Proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026
Cultural Commission Workplan
Background
At the April 7, 2025, regular meeting of the Cultural Commission, the Commission adopted work plan priorities and activities for FY 2025/26 related to the Commission’s goals.
Host and enhance multicultural events to encourage and acquaint Santa Clara residents with cultural diversity.
Plan and implement Summer Concerts in FY 2025/26 - Completed Plan and implement Street Dance: August 1, 2025 - Completed Plan and host Friday Night Live Events
Explore the feasibility of hosting a Group Wedding – on hold for 2025/26 Secure sponsors for Cultural Commission special events in FY 2025/26 Develop and encourage interactive art opportunities to provide temporary, performing, cultural, and public art in the city.
Advise and recommend public art to City Council for public benefit: In progress Support Traffic Box Program: Submissions have been collected Host Indoor Sculpture Exhibition – FY 2026/27
Host Halloween Home & Holiday Home Decorating Contest and recognition:
1 winner per Council District, 1 Group Entry Winner, 1 Best of the Best Update and maintain City interactive web-based public art map Raise the visibility of commemorative months.
Identify a space to curate and facilitate the celebration of Commemorative Months and determine which cultural holidays to celebrate and via what medium.
Enhance communication and media strategy to increase community awareness of the Cultural Commission Present accomplishments to City Council annually
Develop, maintain, and grow partnerships and collaborations with external organizations Prepare for Citywide Arts Master Plan Process
Develop public/private partnerships to invest and promote the Arts in Santa Clara Develop, promote, and implement Citywide Arts Master Plan alongside the City Council Current Membership
Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center in room 205.
Name
Appointed
Term Ends
Louis Samara
appointed to serve a partial and full term
01/24/17 (18)
2026
Debra von Huene
appointed to serve a partial term
03/28/17 (19)
2027
Abinas Roy
appointed to serve a partial term
05/14/24 (27)
2027
Candida A. Diaz
appointed to serve a partial and full term
11/21/17 (20)
2028
Kuku Das
appointed to serve a partial term
06/03/25 (28)
2028
Neetu Garg
appointed to serve a partial and full term
06/13/23 (25)
2029
Charles Pontious
06/03/25 (29)
2029
Purpose, Role and Duties of Cultural Commission:
The Cultural Commission shall consist of seven members, who shall not hold any paid office or employment in the City government and shall have the following powers, functions and duties:
a. Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to cultural enrichment and beautification of the City, sister city relationships and international exchanges. b. Encourage the beautification of the city and programs for the cultural enrichment of the city.
Foster cultural events, activities and displays that celebrate the City’s native and historic cultures and present diversity.
Assist in the planning and supervision of international exchange activities with our sister communities, sharing friendship, skills and concerns.
Develop individual contacts designed to enhance international communication and understanding.
Encourage educational, cultural, sports, technical and governmental exchanges to help acquaint citizens of Santa Clara with cultural and political diversity abroad.
Perform other such duties and exercise such powers as the City Council may impose or require. (Ord. 1908 § 4, 7-16- 13).
The Commission continues to meet monthly and work towards completion of their goals and activities.