25/05-22
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
June 13, 2022
TO: City Council
FROM: Office of the City Manager
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 OPERATING BUDGET AND OPERATING PLAN
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The Simi Valley Arts Commission recommends that the City Council approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Operating Budget and Operating Plan.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (CAC) FY 2022 -23 Operating Budget (Exhibit 1) and Operating Plan (Exhibit 2) were reviewed by the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Arts Commission) at its April 13, 2022, meeting. The CAC’s FY 2022-23 Operating Budget is based on CAC -generated revenues and does not include any City General Fund contributions. The Arts Commission is recommending that the City Council approve the CAC Budget and Operating Plan. Staff incorporate s the CAC Budget under Special Revenue Funds in the FY 2022-23 City Budget once adopted by the City Council. At this time, staff is bringing forward the Arts Commission’s request for approval of the FY 2022-23 Budget.
Should the City Council approve the FY 202 2-23 CAC Operating Budget and Plan this evening, staff will update the Special Revenue Fund (CAC Fund- #295) in the Adopted Budget to reflect the final revenues and expenditures as shown in Exhibit
1. On May 9, 2022, the City Council approved a modification to the CAC’s financial operating structure, allowing the CAC to retain 100% of its revenues and discontinue the reimbursement to the City of 1.5 FTE positions and 10% of Earned Income for a five-year period. In lieu of reimbursing the City, the CAC would reallocate these funds to achieving the goals and objectives of the Cultural Arts Center’s Strategic Plan. These include sustained funding of the Performing Arts Recovery Grant program to allow greater access to the CAC for local non- profit and arts organizations; the creation of a citywide cultural funding grant program; diversifying programming including expanding multicultural programming opportunities; enhancing marketing efforts; developing Arts Educational programs at the CAC; and increasing arts opportunities for Simi Valley residents. These
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (2)
2 25/05-22
funds w ould allow the CAC to support local arts partner organizations and to offer affordable Arts Education opportunities by launching an inaugural CAC sponsored Summer Arts Camp for local youth. In addition, the reallocation of these funds will further assist in the CAC’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
The CAC’s budget is adopted annually and monitored regularly by the Arts Commission and City Manager’s Office staff and audited by Fiscal Services staff.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
FY 2021-22 Operating Budget
Overall, the CAC anticipates a net income of $295,275 before City reimbursements for the year (reimbursement hiatus begins FY 2022- 23). Factoring in City reimbursements of $70,600 results in a total n et income of $224,675. The CAC anticipates reimbursing the City for one (1) full -time equivalent salary this fiscal year for the Office Assistant II assigned to Box Office and the Volunteer Program and half budgeted costs (up to a maximum of $35,000) for the CAC Technical Coordinator for the fourth quarter. The Technical Coordinator position remained unfilled through March 29, 2022.
The twenty (20) month forced facility closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency has been financially devastating for the CAC. When the CAC finally reopened in November 2022, audiences were slow to return. The delayed opening and slow audience return have adversely affected box office, reimbursed technical costs and rental income, all of which fell well below projections. Those shortfalls were offset, fortunately, by healthy contributions and fundraising and unanticipated COVID-19 relief grants income from the COVID-19 relief “Shuttered Venues Operators Grant” in the amount of $349,051.
FY 2022-23 Operating Budget
The proposed FY 2022- 23 CAC budget projects gross revenue of $524,575 and gross expenses of $400,475. The City Council modified the financial operating structure to allow the CAC to retain 100% of its revenues ; therefore, the proposed budget for the forthcoming fiscal year projects a net income of $124,100. This surplus provides funding for the CAC to achieve the Strategic Plan goals as noted above.
With the enormous amount of unknowns and mitigating factors due to the remaining impacts from COVID-19, it remains difficult to predict with any certainty what lies ahead.
The proposed 2022-23 budget is slightly optimistic in nature, and reflects the hope that the CAC can start to return to near Pre- COVID-19 attendance, box office and rental income levels.
The General Fund supports five full- time employees, who are all located in the CAC, including the Community Services Manager, Assistant Community Services Manager, an Office Assistant II/Administration, Office Assistant II/Box Office , a nd Technical Coordinator. The City c ontinues to provide administrative support and oversight as it 3 25/05-22
does to other City facilities and programs and continues to maintain the CAC facility. The following provisions have been incorporated into the CAC’s proposed Operating Budget:
• $40,000 is budgeted for capital replacement costs related to programming operations. Capital expenditures within this line item are approved and monitored by the Arts Commission as part of the CAC’s FY 2022 -23 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved by t he Arts Commission at its February 16, 2022 meeting.
• The CAC maintains two restricted funds. The balance for the Contingency/Performance Fund is projected to be over $38,800. The Contingency Fund is utilized only for financial emergencies and per Arts Commission policy adopted on March 5, 2003, the Arts Commission is informed of any expenditure from the Fund. Expenditures from the Performance Fund must be approved by the Arts Commission in advance and are intended for the expansion of programming to support more expensive higher risk ventures and cultural programs that the CAC could not otherwise afford.
Overall, the proposed FY 2022-23 Operating Budget continues the practice of providing high quality programming at the Cultural Arts Center and generating positive Net Income that can be set aside for reaching the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan, for special programming, and to replace aging and obsolete equipment.
FY 2022-23 Operating Plan
The CAC’s comprehensive FY 2022-23 Operating Plan (Exhibit 2) identifies goals for the upcoming fiscal year. This document serves as its “Annual Business Plan.” The FY 2022- 23 programming goals include:
• Collaborate with fellow arts organizations, performing arts venues, and local producers to help navigate the recovery and rebirth of the arts post-COVID-19.
• Expand the Performing Arts Recovery Grant program outreach to encourage a wider array of diverse programming being presented at the CAC.
• Establish the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Panel to help find ways to address and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the policies, casting, artistic staffing, and programming of the CAC.
• With input from the IDEA Advisory Panel, establish an ongoing multicultural series (films, concerts, theater, cabaret shows, gallery shows, etc.) aimed at broadening the spectrum of the CAC’s diversified and multicultural programming for Simi Valley and the surrounding community.
• Establish a DownStage Cabaret Series of events and expand the use of the DownStage Theater and Multipurpose Room in order to provide additional 4 25/05-22
opportunities for presenting varied arts experiences as well as generate additional revenue for the CAC.
• Expand the Young Artists Playground arts education program to include Spring Break Camp, a series of Master Classes, and Saturday morning classes.
• Continue to explore and expand non- weekend performances of special events, concerts, business rentals, and other live arts experiences to generate additional revenue and provide more opportunity for community use of the CAC.
The CAC’s financial operating structure, combined with its marketing and programming efforts, have kept the CAC self -reliant and should continue to enhance its future growth and development.
Upon City Council approval of the City’s FY 202 2-23 Budget, staff will post the budget documents, which includes the CAC’s budget to the City’s website.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s FY 2022-23 Operating Budget and Operating Plan;
2. Provide staff with alternate direction.
The Arts Commission recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I move to approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s FY 2022-23 Operating Budget and Operating Plan.
SUMMARY
In March of 2002, the City Council approved the current financial operating structure for the CAC. The CAC has operated successfully under this structure, building up modest reserves and investing in its capital infrastructure. On May 9, 2022, the City Council approved to modify the current financial operating structure to allow the CAC to retain 100% of its revenues and discontinue the current reimbursement structure for a five-year period.
5 25/05-22
The Arts Commission reviewed the Cultural Arts Center FY 2022-23 Operating Budget and Operating Plan at its April 13, 2022, meeting and is recommending that the City Council approve the Operating Budget and Operating Plan as part of the City’s annual budget process.
___
_________________________________
Linda Swan
Assistant City Manager
P
repared by: Anna M. Medina, Deputy Community Services Director INDEX Page
E
xhibit 1 – CAC FY 2022-23 Operating Budget ............................... 6 Exhibit 2 – CAC FY 2022-23 Operating Plan ................................. 11 EXHIBIT 1
8arev/04-22
Estimated PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET ACTUAL VARIANCE BUDGET
2021-22 2021-22 2021-22 2022-23 Notes
INCOME BN1
4000 Box Office Income
4010 Service Charges
4011 Ticket Surcharge $16,000 $2,500 ($13,500) $16,000
4012 Ticket Printing/Box Office Services $150 $0 ($150) $0 4015 Handling Fee $0 $5,000 $5,000 $8,000 BN2
4016 Provider Credit Card Fees $8,000 $2,250 ($5,750) $8,000 Total Service Charges $24,150 $9,750 ($14,400) $32,000
4040 Box Office Sales (Gross)
4020 Box Office $230,000 $125,000 ($105,000) $287,000
4025 Box Office Share the Arts $1,000 $300 ($700) $1,000 4030 Box Office Gift Certificates $7,500 $1,500 ($6,000) $7,500 Total Box Office Sales (Gross) $238,500 $126,800 ($111,700) $295,500 Total Box Office Income $262,650 $136,550 ($126,100) $327,500 4100 Classes and Camps Income $0 $0 $0 $30,000 BN3
4200 Contribution/Fundraising Income
4210 Sponsorships $2,000 $0 ($2,000) $3,000
4220 Miscellaneous Income $1,000 $32,000 $31,000 $5,000 BN4 4230 Foundation Contributions $34,000 $25,719 ($8,281) $35,000 BN5 4240 City Employee Payroll Deductions $400 $600 $200 $400 4255 Fundraisers $15,000 $1,700 ($13,300) $8,000
Total Contribution/Fundraising Income $52,400 $60,019 $7,619 $51,400 4400 Grants
4425 COVID Relief $0 $349,051 $349,051 $0 BN6
4450 Share the Arts $2,500 $2,000 ($500) $2,500
4475 Grants Miscellaneous $12,500 $0 ($12,500) $12,500
Total Grants $15,000 $351,051 $336,051 $15,000
FY 2021-22 & 2022-23 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
6 8arev/04-22
Estim
ated PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET ACTUAL VARIANCE BUDGET
2021-22 2021-22 2021-22 2022-23 Notes
FY 2021-22 & 2022-23 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
4500 Rental Fee Income
4510 Cleaning/Damage Income $1,000 $250 ($750) $1,000
4530 Rental Fees - Mainstage Theater $34,500 $8,000 ($26,500) $34,500 4540 Rental Fees - MPR/DownStage $6,000 $250 ($5,750) $6,000 Total Rental Fee Income $41,500 $8,500 ($33,000) $41,500 4600 Concessions
4610 Cnc's - Gallery/CD Sales $1,000 $400 ($600) $750
4620 Cnc's - Beer/Wine $2,000 $1,000 ($1,000) $2,000
4630 Cnc's - Food/Soft Drinks $5,000 $500 ($4,500) $5,000 4640 Cnc's - Promotional Items $2,800 $0 ($2,800) $2,500 Total Concessions $10,800 $1,900 ($8,900) $10,250
4700 Advertising Income $3,000 $0 ($3,000) $3,000
4800 Reimbursed Technical Costs
4820 Other Reimbursed Tech Income $1,000 $100 ($900) $1,000 4830 Technical Staff Costs $30,000 $4,000 ($26,000) $35,000 BN7 4840 Reimbursed Equipment Rental
4841 Electrics Surcharge (Lamp Usage) $500 $250 ($250) $500 4842 LCD Projector $400 $0 ($400) $400
4844 Spotlight Rental Income $1,000 $0 ($1,000) $1,000
4845 Piano Rental Fee $500 $150 ($350) $500
4846 Microphone Rentals $7,500 $1,325 ($6,175) $7,500
Total Reimbursed Equipment Rental $9,900 $1,725 ($8,175) $9,900 Total Reimbursed Technical Costs $40,900 $5,825 ($35,075) $45,900 4900 Interest Income $10 $25 $15 $25
TOTAL INCOME $426,260 $563,870 $137,610 $524,575
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Estim
ated PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET ACTUAL VARIANCE BUDGET
2021-22 2021-22 2021-22 2022-23 Notes
FY 2021-22 & 2022-23 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
EXPENSE COSTS
5000 Special Events (MPR/DownStage, Receptions) $7,500 $3,250 ($4,250) $7,500 5100 Artists Fees $27,500 $50,000 $22,500 $30,000 BN8
5300 Concession Supplies
5320 Cnc's Supplies -Promo. Items $500 $0 ($500) $500
5340 Cnc's Supplies - Gallery/CD Sales Payout $200 $350 $150 $800 5360 Cnc's Supplies - Food $1,500 $500 ($1,000) $1,500
5380 Cnc's Supplies - Beer/Wine $900 $820 ($80) $900
Total Concession Supplies $3,100 $1,670 ($1,430) $3,700 5400 Supplies
5410 Operating & Miscellaneous $800 $11,000 $10,200 $10,000 BN9 5420 Equipment Rentals $400 $0 ($400) $400
5430 Technical Supplies
5431 Lighting Supplies $400 $400 $0 $1,000
5432 Sound Supplies $1,750 $1,000 ($750) $5,000
5433 Gallery Supplies $250 $75 ($175) $200
5434 Costumes/Wigs/Makeup Supplies $6,000 $6,000 $0 $6,000 5435 Props Supplies $1,250 $5,000 $3,750 $3,000
5436 Set Supplies $2,500 $5,000 $2,500 $3,000
Total Technical Supplies $12,150 $17,475 $5,325 $18,200 BN10 Total Supplies $13,350 $28,475 $15,125 $28,600
5500 Provider Payments (Total Box Receipts) $160,000 $25,000 ($135,000) $160,000 BN11 5600 Advertising/Marketing
5610 Postage & Delivery $800 $400 ($400) $800
5620 Printing/Playbills/Tickets $3,000 $3,500 $500 $5,000 8 8arev/04-22
Estimated PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET ACTUAL VARIANCE BUDGET
2021-22 2021-22 2021-22 2022-23 Notes
FY 2021-22 & 2022-23 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
5630 Advertising/Marketing $15,000 $8,000 ($7,000) $15,000 Total Advertising/Marketing $18,800 $11,900 ($6,900) $20,800 5700 Contract Labor $20,000 $27,400 $7,400 $69,875 BN12 TOTAL EXPENSE COSTS $250,250 $147,695 ($102,555) $320,475 GROSS PROFIT $176,010 $416,175 $240,165 $204,100
FIXED EXPENSES
6100 Capital Replacement $41,500 $75,000 $33,500 $40,000 BN13 6300 Credit Card Service Fees
6350 Credit Card Discount Fees $11,000 $7,000 ($4,000) $12,500 6360 Service Fees (Bank Charges) $150 $300 $150 $300
Total Credit Card Service Fees $11,150 $7,300 ($3,850) $12,800 6400 Dues/Licenses/Permits
6410 Dues and Subscriptions $12,000 $4,100 ($7,900) $6,000 6420 Licenses & Permits $15,000 $32,500 $17,500 $20,000 Total Dues/Licenses/Permits $27,000 $36,600 $9,600 $26,000 BN14 6600 Office Expenses $600 $2,000 $1,400 $1,200
TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES $80,250 $120,900 $40,650 $80,000
NET INCOME $95,760 $295,275 $199,515 $124,100
6000 City Reimbursement (10% of earned inc.) $100 $100 $0 $0 6200 City Reimbursed Staffing $90,000 $70,500 ($19,500) $0 Total City Reimbursements $90,100 $70,600 ($19,500) $0
NET INCOME AFTER CITY REIMBURSEMENTS $5,660 $224,675 $219,015 $124,100 July 1, 2021 Credits/Interest Debits Est. Balance
CONTINGENCY/PERFORMANCE FUND $38,802 $0 $0 $38,802
9 8arev/04-22
Estimated PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET ACTUAL VARIANCE BUDGET
2021-22 2021-22 2021-22 2022-23 Notes
FY 2021-22 & 2022-23 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
BUDGET NOTES:
BN14 - Using Shuttered Venues Operators Grant funds to prepay licensing fees for the production of ELF The Musical scheduled in December.
BN1 - GENERAL BUDGET NOTE - The FY 2021-22 Budget was originally based on the hope of opening in September 2021, not November 2021.
Therefore Box Office and Rental Incomes are significantly below original projections.
BN2 - The Handling Fee category was created when the new ticketing system was launched, after FY 2021-22 budget created.
BN4 - Donations made to the Greg Stratton Memorial Fund and 25th Anniversary Fundraiser.
BN5 - The Foundation Contributions for three quarters (CAC re-opened in Quarter 2).
BN8 - Using the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant and the California Arts Council Grant from FY 2020-21, the CAC has invested in artists by providing stipends to help offset the costs of traveling to and from rehearsals and performances. In addition, to help rebuild the concert series the CAC provided guaranteed artist fees rather than a box office split for the Tributes UnPlugged Series.
BN9 - Office furniture for new employees, computers, scanners, and software for the new box office system, and COVID testing and safety supplies.
BN10 - Increase due to The Spitfire Grill and Something Rotten productions heavy prop and costume requirements .
BN11 - In FY 2021-22, only one major rental production due to the CAC being closed until November, reducing Provider Payments.
BN3 - Young Artists Playground Summer Camp will be added in FY 2022-23.
BN13 - In addition to the items approved by the Arts Commission under the FY 2021-22 Capital Replacement program, the CAC is using the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant funds to increase the digital microphone inventory and LED lighting instruments.
BN12 - The Technical Coordinator position was vacant, therefore contract services were needed for the Sound Engineer and Technical Coordinator responsibilities. In FY 2022-23, the budget was increased to include the Director of Education and Instructors expenses for the Young Artists Playground Summer Camp program.
BN6 - Applied for and received the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.
BN7 - In FY 2021-22, only one major rental production due to the CAC being closed until November. 10 The Simi Valley The Simi Valley
Cultural Arts CenterCultural Arts Center
FY 2022-2023FY 2022-2023
Operating PlanOperating Plan
Great theatre is about challenging how we think and
encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to.
Willem Dafoe
9/04-22
EXHIBIT 2
11 Mission Statement
Goals
Facility Description
Community Engagement and Statistics
COVID Recovery, Fundraising, and Outreach
Programming Goals and Achievements FY 2021-22
Programming Goals FY 2022-23
Marketing and Marketing Goals FY 2022-23
Strategic Plan Update
FY 2022-2023FY 2022-2023
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Page Two
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
OPERATING PLAN
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12 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Mission StatementMission Statement
Page Three
To provide a multipurpose facility to present performances of music, theater, dance, film, lectures and popular entertainment, as well as space for conferences, meetings, seminars, and workshops. To develop, support, and encourage cultural activities and educational programs to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Simi Valley and surrounding communities Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and
Accessibility -IDEA- Statement
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (SVCAC) recognizes the importance of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). SVCAC believes in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives and revitalize communities and that engaging in the arts is essential to the human experience and should be available to all.
We also recognize the true value and the critical role that diversity serves in helping our theater and community thrive.
We are committed to create and sustain a diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, or ability.
We believe that all voices have an opportunity to be heard and we strive to provide a safe environment to share ideas. We understand that a vibrant, thriving arts venue requires balancing creative/diverse programming with the cultivation of inclusive practices and strategies as well as the development of a diverse team who share in these values. We believe this is a continuous evolution. With respect for the original caretakers of the land, we recognize that the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center currently inhabits the land of the Micqanaqa’n and Chumash Nations. We honor the sacred lands of all idignous peoples.
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s IDEA philosophy is based on the following:
INCLUSION - honoring and accepting the backgrounds, experiences, and talent that every individual brings with them, so that everyone feels valued.
DIVERSITY - acknowledging and respecting human qualities that are different from our own and outside the groups with which we are associated.
EQUITY - addressing inequities in access and opportunity, and allowing for full and fair participation.
ACCESS - ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical, emotional, and/or develop- mental barriers, has access to the Arts and benefit from such access. 9/04-22
13 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center
GOALSGOALS
Page Four
ARTS’
The Little Mermaid
Create and sustain a diverse, inclusive,
and equitable space where everyone feels
valued and respected regardless of gender,
age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual
orientation, gender identity, education,
socioeconomic status, political affiliation,
or ability.
Present programming that supports
inclusion and diversity, encourages cultural
activities and enhances the quality of life of
the citizens of Simi Valley and surrounding
communities.
Reinforce the arts as a vital, integral, and
necessary component of life in Simi Valley
and include the arts in more aspects of life
in Simi Valley, reaching beyond the walls
of the SVCAC, seeing an increase of
opportunities for all Simi Valley residents.
Establish the SVCAC as the foremost arts
education resource in Simi Valley,
increasing the amount of arts eduction
opportunities and the support of emerging
artists programs.
SVCAC
Always Patsy Cline
SVCAC
Elf, the Musical
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14 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Facility DescriptionFacility Description
Page Five
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts
Center encompasses a 185-seat
theater, a multipurpose room
accomodating up to 174 for events
or 80 for DownStage performances,
gallery space for visual art exhibits,
a catering kitchen, a box office, a
professional stage, dressing rooms
and technical equipment for a fully
operational performing arts center.
The site also includes 1,800 square
feet of storage for props and other
theater equipment.
In addition to the physical facility, the
SVCAC also makes use of a virtual
platform, the Simi Valley VIRTUAL
Arts Center (www.svvac.org), to
continue to provide entertainment
and engagement opportunities for
the community of Simi Valley and
beyond.
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15 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Community EngagementCommunity Engagement
and Statisticsand Statistics
Page Six
Overview
The Cultural Arts Center remained closed from March of 2020 through November of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During our “extended intermission”, SVCAC created The Simi Valley VIRTUAL Arts Center (www.svvac.org), a virtual platform to continue community engagement by showcasing local arts programming, craft and gift fairs that supported small businesses and local artisans, an encore screening of Sister Act The Musical, and more! In preparation for reopening, the Center upgraded their box office systems to include touchless technology as well as made capital improvements in the building including touchless bathroom facilities, upgraded HVAC filtration systems, and upgraded water fountains. SVCAC returned to an in person outdoor Craft and Gift Fair in late October of 2021. Then In November of 2021, the Cultural Arts Center successfully reopened with Always, Patsy Cline. Following that, a production of The Spitfire Grill was scheduled to open in January of 2022 but was forced to postpone opening until February 2022 due to breakout COVID cases within the company.
To help our struggling arts partners recover from the fiscal decimation of COVID and encourage their return to renting the Center, SVCAC launched a Performing Arts Recovery Grant to help subsidize rental costs to qualified local non-profits and arts or educational organizations.
The initial funding for this program is $75,000 with additional funding pending which could allow the SVCAC to extend the granting period.
While audiences have been slow to return, community support for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center continues to be strong. From July 2021 through February 2022, the Center received over $43,000 in donations and fundraising support. Through increased social media posts and advertising, SVCAC increased our social media reach to include over 5700 Facebook followers, 820 Instagram followers, and 340 followers on Twitter and an email marketing list upwards of 10,300.
Goal
In 2022 continue to rebuild audience engagement and attendance through enhanced marketing, targeted promotions and expanded program diversity. Through the Performance Arts Recovery Fund, incentivize both long time arts partners to access the Center while actively pursu- ing new and diverse programming and partnership opportunities. These efforts combined will help the CAC progress toward our strategic plan goal of restoring revenue and facility use figures to at least 2019-20 projections by June 30, 2023.
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16 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center COVID Recovery, COVID Recovery,
Fundraising, and OutreachFundraising, and Outreach
Page Seven
From 1996 through 2021, the Cultural Arts Center has hosted a total of 10,255 events, including musicals, plays, concerts, school productions, chil - dren’s theater, film series, graduations, meetings, receptions, and seminars. The Center’s diverse range of programming also encompasses youth programs, special events, and visual art exhibits in the Center’s lobby gallery. With the creation of the Simi Valley VIRTUAL Arts Center platform in 2020, SVCAC was able to continue to offer virtual musical theater experiences, virtual cabaret concerts, virtual art galleries, and more. As we return to “the new normal” in 2022, the Center continues to explore ways to expand and diversify programming and attract new audiences.
COVID RELIEF FUNDING AND FUNDRAISING ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2021 the Cultural Arts Center applied for and received COVID relief funding from the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant program in the amount of $349,051.35. This funding is intended to help offset losses from being closed for 20 months due to the pandemic. In addition, the Center received over $70,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase equipment intended to expand virtual programming as well as explore presenting outdoor arts programming.
The Cultural Arts Center also received over $42,000 in fundraising and donations during FY 2021-22. Donations were made to the Greg Stratton Memorial Fund, the $25K for 25th Anniversary Fund and through the SVCAC Foundation’s annual support.
PERFORMING ARTS RECOVERY GRANT
In March of 2021, the City Council approved the CAC using $75,000 of operating surplus to create a Performing Arts Recovery Grant. Created to offset the financial devastation to arts organizations brought on by the pandemic, this newly created granting program is a facility use grant designed to assist artists and arts, cultural, and educational organizations with the rental fees associated with renting the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $15,000, for rental productions that range from one night to five consecutive weeks. The CAC hopes to expand this grant through 2022/23 with additional funding when the City Council reviews the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds.
YOUNG ARTISTS PLAYGROUND SUMMER CAMP
In June of 2022, the Cultural Arts Center will launch the Young Artists Playground Summer Camp program offering Arts Education to youth ages 5-17 for a six week session of weekday classes. The session will conclude with two public performances by the campers in late July. The Young Artists Playground Summer Camp will be the first Cultural Arts Center sponsored arts camp to take place at the CAC. Future plans include expanding the program to include Spring Break Camp, a series of Master Classes, and Saturday morning classes. 9/04-22
17 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Programming GoalsProgramming Goals
and Achievementsand Achievements
Page Eight
FY 2021-22FY 2021-22
FY 2021-22 is a year of rebuilding and reconnection. The pandemic continues to have a severe impact on the lives of our patrons, artists, volunteers and staff. The physical, emotional and financial ravages of the past 20 months will take time to recover from. We have found that audiences and volunteers alike are eagerly anticipating returning to events at the Center but it continues to be a slow process. We have often heard “I can’t wait to come back to the Cultural Arts Center but I am not quite comfortable returning yet.” This will be a season of rebuilding – rebuilding trust with our patrons by providing a safe environment for them to enjoy live performances; rebuilding audiences who have gotten out of the habit of attending in person events for 20+ months, rebuilding our family of artists and volunteers; and rebuilding the Cultural Arts Center staff by filling three vacancies. It will also be a time of reconnecting – with our patrons, our artists and volunteers, and our community. In our 2020-21 Operating Plan, we outlined a series of “Post Covid-19 goals with no idea of when we would actually be reopening our doors. While progress has been made, many of those goals will be carried over to FY 2022-23.
GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
GOAL
In FY 2021-22, work with struggling local arts organizations to help strengthen and stabilize them by creating means for them to utilize the SVCAC and create income for both the organizations and the Center. As a result of these efforts the SVCAC could produce, co-produce or host at least five fully realized Mainstage productions and produce or host at least six concert events on the Mainstage featuring a variety of genres and audience appeal.
ACHIEVEMENT By the conclusion of FY 2021-22, the Cultural Arts Center will have produced three musicals. Always, Patsy Cline
played 5 weekends to minimal attendance. The Spitfire Grill had to cancel 3 of the 5 weekends of performances due to COVID-19 breakthrough cases in the company despite stringent safety protocols and bi-weekly testing. Something Rotten! will play for 6 weekends through the end of May. In addition, through the help of the Performing Arts Recovery Grant, we hope to have an additional 5 week run of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder produced by Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi.
SVCAC also will have hosted two gallery shows, a Craft & Gift Fair, five Tributes UnPlugged concerts as well as several other concerts including an Elvis Tribute and a Classical Guitar Duo.
SVCAC will also play host for the annual State of the City event and a Youth Council Talent Show as well as recitals from Serendipity Dance, Dance Creations, Mastroleonardo Piano School, and Stage 1 Music Conservatory.
GOAL Expand the partnership with the Youth Council of Simi Valley, co-hosting events including Community Talent Shows, Multicultural Festivals, Open Mic Nights, and more.
ACHIEVEMENT The Youth Council held several meetings and their annual Community Talent Show at the Center in FY 2021-22. The Center will continue to work on expanded opportunities to work with the Y
outh Council for more special events.
GOAL Strengthen and develop collaborative relationships with educational and community part- ners in order to maximize our mutual support of “Arts in Education” projects that provide performance related experiences to youth of all ages.
ACHIEVEMENT SVCAC is pleased to be working with Dance Creations, Serendipity Dance, Mastroleonardo Piano School and Stage 1 Music Conservatory to bring performance opportunities to our stage for young artists. In addition, with the launching of the Young Artists Playground Summer Camp, SVCAC will be providing both training and performance opportunities for artists ages 5-17. 9/04-22
18 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Programming GoalsProgramming Goals
Page Nine
FY 2022-23FY 2022-23
While goal setting and season planning continues to be challenging in these times with the cloud of potential COVID-19 variants and spikes hanging over our heads, the Cultural Arts Center is excited about the possibilities for Season 2022-23. Some of these goals are continuous, some are carry overs from FY 2021-22 that could not be accomplished due to our “extended intermission”, and some reflect the “renaissance” the Center is experiencing post COVID-19 and as we continue to make progress in the area of Social Inequality Awareness.
Collaborate with fellow arts organizations, performing arts venues, and local producers to help navigate the recovery and rebirth of the arts post COVID-19.
Expand the Performing Arts Recovery Grant program outreach to encourage a wider array of diverse programming being presented at the Center.
Establish the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Panel to help find ways to address and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the policies, casting, artistic staffing and programming of the Cultural Arts Center.
With input from the IDEA Advisory Panel, establish an ongoing multicultural series (films, concerts, theater, cabaret shows, gallery shows, etc.) aimed at broadening the spectrum of the Center’s diversified and multicultural programming for Simi Valley and the surrounding community Establish a DownStage Cabaret Series of events and expand the use of the DownStage Theater and MPR in order to provide additional opportunities for presenting varied arts experiences as well as generate additional revenue for the Cultural Arts Center.
Expand the Young Artists Playground arts education program to include Spring Break
Camp, a series of Master Classes, and Saturday
morning classes.
Continue to explore and expand non-weekend performances of special events, concerts, business rentals and other live arts experiences to generate additional revenue and provide more opportunity for community use of the Center.
SVCAC’s
It’s a Wonderful Life-
A Radio Play
ARTS’
The Wiz
SVCAC’s
Cabaret
SVCAC’s
Assassins
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19 The Simi Valley Cultural Arts CenterThe Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Marketing andMarketing and
Marketing GoalsMarketing Goals
Page Ten
FY 2022-23FY 2022-23
The Center’s marketing program incorporates the use of print media, color brochures and flyers, radio, television, website promotion, e-mail marketing, social media outreach and special promotions.
Individual producers of events also generate their own marketing materials that work in concert with the Center’s marketing efforts. • Expand marketing campaigns highlighting facility safety protocols, diversity of programming, affordability of programming, rental opportunities, community engagement and outreach, and inclusivity in an effort to continue to safely welcome back audiences, performers, volunteers, staff and renters to the Cultural
Arts Center in a post
COVID-19 setting.
•
Expand the Center’s advertising and marketing in local and regional print media to include promotion of not only programming and rental availability of the Center but also safety protocols to increase awareness of the Center’s availability as a safe venue for business and community usage as well as performance based rentals.
• Utilizing the new online ticketing platform, expand outreach to patrons using preshow and post show surveys and emails to collect stakeholder input.
• Continue to expand our successful e-mail relationship with our audience and continue to increase the SVCAC’s impact on Social Media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, www.svvac.org website, blogs, online publications, online reviewers as well as cooperative promotions with other theatrical organizations that help to increase the SVCAC’s recognition within the greater Los Angeles region.
• Through cooperative events, promotions, and publications with other community organizations including the Cultural Arts Center Foundation and the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, expand community outreach in order to create awareness of the activities of the SVCAC and the unique resources that are available.
• Continue to consult and provide technical assistance to organizations that promote, present and enrich the arts within the Simi Valley community.
Simi Valley Cultural
Arts Center Presents
April 23 - May 29, 2022
spitfire grill
a musical
the
January 22 - February 13, 2022
Music and Book By JAMES VALCQ
Lyrics and Book By FRED ALLEY
Based on the Film By LEE DAVID ZLOTOFF
Executive Producer/Co-Director FRED HELSEL
Producer/Co-Director STEPHANIE LESH-FARRELL
Producer PEGGY BURT Music Director/Pianist ALAN GEIER
Vocal Director MAZIE RUDOLPH Choreographer TORI CUSACK 9/04-22
20 Update on CACUpdate on CAC
Strategic PlanStrategic Plan
Page Eleven
Though finalization and implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Cultural Arts Center was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Strategic Plan for the Cultural Arts Center was adopted by the City Council and progress has been steadily made. Below is a summary of the Strategic Plan progress through FY 2021-22 delineated by the six Strategic Priorities: Quality of Life; Sustainability; Programming; Marketing, Outreach and Community Partnership; Facility Experience; and Arts Leadership and Advocacy.
QUALITY OF LIFE - Leverage the impact of the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Simi Valley residents.
Goal 1 Attract new artists, arts organizations, and audience to ensure facility use and attendance figures to better match Simi Valley demographics by 2025. • Held Virtual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration and Multicultural Festival in FY 20/21 • Held a Classical Guitar Duo Concert in March 2022
• Panic Productions - new renter in Fall 2022
• Booked Dance Creations and Serendipity Dance rentals in June 2022 • Expanded the Tributes UnPlugged Series from 4 to 11 concerts in 2022. • Held two Comedy events in 2022 and in discussion about another series • In discussion with Moorpark Ballet, Moorpark Symphony, Dr. Ranjini Kaushik of SciArtsRUs, Triple T alent Conservatory, Mastroleonardo Piano Studio, a Polynesian Dance company, Simi Valley High School Instrumental Music Dept, Stage 1 Music Conservatory, Sampal Dance Academy, California Shakespeare Company, Grace Brethren School, Sierra Canyons School, Simi Valley Rotary Club about potential future rentals of the Cultural Arts Center.
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SUSTAINABILITY - Ensure stable revenue streams, maximize efficiency, and provide transparent, accountable, and accurate reporting.
Goal 1 Safely reopen the CAC to full operational capacity, restoring revenue and facility use to at least 2019-20 projections by June 30, 2023.
CAC reopened following CDC, State, County and local COVID safety protocols.
Upgrades included a new touchless ticketing system, upgraded touchless restrooms, green friendly new water fountains, upgraded HVAC filtration, and touchless sanitizing stations throughout the building.
Booked a full season of events for 2022 including 8 musicals, 14 concerts, 2 local dance recitals, 2 conservatory recitals, 2 comedy events, and more.
Goal 2 Ensure transparent, accountable and sustainable operation of the CAC while achieving a cost recovery rate of at least 10% to the General Fund.
SVCAC received a $349,051 Shuttered Venues Operator Grant and applied for two grants from the NEA and California Arts Council. In addition, SVCAC created a Performing Arts Recovery Grant to assist local artists, arts groups, non-profits and educational institutions gain access to renting the CAC for their programs.
Goal 3 Develop collaborative fundraising initiatives with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation to increase the size of the Endowment on an annual basis.
The CAC and the SVCAC Foundation have been meeting regularly to work on fundraising goals, potential fundraisers and other campaigns to help the SVCAC Foundation in their fundraising efforts. A special event is being planned in September of 2022 hosted by the Foundation that focuses on showcasing community talent. In addition, several Foundation Night events have been planned for 2022.
PROGRAMMING – Providing arts programming, experiences, and opportunities to meet the diverse community needs of Simi Valley.
Goal 1 Ensure the CAC provides overarching program choices and arts experiences that represent the tastes of all Simi Valley residents, increasing new audience attendance by at least 10% every year.
The CAC has expanded the Tributes Unplugged Concert Series to 11 concerts to include more of a variety of musical genres in 2022. CAC has also opened up weekends in June and July to encourage rentals and booking of non-musical theater performances including dance programs, multicultural concerts and events, classical concerts, comedy Update on CACUpdate on CAC
Strategic PlanStrategic Plan
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nights, and potential new programming ideas such as Poetry Slams, Storytelling Events, and Open Mic nights.
Goal 3 Establish the CAC as the foremost arts education resource in Simi Valley, increasing the amount of arts education and emerging artist programs.
The CAC will launch the Young Artists Workshop Summer Camp in June of 2022 offering weekday classes for youth ages 5-17. Future plans include expanding the program to include Spring Break camp, drop in Master Classes, and Saturday morning classes.
MARKETING, OUTREACH, & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS – Increase awareness of, and participation in, Cultural Arts Center activities through updating communications and building relationships in the community.
Goal 2 Increase formal and informal relationships with outside organizations.
CAC staff initiated ongoing Ventura County Arts Leaders roundtable workshops and discussions. In addition, CAC has strengthened ties with the Simi Valley Chamber of Com- merce, the American Association of Community Theaters, Simi Valley Rotary, Simi Valley Kiwanis, and other community organizations about potential partnerships.
FACILITY AND EXPERIENCE – Leverage the historical importance of the CAC building and adapt to meet the future needs of the community.
Goal 1 Create a CAC experience compatible with Simi Valley’s small town feel, where audience members report a 100% satisfaction rate.
The CAC has upgraded their box office system and procedures to enhance customer relationship and management as well as donor management in supporting marketing plan goals to create a more targeted CAC experience. Patron response through post-event surveys to the new system as well as to programming has been overwhelmingly positive.
ARTS LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY Support emerging arts organizations and establish the arts as an integral component of life in Simi Valley.
Goal 1 – Reinforce the arts as a vital, integral and necessary component of life in Simi Val- ley by strengthening local artists, arts organizations, and cultural groups through increased consideration and presence of the arts in policy decisions and legislation.
The Simi Valley Arts Commission and CAC developed a Performing Arts Recovery Grant to assist local artists, arts groups, non-profits and educational institutions gain access to renting the CAC for their programs and aid in recovering from the financial devastation of the pandemic. This is also a first step in becoming eligible to be an NEA granting organization.
Update on CACUpdate on CAC
Strategic PlanStrategic Plan
9/04-22
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