October 24, 2023
DATE: October 24, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember
Melvin Willis, and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Subject:
Richmond Arts Initiative
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
NONE
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Responses from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Community Investment Plan indicate that the City can
use a portion of these funds to support expanded cultural programming and amenities to enhance mental health,
community wellbeing, and quality of life.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: DIRECT staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) before the end of the calendar year to consider
establishing an Arts District, which includes outreach to businesses, residents, and stakeholders to build
community- Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez (510-620-
6565), Melvin Willis (510-412-2050), and Cesar Zepeda
(510-620-6593).
AGENDA REPORT
October 24, 2023
DISCUSSION:
Arts have the power to inspire, save lives, transform individuals, change communities as well as promote economic development. The arts can connect our multiple communities, bringing residents and visitors together to enjoy our rich history and diversity, while improving the attractiveness of business corridors, and creating destinations for community and visitors alike.
Richmond has amazing artists, activists, and advocates as well as communities that deserve beautiful and exciting art as an integral part of our safety network and built environment. The goal is to support the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) recommendations and pool collective efforts to create art in Richmond. Furthermore, the Arts District will reach and be influenced by our youth and seniors, participated in by all Districts, appreciated by all residents, and talked about throughout the region.
We strongly believe an investment in the arts is one of the best investments we can make in Richmond to honor our past and continue to forge a vibrate community-focused future. We realize Richmond has many needs. We see pathways to creative solutions and opportunities through an art initiative, without jeopardizing any other ongoing efforts that are currently supporting public art.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 - Richmond ARPA Investment Plan, Strategy – Our Culture and Community