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Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2026
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
Commission members present:
Victorino Bermejo
Joese Hernandez
Marlene Peña-Marin
Debra Russell
Commission member absent:
Susie Lopez-Guerra
Staff members present:
Michael Garcia, Executive Director
Tram Le, Arts and Culture Specialist
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes: One electronic comment was received. Copies were provided to all Commissioners.
• Nancy Warzer-Brady from Backhaus Dance thanked the Commission for its support of local artists and arts organizations through the Investing in the Artist Grant and Arts & Culture Special Events g rant programs. The speaker also expressed appreciation for the consideration of Backhaus Dance’s proposed special event, Santiago Creek Movement:
Water and Wonder , and highlighted its focus on community engagement through dance and environmental themes.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. Excused absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commission member(s).
2. Regular meeting minutes of April 16, 2026
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Vice-Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Bermejo to Approve Consent Calendar items.
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YES: 4 – Debra Russell, Joese Hernandez, Marlene Peña-Marin, Victorino Bermejo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Susie A. Lopez-Guerra
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
WORK STUDY SESSION
3. Arts and Culture Special Events Sponsorship Applications for May 2026
Minutes: Staff presented the Arts and Culture Special Event Sponsorship Program update, including a list of recommended approvals and denials. Commissioners were given the opportunity to disclose any conflicts of interest. Staff reported that $175,000 was allocated for Fiscal Year 2025–26 and that applications continue to be accepted on a rolling basis. For the May 2026 funding cycle, 25 applications were received, and 12 were recommended for funding. Staff requested Commission ratification of the recommended sponsorship awards and responded to questions regarding the applications and funding distribution.
The Commission participated in a discussion and question-and-answer session with staff.
***END OF WORK STUDY SESSION***
COMMENTS
4. Staff member comments
Minutes: Staff provided updates on several arts and public art initiatives. Orientation meetings have been completed with 16 of the 19 Artist Grant recipients, and funded projects are moving forward. Staff reported that the mural restoration program is underway, with five approved mural restoration projects currently in progress. The Graffiti Art Program is expected to begin in July or August 2026.
Staff also announced that the Public Art Policy was unanimously approved by the City Council on May 5, 2026, and is now available on the City's website.
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5. Commission member comments
Minutes:
Commissioner Bermejo – shared updates on recent community events, including attendance at the Water Poster Contest recognition event and acknowledgment of the young artists who participated. The Commissioner also recognized the successful Cinco de Mayo celebration held in Downtown Santa Ana and c ongratulated the recipients recognized at the Women of the Year event for their contributions to the community.
Additionally, the Commissioner noted that vacancies remain on the Arts and Culture Commission for Wards 1 and 5 and shared that awareness of the vacancies was raised during public comment at a City Council meeting. The Commissioner also announced upcoming World Goth Day festivities.
Vice-Chair Russell –
expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the Commission and support the inclusion of diverse artists in the community through arts funding and programming. Appreciation was extended to staff for their work in administering grants and managing ar ts initiatives. The Commissioner noted recent media coverage highlighting the City’s mural restoration and arts efforts, as well as the significance of the recently adopted Public Arts Policy and the development of an arts trust fund. She also shared information on upcoming arts-related events and programs, including literary and musical performances, sponsored community events, open mic nights, and upcoming mural workshops led by local artists, noting continued growth in the City’s arts programming
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Commissioner Peña-Marin – echoed prior comments and expressed appreciation to staff for their work and for providing updates on meetings with grant recipients .
Chair Hernandez –
reflected on their service on the Commission and expressed appreciation for staff , commissioners, and community members who have contributed to the City’s arts and cultural initiatives. He noted the ongoing strength of the arts community and acknowledged potential economic and policy challenges impacting the City, while expressing hope that arts programming and sponsorship opportunities will continue to be supported. Congratulated grant recipients and encouraged continued sharing of project outcomes. He also recognized and congratulated a fellow Commissioner Peña-Marin on their organization’s 50th anniversary and their contributions to the community.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission is scheduled for June 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted:
Bianca L. Zurita
Bianca L. Zurita
Executive Secretary/Recording Secretary