CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
June 5,
2023
TO: Cit
y Council
FR
OM: Office of the City Manager
SUBJ
ECT: APPROVAL OF THE SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 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) 2023-24 Operating Budget and Operating Plan.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (CAC) FY 2023-24 Operating Budget (Exhibit 1, page 6) and Operating Plan (Exhibit 2, page 11) were reviewed by the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Arts Commission) at its April 19, 2023, meeting. The Arts Commission is recommending that the City Council approve the CAC Budget and Operating Plan. Staff incorporates the CAC Budget under Special Revenue Funds in the FY 2023-24 City Budget once adopted by the City Council. At t his time, staff is bringing forward the Arts Commission’s request for approval of the FY 2023-24 Budget.
Should the City Council approve the FY 2023-24 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 dis continue 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 objectiv es of the Cultural Arts Center’s Str ategic Plan. These include sustained funding of the Performing Arts Recovery Grant program to allow greater access to the CAC for local non-p rofit and arts or ganizations; the creation of a citywide cultural funding grant program; diversifying programming including expanding multicultural programming opportunities; enhancing marketing efforts; developing Ar ts Educational programs at the CAC; and increasing arts opportunities for Simi Valley residents. These funds would allow the CAC to suppor t local arts partner organiz ations and continue to offer affordable Arts Education oppor tunities to youth of all ages. In addition, the 35/04-23
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (2)
2 35/04-23
reallocation of these funds will further assist in the CAC’s recovery from the impact s of COVID-19.
T
he CAC’s budget is adopted annually, monitored regularly by the Arts Commission and City Manager’s Office staff, and audited by Fiscal Services staff.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
F
Y 2022-23 Operating Budget
O
verall, the CAC anticipates a net income of $29 4,955 for FY 2022- 23 based on estimated revenues of $792,448 and estimated costs of $497,493.
T
he estimate for Box Office income for the current fiscal year exceeds budget projections despite slow audience return. This is due in great part to the CAC’s production of Elf The Musical as well as near sold out houses for the Tribute Concert Series and inc reasing audiences for the Sunday Night Comedy at the Center Series. Anticipated Grant Income of $239,516 also contributed largely to the healthy Net Income for FY 2022-23.
F
Y 2023-24 Operating Budget
T
he proposed FY 202 3-24 CAC budget projects gross rev enue of $592 ,200 and gross expenses of $552,200. This proposed budget for the forthcoming fiscal year projects a net income of $40,000. This surplus provides funding for the CAC to achieve the Strategic Plan goals as noted above.
W
hile much positive progress has been made with regard to the effect COVID -19 has had on audience attendance at the CAC, it still remains difficult to predict with certainty what lies ahead due to continuing impacts of the pandemic. The proposed 2023- 24 budget is slightly optimistic in nature, and reflects the CAC ’s continued progress toward achieving Pre-COVID attendance, box office and rental income levels.
T
he 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 continues to provide administrative support and oversight as it 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:
• $42,000 i
s 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 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved by the Arts Commission at its February 15 , 2023 meeting.
• T
he CAC maintains two restricted funds. The balance for the Contingency/Performance Fund is projected to be over $38,800. The Contingency 3 35/04-23
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.
Ov
erall, the proposed FY 2023-24 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 emergencies, for special programming, and to replace aging and obsolete equipment.
FY 2
023-24 Operating Plan
The
CAC’s comprehensive FY 2023-24 Operating Plan (Exhibit 2) identifies goals for the upcoming fiscal year. This document serves as its “Annual Business Plan.” The FY 2023- 24 programming goals include:
• Continue to work with struggling local arts or ganizations to help strengthen and stabilize them by creating means for them to utilize the CAC and create income for both the organizations and the Center.
• Expand partnerships with community organizations such as the Simi Valley Youth Council, Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District, the Simi Valley Public Library, the Simi Valley Senior Center, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Soroptimist Club, and other civic and service organizations, S imi Valley Unified School District, Homeschoolers, and the Simi Valley Cu ltural Arts Center Foundation to both expand vis ibility of the CAC and its programs and to pr ovide community outreach to ensur e the arts are accessible to all members of the community.
• Establish the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Panel to help find a way 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 CA C’s diversified and multicultural programming for the Simi Valley and surrounding community.
• Continue to explore and expand non-w eekend 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. • Strengthen and expand the Young Artists Playground (YAP) Youth Arts Education program to include projec ts that provide per formance and creative arts related experiences to youth of all ages.
4 35/04-23
• C
ontinue to expand the DownStage Cabaret Series and expand the use of the DownStage Theater and Multipurpose Room in order to present a variety of performing arts experiences and provide additional opportunities for increased community involvement as well as generate additional revenue for the CAC.
T
he 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 growt h and development.
U
pon City Council approval of the City’s FY 202 3-24 Budget, staff will post the budget documents, which includes the CAC’s budget to the City’s website.
T
he following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. A
pprove the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s F iscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget and Operating Plan;
2. P
rovide staff with alternate direction.
T
he Arts Commission recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I
move to approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget and Operating Plan.
SUMMARY
I
n 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.
T
he Arts Commission reviewed the Cultural Arts Center FY 2023-24 Operating Budget and Operating Plan at its April 19, 2023, meeting and is recommending that the City Council approve the Operating Budget and Oper ating Plan as part of the City’s annual budget process.
___
_________________________________
Linda Swan
Assistant City Manager
5 35/04-23
Pr
epared by: Anna M. Medina, Deputy Community Services Director INDEX Page
Exhibit 1 – CAC FY 2023-24 Operating Budget ............................... 6 Exhibit 2 – CAC FY 2023-24 Operating Plan ................................. 11 EXHIBIT 1
35a/04-23
YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2022-23 2022-23 2022-23 2023-24 Notes
INCOME
4000 Box Office Income
4010 Service Charges
4011 Ticket Surcharge $16,000 $17,708 $1,708 $17,000
4012 Ticket Printing/Box Office Services $0 $0 $0 $0
4015 Handling Fee $8,000 $29,063 $21,063 $25,000 BN1
4016 Provider Credit Card Fees $8,000 $11,680 $3,680 $12,000 Total Service Charges $32,000 $58,451 $26,451 $54,000
4040 Box Office Sales (Gross)
4020 Box Office $287,000 $351,255 $64,255 $325,000
4025 Box Office Share the Arts $1,000 $1,500 $500 $1,500 4030 Box Office Gift Certificates $7,500 $3,382 ($4,118) $3,000 Total Box Office Sales (Gross) $295,500 $356,137 $60,637 $329,500 Total Box Office Income $327,500 $414,588 $87,088 $383,500 BN2 4100 Classes and Camps Income $30,000 $8,435 ($21,565) $12,000 BN3 4200 Contribution/Fundraising Income
4210 Sponsorships $3,000 $0 ($3,000) $2,250
4220 Miscellaneous Income/Donations $5,000 $5,879 $879 $5,000 BN4 4230 Foundation Contributions $35,000 $36,828 $1,828 $37,000 4240 City Employee Payroll Deductions $400 $458 $58 $400 4255 Fundraisers $8,000 $0 ($8,000) $6,000
Total Contribution/Fundraising Income $51,400 $43,165 ($8,235) $50,650 4400 Grants
4425 COVID Relief $0 $200,000 $200,000 $0 BN5
4450 Share the Arts $2,500 $3,516 $1,016 $3,500
4475 Grants Miscellaneous $12,500 $36,000 $23,500 $50,000 BN6 Total Grants $15,000 $239,516 $224,516 $53,500
FY 2022-23 & 2023-24 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
6 35a/04-23
YEAR-
END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2022-23 2022-23 2022-23 2023-24 Notes
FY 2022-23 & 2023-24 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
4500 Rental Fee Income
4510 Cleaning/Damage Income $1,000 $775 ($225) $750
4530 Rental Fees - Mainstage Theater $34,500 $31,742 ($2,758) $32,000 4540 Rental Fees - MPR/DownStage $6,000 $1,480 ($4,520) $1,500 BN7 Total Rental Fee Income $41,500 $33,997 ($7,503) $34,250 4600 Concessions
4610 Cnc's - Gallery/CD Sales $750 $855 $105 $800
4620 Cnc's - Beer/Wine $2,000 $3,919 $1,919 $4,000
4630 Cnc's - Food/Soft Drinks $5,000 $5,297 $297 $5,500 4640 Cnc's - Promotional Items $2,500 $100 ($2,400) $1,500 Total Concessions $10,250 $10,171 ($79) $11,800
4700 Advertising Income $3,000 $0 ($3,000) $3,000 BN8
4800 Reimbursed Technical Costs
4820 Other Reimbursed Tech Income $1,000 $1,306 $306 $1,300 4830 Technical Staff Costs $35,000 $27,415 ($7,585) $27,000 4840 Reimbursed Equipment Rental
4841 Electrics Surcharge (Lamp Usage) $500 $1,006 $506 $1,000 4842 LCD Projector $400 $400 $0 $400
4844 Spotlight Rental Income $1,000 $528 ($472) $1,000
4845 Piano Rental Fee $500 $0 ($500) $500
4846 Microphone Rentals $7,500 $11,631 $4,131 $12,000
Total Reimbursed Equipment Rental $9,900 $13,565 $3,665 $14,900 Total Reimbursed Technical Costs $45,900 $42,286 ($3,614) $43,200 4900 Interest Income $25 $290 $265 $300
TOTAL INCOME $524,575 $792,448 $267,873 $592,200
7 35a/04-23
YEAR-
END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2022-23 2022-23 2022-23 2023-24 Notes
FY 2022-23 & 2023-24 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
EXPENSE COSTS
5000 Special Events (MPR/DownStage, Receptions) $7,500 $3,177 ($4,323) $5,000 5100 Artists Fees $30,000 $47,705 $17,705 $50,000 BN9
5300 Concession Supplies
5320 Cnc's Supplies -Promo. Items $500 $932 $432 $1,000 5340 Cnc's Supplies - Gallery/CD Sales Payout $800 $693 ($107) $800 5360 Cnc's Supplies - Food $1,500 $1,463 ($37) $1,500
5380 Cnc's Supplies - Beer/Wine $900 $850 ($50) $900
Total Concession Supplies $3,700 $3,938 $238 $4,200
5400 Supplies
5410 Operating & Miscellaneous $10,000 $9,942 ($58) $10,000 5420 Equipment Rentals $400 $0 ($400) $400
5430 Technical Supplies
5431 Lighting Supplies $1,000 $500 ($500) $1,000
5432 Sound Supplies $5,000 $1,065 ($3,935) $3,000
5433 Gallery Supplies $200 $2,532 $2,332 $4,000 BN10
5434 Costumes/Wigs/Makeup Supplies $6,000 $3,257 ($2,743) $5,000 5435 Props Supplies $3,000 $3,680 $680 $5,000
5436 Set Supplies $3,000 $6,797 $3,797 $7,500 BN11
Total Technical Supplies $18,200 $17,831 ($369) $25,500 Total Supplies $28,600 $27,773 ($827) $35,900
5500 Provider Payments (Total Box Receipts) $160,000 $209,758 $49,758 $200,000 BN12 5600 Advertising/Marketing
5610 Postage & Delivery $800 $334 ($466) $400
5620 Printing/Playbills/Tickets $5,000 $1,811 ($3,189) $2,000 8 35a/04-23
YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2022-23 2022-23 2022-23 2023-24 Notes
FY 2022-23 & 2023-24 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
5630 Advertising/Marketing $15,000 $4,392 ($10,608) $15,000 Total Advertising/Marketing $20,800 $6,537 ($14,263) $17,400 5700 Contract Labor $69,875 $47,891 ($21,984) $60,000
5800 Performing Arts Recovery Fund Payout $0 $58,232 $58,232 $75,000 BN13 TOTAL EXPENSE COSTS $320,475 $405,011 $84,536 $447,500
GROSS PROFIT $204,100 $387,437 $183,337 $144,700
FIXED EXPENSES
6100 Capital Replacement $40,000 $45,000 $5,000 $42,000 6300 Credit Card Service Fees
6350 Credit Card Discount Fees $12,500 $25,700 $13,200 $27,000 6360 Service Fees (Bank Charges) $300 $579 $279 $700
Total Credit Card Service Fees $12,800 $26,279 $13,479 $27,700 6400 Dues/Licenses/Permits
6410 Dues and Subscriptions $6,000 $3,398 ($2,602) $6,000 6420 Licenses & Permits $20,000 $11,985 ($8,015) $25,000 6430 Miscellaneous $0 $980 $980 $1,000
Total Dues/Licenses/Permits $26,000 $16,363 ($9,637) $32,000 BN14 6600 Office Expenses $1,200 $4,840 $3,640 $3,000 BN15
TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES $80,000 $92,482 $12,482 $104,700
NET INCOME $124,100 $294,955 $170,855 $40,000
Balance Est. Balance
July 1, 2022 Credits/Interest Debits June 30, 2023
$38,802 $0 $0 $38,802CONTINGENCY/PERFORMANCE FUND
9 35a/04-23
YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2022-23 2022-23 2022-23 2023-24 Notes
FY 2022-23 & 2023-24 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
BUDGET NOTES:
BN7 - MPR rental budget anticipated the return of lunch meetings for Rotary which has not happened.
BN15 - Reflects purchase of office equipment (furniture and supplies) for three additional CAC staff members added in FY 2022-23.
BN8 - The electronic marquee was inoperative which prevented the CAC from exploring advertising opportunities utilizing the marquee.
BN9 - In FY 2022-23 the CAC began to pay stipends to their performers due to the harsh increase in gas prices.
BN10 - Unanticipated initial expenses for revitalizing the gallery included a new hanging system and new gallery lighting as well as reframing some of the CAC "house" artwork to rehang after the Center's interior had been repainted.
BN11 - Materials costs such as lumber shot up drastically in FY 2022-23. The FY 2023-24 budget attempts to account for inflation and the rise in material costs.
BN13 - This is a new budget line for FY 2023-24 to track grant payments from the new Performing Arts Recovery Fund.
BN12 - Reflective of an increase in overall box office sales in FY 2022-23 BN14 - Though ELF took place in FY 2022-23, licensing fees were prepaid in FY 2021-22. In addition, there are no anticipated licensing fees for the June DownStage production.
BN1 - FY 2022-23 budget for this item was very conservatively estimated due to not knowing how fast patrons would return to live events. Brisk attendance for concerts, and productions like ELF combined with sold out house of unplanned rentals such as The Nutcracker and Comedy Series led to a much larger number of tickets being sold in FY 2022-23 than originally anticipated.
BN2 - As we entered FY 2022-23 it was unclear how fast audiences would return to live events. Many of our Tribute Concerts and ELF saw sold out or near capacity crowds. This combined with unexpected rentals such as our Comedy Series, The Nutcracker and other local recitals raised our box office income well past anticipated budget.
BN4 - This includes donations made from ticket purchases as well as general donations to the Center.
BN5 - The Center received a $200,000 allotment from the City from the American Rescue Plan Act grant.
BN3 - While enrollment in our Young Artists Playground camps and workshops has been slower than originally anticipated, it is a brand new program that will continue to grow.
BN6 - The Center was awarded a $36,000 Creative Youth Development Grant from the California Arts Council for our YAP Youth Arts Education programs.
10 FY 2023-2024
OPERATING PLANOPERATING PLAN
SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
35b/04-23
EXHIBIT 2
11 FY 2023-2024
OPERATING PLANOPERATING PLAN
Table of Contents
Page Three
Page Four
Page Five
Page Six
Page Seven
Page Eight
Page Nine
Page Ten
Page Eleven
Mission Statement and IDEA Statement
Cultural Arts Center Goals
Facility Description
Community Engagement & Statistics
Programming
Goals & Achievements FY 2022-23
Programming Goals FY 2023-24
Marketing and Marketing Goals FY 2023-24
Update on CAC Strategic Plan
Page Two
SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
35b/04-23
12 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 ac- tivities and educational programs to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Simi Valley and surrounding communities.
Page Three
SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENTand ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
MISSION MISSION
STATEMENTSTATEMENT
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 help- ing 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 indigenous 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. 35b/04-23
13 CULTURAL ARTS CULTURAL ARTS
CENTER GOALSCENTER GOALS
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.
Page Four
SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
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 education opportunities and the support of emerging artists programs.
35b/04-23
14 FACILITY FACILITY
DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts
Center encompasses a 185-seat
theater, a multipurpose room (MPR)
accommodating 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 Cultural Arts Center
also has made use of a virtual plat-
form, the Sim Valley VIRTUAL Arts
Center (www.svvac.org), to continue
to provide entertainment and
engagement opportunities for the
community of Simi Valley and beyond.
Page Five
SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
35b/04-23
15 COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENTENGAGEMENT
& STATISTICS& STATISTICS
Through increased social media posts and advertising, we expanded SVCAC’s community engagement and reach throughout the United States, to include followers in Mexico, Europe, and Asia. In 2022, SVCAC increased social media reach to include over 6000 Facebook followers, 1100 Instagram followers, and 332 followers on Twitter. In addi- tion, our Eblast Subscriber base now exceeds 11,250.
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 was $75,000 with an additional $100,000 in funding which will allow the SVCAC to extend the granting period through 2023 and into 2024. In FY 2022-23, the Performing Arts Recovery Grant Program awarded $68,732.18 in subsidy to non-profit and other arts organizations in bringing musical theatre, dance, multi- cultural music, and other events to the Cultural Arts Center.
In 2022, the Cultural Arts Center produced or presented 424 events in the Main- stage Theater, DownStage Theater/MPR, Upper Gallery and the exterior grounds. Atten- dance, while not fully back to pre-pandemic levels, continues to increase and in 2022 the SVCAC saw over 23,700 people come through its doors.
Goal
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SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
Overview
In FY 2023-24, continue to rebuild audience engagement and attendance through enhanced marketing, targeted promotions and expanding program diversity. Through the Performing Arts Recovery Fund, incentivize long time arts partners to continue to access the Center while actively pursuing new and diverse programming and partnership oppor- tunities. In addition, explore ways to expand access to the arts in the community through pop up gallery events, collaborations with such groups as the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and the Simi Valley Library. These ef forts combined will help the SVCAC progress toward the goals outlined in the strategic plan. 35b/04-23
16 PROGRAMMINGPROGRAMMING
• There are three physical areas of the
Cultural Arts Center that work in concert with
each other to fulfill its programming mission.
They are the Mainstage, the Community Room/
DownStage Theater, and the Galleries. In addi-
tion, due to the pandemic SVCAC has
added the virtual platform of The Simi Valley
VIRTUAL Arts Center www.svvac.org to help
achieve our programming mission.
• From 1996 through 2022, the Cultural
Arts Center has hosted a total of 10,679 events,
including musicals, plays, concerts, school
productions, children’s theater, film series,
graduations, meetings, receptions, and
seminars. The Center’s diverse range of pro-
gramming also encompasses youth programs,
special events, and visual art exhibits in the
Center’s galleries. In 2022, the Center launched
the Young Artists Playground (YAP) Youth
Education program offering Summer Camp and
Saturday Morning Workshops in the perform-
ing and visual arts for young artists ages 8 - 14.
In 2022, the Center also began presenting a
monthly Sunday Night Comedy at the Center
series and revitalized the Gallery with a series of
art shows featuring local and regional artists.
Page Seven
SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
35b/04-23
17 GOALS AND GOALS AND
ACHIEVEMENTSACHIEVEMENTS
FY 2022-2023
Page Eight
Collaborate with fellow arts organizations, performing arts venues, and local producers to help navigate the recovery and rebirth of the arts post COVID-19.
Working in collaboration with fellow Ventura County venues and arts organizations, SVCAC followed safety protocols to keep audiences, staff, volunteers and artists safe while at the Cultural Arts Center. Though over 5 weekends of programming was canceled due to COVID-19 outbreaks, the CAC enjoyed a robust season of performances, concerts, and other events and audiences continue to grow.
Expand the Performing Arts Recovery Grant program outreach to encourage a wider array of diverse programming being presented at the Center.
In FY 2022-23, the Performing Arts Recovery Grant Program awarded $68,732.18 in subsidy to non-profit and other arts organizations in bringing musical theatre, dance, multicultural music, and other events to the Cultural Arts 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 program- ming 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 multi- cultural programming for Simi Valley and the surrounding community.
The establishment of the IDEA Advisory Panel is still ongoing and will be completed in FY 2023-24.
However, program diversification and multicultural programming has expanded in FY 2022-23 with plans to further expand in future seasons.
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 addi- tional revenue for the Cultural Arts Center.
The DownStage Cabaret will see a revival in FY 2022-23 with the opening of a multi-weekend run of Broad- way and Beyond - a cabaret of both familiar and lesser known Broadway, Off-Broadway , film, West End, and cabaret music performed by some of SVCAC’s favorite artists.
Expand the Young Artists Playground Arts Education program to include Spring Break Camp, a series of Master Classes, and Saturday Morning Workshops.
The Young Artists Playground (YAP) arts education programs expanded in FY 2022-23 to include a Winter Camp as well as Fall and Spring Saturday Morning Workshop sessions. In addition, $36,000 in funding from the California Arts Council was secured to support and expand YAP programs.
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.
Non weekend programming in FY 2022-23 has included several art gallery events, Master Class series, business luncheon meetings, dance recitals, tribute concerts, and other performances.
SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
35b/04-23
18 PROGRAMMING PROGRAMMING
GOALSGOALS
FY 2023-2024
Page Nine
As the world in general and the arts world in particular move forward in a Post COVID reality, it is difficult to predict how long it will be until both audience and artists feel safe to fully return to live events. In FY 2022-23, SVCAC made great strides in audience growth toward pre-pandemic numbers, but many audiences are still cautious in their attendance and spending. Economic uncertainty and inflation’s impact on dispos- able income for attending the arts will continue to be a factor for the next few years. Local arts organizations continue to struggle to survive but are slowly rebuilding and recovering from the decimation that the COVID shutdown thrust upon them. The SVCAC will need to continue to play a positive role in helping emerging organizations through technical assistance, providing access to space, logistical support and collaborative programs. Through additional funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Grant, the SVCAC’s Performing Arts Recovery Grant program has been extended through 2023 with hopes of continuing into 2024.
That being said, below are some programming goals for the SVCAC for FY 2023-24:
• Continue to work with struggling local arts organizations to help strengthen and stabilize them by cre- ating means for them to utilize the SVCAC and create income for both the organizations and the Center. This could be accomplished in the form of Performing Arts Recovery Grant subsidies, co-productions, securing sponsorships and grants to help offset production and facility costs, and other creative partnerships. As a result of these efforts, the SVCAC could produce, co-produce or host at least eight fully realized Mainstage or DownStage productions with production values that maintain the artistic excellence for which SVCAC has be- come known. In addition, produce or host at least 12 - 15 concert events on the Mainstage featuring a variety of genres and audience appeal, and host 4-6 gallery shows. • Expand partnerships with community organizations such as the Simi Valley Youth Council, Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District, the Simi Valley Library, the Simi Valley Senior Center, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Soroptimist Club, and other civic organizations, Simi Valley Unified School District, Homeschoolers, and the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation to both expand visibility of the Center and its programs and to provide community outreach to ensure the arts are accessible to all members of the community.
• Establish the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Panel to help find a way to address and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the policies, casting, artistic staffing and program- ming 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 the Simi Valley and surrounding community. • 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 com- munity use of the Center.
• Strengthen and expand the Young Artists Playground (Y AP) Youth Arts in Education program to include projects that provide performance and creative arts related experiences to youth of all ages. • Continue to expand the DownStage Cabaret Series and expand the use of the DownStage Theater and MPR in order to present a variety of performing arts experiences and provide additional opportunities for increased community involvement as well as generate additional revenue for the Cultural Arts Center.
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MARKETING AND MARKETING AND
MARKETING GOALSMARKETING GOALS
FY 2023-2024
The Center’s marketing program incorporates the use of
print media, color brochures and flyers, radio, television, Website promotion, e-mail marketing, social media and
special promotions. Individual producers of events also generate their own marketing materials that work in con- cert with the Center’s marketing efforts.
Launch an aggressive marketing campaign highlight-
ing SVCAC’s diversity of programming, affordability of pro- gramming and rental opportunities, community involvement and outreach, and inclusivity in an effort to continue to entice audiences, performers, volunteers, and renters back 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 availability as a venue for business and community usage.
Continue outreach to non-profit and arts organizations about the availability of the Performing Arts Recovery Grant to entice them to rent the Cultural Arts Center.
Continue to expand our successful e-mail relationship
with our audience and continue to increase the SVCAC’s im- pact on Social Media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, www.svvac.org website, blogs, online publications, online reviewers as well as cooperative promotion with other
theatrical organizations that help to increase the SVCACs recognition within the greater Los Angeles region.
Through cooperative events, promotions, and
publications with other community organizations including the Cultural Arts Center Foundation, reach out to the community 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.
Create a new website for the SVCAC that is fully ADA
accessible for all users.
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UPDATE ON CAC UPDATE ON CAC
STRATEGIC PLANSTRATEGIC PLAN
SIMI VALLEY
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ARTS CENTER
QUALITY OF LIFE: Leveraging the value of the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Simi Valley residents.
The Cultural Arts Center presented many new and returning artists including Panic Productions, SciArtsRUs, Dance Creations, Serendipity Dance, Stage 1 Music Conservatory, A 5-6-7-8 Dance Company, Simi Valley PTA Reflections Program, Spectrum Collaborative, Moorpark College Photography exhibit, Moorpark Simi Valley Republican Women Federated, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simi Valley Youth Council, Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi and more! SUSTAINABILITY: Ensure stable revenue streams & maximize operational efficiency.
PROGRAMMING: Provide arts programming, experiences, and opportunities to meet the diverse community needs of Simi Valley.
The Cultural Arts Center’s Five Year Strategic Plan was adopted by City Council in 2021. Great progress was made in FY 2022-23 in achieving the six Strategic Priorities of the Plan.
The Cultural Arts Center presented a full season of events in FY 2022-23 of musicals, comedy nights, concerts, dance recitals, conservatory music recitals, and more. The Performing Arts Recov- ery Grant awarded over $68,000 in subsidies to local arts and non-profit organizations to rent the Center. Additional funding of $200,000 was secured through the American Rescue Plan Grant plus $36,000 was secured from the California Arts Council to support YAP’s Youth Arts Education. The Cultural Arts Center also worked closely with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation to set fundraising goals, strengthen the organization, and produce quality fundraising campaigns such as the Wine Tasting evening, Simi Stars Showcase and a family friendly Magic Show.
The SVCAC opened up the calendar to include more community programming from local dance and music companies such as Serendipity Dance, Dance Creations, A 5-6-7-8 Dance Company , and Stage 1 Music Conservatory; created several low cost and free events such as the Gallery Opening Receptions for the Not of the Hands, But of the Heart and Regina Vorgang’s Lifelines exhibits, the Spectrum Collaborative awards event, PTA Reflections Program, Untold Stories Living History event, and the Sunday Night Comedy at the Center series; increased multicultural arts experiences such as the SciArtsRUs concerts; and created the Young Artists Playground Youth Arts Education program to provide arts training and experiences for youth ages 8 - 14 including multicultural workshops in Ballet Folklorico and African Drumming. In addition, the SVCAC will present a DownStage Cabaret titled Broadway and Beyond in the DownStage Theater in June. 35b/04-23
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UPDATE ON CAC UPDATE ON CAC
STRATEGIC PLANSTRATEGIC PLAN
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ARTS CENTER
FACILITY AND CAC EXPERIENCE: Leverage the historical importance of the CAC building and adapt to meet the future needs of the community and ensure the facility stays in prime condition to maximize public use and accomplish the mission of the CAC.
MARKETING, OUTREACH & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Partner and collaborate with external organizations to fulfill the CAC’s mission.
ARTS LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY: Support emerging arts organizations and establish the arts as an integral component of life in Simi Valley.
Marketing and outreach efforts at the SVCAC to increase awareness about the Center are always a high priority as even after 27 years of existence, the Cultural Arts Center remains one of the best kept secrets of Simi Valley. A new electronic marquee and monument structure is scheduled to be installed in late FY 2022-23 which will offer high visibility with top notch graphic capabilities. In addi- tion, the SVCAC continues to expand their social media reach and print advertising in local media as well as their marketing reach into the greater Los Angeles area. Collaborations are in progress with the Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation District, the Simi Valley Library, Moorpark College Photogra- phy department, the Simi Valley Town Center, Kindling Studios who work with adults with disabilities in Ventura County, Backyard Productions youth theater, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ro- tary Club, Soroptimist Club, local authors of Children’s books for a Saturday morning book reading series, Moorpark Simi Valley Republican Women Federated, Simi Valley Youth Council, Simi Valley Neighborhood Councils, Panic Productions, Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi, Ventura County Arts Council, Spectrum Collaborative, Simi Valley Unified School District, SVCAC Foundation and more.
Patron response to the SVCAC’s upgraded touchless box office system through post-event surveys to the new system as well as to programming has been overwhelmingly positive.
The built in customer relationship and donor management capabilities of the system are proving helpful in supporting the SVCAC’s marketing plan goals to create a more targeted SVCAC experi- ence. The SVCAC made several improvements in FY 2022-23 including steam cleaning all carpets, replacing flooring in the dressing rooms, upgrading projection capabilities in the MPR and Main Stage, adding an Assisted Listening system for the Main Stage, and upgrading sound and lighting equipment in an effort to keep the SVCAC in tip top shape.
The Simi Valley Arts Commission and the SVCAC developed the Performing Arts Recovery Grant to assist local artists, arts groups, non-profits and educational institutions gain access to renting the SVCAC for their programs and aid in recovering from the financial devastation of the pandemic. The Performing Arts Recovery Grant awarded over $68,000 in subsidies in FY 2022-23 to local arts and non-profit organizations to rent the Center with an additional $100,000 in funding secured to extend the grant through 2023 and into 2024.
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