park, repair of the John Van Hamersveld frieze on MBAC, and the digital art wall in the City Hall lobby .
She can provide a breakdown of the budget allocated (also available as attachment to the council agenda item for 10/19/21).
d. Arts Grants: Discussion was conducted about adding more to the general guidelines document including: age eligibility, a requirement for a project budget, and more specificity about project location. A question was raised as to whether Shakespeare in the Park can continue, with funding from the Public Arts Trust Fund (PATF). As an aside, Commissioner Spackman requested that a copy of the draft guidelines be provided with the Commission’s meeting agenda; CAM Stewart noted that it ca nnot if it is a “working document”. As to the guidelines document it was noted by CAM Stewart that COVID protocols must be followed and the launching of projects including service of food/drink is dependent on the degree that public gatherings and whether can “open up”. Language should be included that alerts to this issue; staff will check with the City’s Risk Manager. She also advised that Shakespeare in the Park is not co mparable, cost wise, to concerts in the park. Another issue is whether performers will want to perform in a relatively small venue for a small fee. Teens might be interested but they must also meet age requirements; outreach is needed to teens or high school bands. Commissioner Rubino asked if as a stop gap measure, ask Council for additional PATF funding until a competitive grant fund can become available. It was agreed 5 -0 that the P arks and Recreation Director be requested to add a new item to the Work Plan – the funding of an increased stipend to allow the continuation of Shakespeare in the Park at Polliwog. This will be discussed at the December CAC meeting.
e. Murals: no new information.
f. Utility Infrastructure: no new information.
g. Sculpture Garden: no new information: to be paused as discussed. h. Performing Arts: Commissioners Tokashiki and Rubino shared their screen to present a draft of Cultural Arts Grant Program as modelled from Pasadena, Culver City. They need to discuss with Eric Brinkman before developing a timeline. The idea is to have a performance at some of the four (per year) art exhibitions.
i. Digital Wall Art: (see c. above – no further information) j. School/Education: no new information.
G. STAFF ITEMS
CAM Stewart reported:
• Homeira Goldstein’s exhibition “Beyond Shapes” is ongoing at MBAC until December 19th.
4 • The Public Arts Trust Fund has had no significant change in the last month. N o funds will expire until 2023 at the earliest.
• City Council updates: On Oct. 19 th, council approved funding for Rainbow Crosswalk, MBAC frieze repair, Polliwog stage and City Hall digital wall art. Tomorrow council will consider the Catalina Classic project and any commissioner can provide input as a private cit izen; she noted that the South Bay Boardriders Club is asking for a PATF allocation only for maintenance. • The Cultural Arts division is working on re-staffing. • Bruce’s Beach: council has referred the wording on a plaque to a subcommittee that will likely be formed tomorrow. While any artwork will come to the CAC for review, the plaque likely will not. Council has allocated $350k for the artwork and likely that will be what is spent. • In response to Chair Marcy, CAM Stewart explained that it is very difficult to do a very accurate long- range estimate of incoming grant money to the PATF, except in cases where a very large project ( e.g., the mall renovation) gets a pproved through Com unity Development. Typically once a sizeable development emerges, Cultural Arts gets info from Community Development; Commissioner Tokashiki noted that information is also needed from Public Works on maintenance costs.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
• Commissioners Tokashiki , Manna, and Rubino shared attended or upcoming cultural arts experiences, respectively, in Massachusetts (deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum), Los Angeles (Academy Motion Pictures), and in the South Bay (So Coast Botanic Garden upcoming “Glow”). • CAM Stewart advised anyone who may want to consult with her/Director Leyman that she can email a schedule of available times.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:18 P.M, Chair Marcy and the Commission exchanged Thanksgiving sentiments and, with no objection, the Chair adjourned the meeting to December 20, 2021, 6:00 p.m.