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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-06-14; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES Meeting of: ARTS COMMISSION (Special Meeting) Date of Meeting: June 14, 1990 Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m. Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers COMMISSIONERS CALL TO ORDER; Chairman Bear called the Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. pnr.T. fiAT.T.. Present: Commissioners Bear, Bischoff, Jersey, Ladouceur, Meilach and Schilling. Absent: Commissioner Straub Staff Present: Connie Beardsley, Arts Manager Cliff Lange, Library Director A CULTURAL PLAN FOR CARLSBAD. CALIFORNIA - Preliminary Version Chairman Bear stated there was one item on the Agenda tonight, the presentation of the Preliminary Version of the Cultural Plan. Consultants Marc Goldring and Thomas Wolf were present to make this report. Thomas Wolf addressed the Commission, stating they had a good session with the Facilities Committee earlier today, and some areas were identified within the Facilities Section that need greater clarification. Mr. Wolf said the purpose of this meeting was to hear the reactions of the Commission and their concerns. He said this is a preliminary document that emerged through the process of interviewing and surveying. There is a large emphasis on new facilities; also emphasis on arts education and programing for young people, which grew out of the survey work. There is an extremely high interest by the public in more education for the young people in the schools. There is an administrative review of the Arts Office, with recommendations, which was particularly important, as this plan recommends a substantial expansion of the activities over the next several years. The Arts Office has a very good track record of accomplishment. There is a lot of perceptiveness of many people to move forward with the good work already done. Mr. Wolf said they will present this Commission with the final report. It is a consultants' report, with their names on it and their recommendations. He said the Arts Commission would have an opportunity to review the final report. The presentation to the City Council is scheduled for July 10. He hoped they would not adopt the report, but accept the report and charge the Arts Office to set up various subcommittees to look further into the areas recommended. MINUTES June 14, 1990 Page 2 COMMISSIONERS Mr. Wolf said the cultural plan was divided into two parts, and they are coming to the end of the first part, which was their part. They gathered a lot of information and presented it. They have found that those plans that are most effective are the ones in which the community or the Arts Office take up the recommendations and move forward with them—not necessarily the way recommended—but moving forward each year to develop a plan for the objectives they want to accomplish. This document becomes a document from which you can move forward. The Arts Commission should not look at the process as ending now, but beginning with the presentation of this work. Mr. Wolf said that Marc Goldring was the Lead Consultant, coordinated the process, and has the best overview of the work and why the recommendations were made. Mr. Goldring said that facilities is a high priority that they found both through interviews and more clearly through audiences (telephone survey), and had to do with a facility that would duplicate the one now in Carlsbad. The present facility is for school use predominantly, and the people attending those events stated they wanted a community cultural center—a multi-use facility with a 500 to 600 seat theatre and a 100-seat black-box theatre for small classes and experimental theatre. One concern that was highlighted, was that the existing cultural center is not serving the community well. It is currently used by the school to such an extent that it limits the accessibility of community groups. A more balanced schedule of access was suggested until a new facility could be constructed. The next most important recommendation was the Carlsbad Theatre. Some feasibility work has been done on that facility that discussed a renovation that Mr. Goldring said they did not feel would be cost effective. They felt that because of the location of the theatre in the downtown area, it does have historic value as a resource, but it should be limited to lectures, films, etc. To renovate this theatre for live performances would be prohibitively expensive. There is more work to be done there, and it is doubtful that the City should take that over. Mr. Goldring discussed an amphitheatre, and distinguished between a community-based one, which is supported by their research, and a larger regional facility of 25,000. As limited to Carlsbad, the larger facility was not supported, but was worthy of consideration on a regional basis (North County), with more research necessary to see whether or not if would be economically feasible. Mr. Goldring reported that the Carrillo Ranch is a marvelous resource, but not for a performing arts application. It could be used to enhance the historic aspects of the area. One of the other charges was to look at the Redevelopment Area and make recommendations for ways that cultural arts activities could be incorporated into that area. Mr. Goldring said they made several recommendations for smaller scale arts activities in the village, ranging from roving performers to more fixed concerts in the park locations. More elaborate events could be planned in collaboration with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Housing and Redevelopment Commission. MINUTES June 14. 1990 Page 3 COMMISSIONERS Mr. Goldring recommended a tourist-attracting event with a theme that calls attention to what makes Carlsbad unique. They felt strongly that the village area should highlight what is special about Carlsbad, for regional and national advertising. There should be spaces for the people to show their work and there was a discussion of living spaces in that area. Mr. Goldring talked about additional programing emphasis for the community, noting that the free performing arts programs the Arts Office does currently are among the most popular activities. Twenty percent of the people who attend arts events, go to one or more of the free concerts, and this is indicative of the support. Increasing those concerts would be a way to continue to build an audience. Mr. Goldring said there is a strong emphasis on children and family and additional activities should be offered that reflect that emphasis. Also, there is a great deal of interest in attending art events located in the community. While there is not a substantial number of arts organizations that are based in Carlsbad, it might pay to develop relationships with organizations outside of the City—such as San Diego, and Los Angeles, and encourage them to develop outreach programs that can come here. Again, this is limited by the availability of facilities in the community. Mr. Goldring added that also, the Carlsbad schools, which offer arts enrichment programs, should be offering curriculum-based sequential arts education and staff development on curriculum-based arts education. Other recommendations in terms of arts education and training are in the community, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and artists-in-residence program. It was felt these should be expanded. Mr. Goldring said that the most complex area looked at was the art in public places program. They felt strongly that the projects that the Arts Commission has successfully completed represent a very strong foundation on which to build. They are community pieces of work and represent a range of work very exciting. It was felt there are some real problems long-term for developing a program that would be able to continue and to be effective without a new ordinance to address some of those issues. They were concerned about the fact that the funding for the public arts program is at the discretion of the City Council yearly. The right funding mechanism and sources are there, but then it says the Council "may" appropriate. Mr. Goldring said that given the success of the program and the commitment of the community they heard, they felt the ordinance needs to be re-written and this is a key issue. Another issue was the way the art is selected. It was felt it should be selected by arts professionals working with representatives of the community. The City Council ought to be able to review an annual art plan, which will give an overview of the work to be done by that program every year, but should not have the authority to veto the work that had been approved by a process based on community involvement. Mr. Goldring said this will require a great deal of discussion, and they understand the issues from the City Council's point of view. MINUTES June 14, 1990 Page 4 COMMISSIONERS In many communities, the programs that are most successful are when they have two components—they need both. There needs to be a. great deal of community involvement and education and also they have to have art professionals making the aesthetic decisions. Because it is public dollars, and the City Council must be involved—upfront— and approve a. plan and not have the authority to review particular pieces after the process has gone on. Mr. Goldring said they had made recommendations in the public art program—with the main recommendation being that the ordinance be re-written. After that is done, guidelines should be redone to reflect those changes. An annual art plan was suggested and a more appropriate place for the City Council to express its approval or disapproval and make suggestions or changes. Mr. Goldring said they looked into the issue of cultural amenities as a way to fund public art with a certain percent for art. This is an appealing notion which would generate excellent income; however, there was a great deal of resistance on the part of developers and it was felt there would be problems with getting that through—even among City people. Instead, they suggest public art be considered a priority instead of a separately identified public amenity. The Arts Office should work with Planning to determine permanent standards for public art and implement inclusion in deve1opment s. The Arts Office was reviewed and recommendations made for how it could be improved. There will be more activities and more work for a staff that is already heavily burdened. Additional staff positions are recommended and most important, it was felt the Arts Office needs to become a separate City Department, equal with other Departments. It will be more effective within City Government and better equipped to get State and Federal funding. Mr. Goldring recommended additional training opportunities for the Commissioners. It will be useful for the Commissioners to meet with professionals in the fields of art and Government. The Arts Associates would be a way to build a pool of people who are leaders in the arts community. Chairman Bear inquired about facilities, saying he didn't see any emphasis on cooperation with communities in the region, other than in relationship to the very large amphitheatre. Mr. Goldring said that nothing precluded that. However, their purview was to survey within Carlsbad and their recommendations were based on the demand in Carlsbad. He said there was no question there is additional demand that will come from outside Carlsbad. However, if the City is paying the bill, the event should be supported by the community. MINUTES June 14, 1990 Page 5 COMMISSIONERS Arts Commissioner Bischoff inquired about the amphitheatre, saying there are many ways to build one. He suggested a facility to seat 600 to 2,500. Mr. Bischoff said that if you had a maximum capacity of 2,000, you could do a regional study for a larger amphitheatre in the community for some time in the future. Mr. Goldring said that would involve two separate amphitheatres. The Consultlants did not see an audience to support a larger one for the City, and a regional facility was not within their scope. They did not factor any other community into their work other than Carlsbad. Mr. Bischoff stated that would involve a separate study. Arts Commissioner Jersey commented that the location of the Carlsbad Theatre is a negative, as the area is "dead" after six or seven in the evening, with that building out of the 20's. The cost to put that into condition was too expensive and the use was extremely limited. Mr. Goldring said the whole thrust of the Redevelopment Area has been to bring more people into the area and that kind of support services is vital to the success of any performing venue. They would suggest a new facility, if possible, be sited in that same area, as they do not compete, but blend together. They looked at the previous suggestion for the Carlsbad Theatre and felt it would be an expensive renovation for live performances, because of the stage area, wing space, back areas, etc. They felt it should be renovated for films, lectures, and events that do not require that type of support. Commissioner Jersey said they would not get participation in that location, and there were better places. Commissioner Bischoff said he disagreed. Parking had been a concern in the Redevelopment Area. This will be addressed by 1992, with the commuter rail, when parking will be installed across from the theatre. Mr. Goldring reiterated that the changed idea for renovation should be examined. Mr. Wolf said that all issues should be studied—the safeness and limited use and develop a performance use schedule vs the cost. He said that all recommendations on facilities need to be followed up with more research. Arts Commissioner Meilach stated this was a great report and she felt it was functional as far as public relations; but she would like a map for proceeding and some way to expedite going ahead with the major recommendations. MINUTES June 14, 1990 Page 6 COMMISSIONERS Mr. Goldring said the Commission will need to make these things happen. They have to be building the necessary groundwork to make this turn real. That is what the task force approach is really about. There is more work to be done, and they can bring in three or four people interested in arts, but not involved, for input who then become supporters. Mr. Goldring said that the Commissioners should go through the report and decide on a consent calendar approach—to find out where they agree or not—and then focus on those where they disagree. The public art ordinance is a difficult issue—but the consultants feel it is important. Commissioner Meilach said she would like to see an organization chart to show where to start and show what goes where—a visual picture. Mr. Wolf said that this Commission has to begin that process—the Arts Commission must work it out. Commissioner Meilach said she would like to know what is attached to what, with the primary objectives. Chairman Bear said that this was phase one and phase two is the Arts Commission's job to implement. He said that while the consultants were interviewing the public, he felt they must have gotten an idea of what the community desired and the priority items, and which of these objectives should be tackled first. Mr. Goldring said that there are 46 recommendations the consultants have made. He felt they could put them into a time line and place them over three to five years. Chairman Bear said he thought that was what the Commission is searching for—an idea of how to go about this. Community support is needed and an infrastructure of how to make it happen would be helpful—to get the consultants' vision. Mr. Goldring said they would do this within the concept of the recommendations. Arts Commissioner Schuling said that until the recommendations are accepted and confirmed, they can't be done. An action plan will decide what can or can't be done. Arts Commissioner Jersey concurred that the Commission was looking for direction—from point A, B and C. Commissioner Schuling said they would like to know what things have the best chance of obtaining support. Connie Beardsley said that the task forces will come up with their own time lines and will come back to the Commission with that information. Chairman Bear said the Commission is looking for more than a polling of the community the consultants have given. The consultants have the expertise and the Commission would like to tap that more than this report does. He asked them to go out on a limb, based on their experience, and give the Commission suggestions regarding an implementation time line and programing—even if it may not be followed. MINUTES June 14, 1990 Page 7 COMMISSIONERS Mr. Goldring stated that the consultants recommend that the Commission not rush into the public art ordinance issue. Commissioner Schuling said that in the implementation section, the public relations need promotion and marketing and she didn't see that assigned. Mr. Wolf said that kind of public relations function would not be done by a staff person, but by this Commission and the expanded process of the task force, committees, etc. He said that selling the concept of arts is basic and widening the circle of people feeling that arts is part of living. The comment was made that the success of a facility is people knowing it is there—and that communications are important. Connie Beardsley stated that the Commission should accept the report as is, or with recommended changes. The Council will be asked to accept the report and not adopt initially, with recommendations attached. Chairman Bear asked that the report be accepted as written with a request for additional data, and to take this to the City Council as quickly as possible. Commissioner Meilach made a motion to accept the report of the consultants with the recommendations added and to take the report to the City Council. Connie Beardsley said that July 10 is the date for this to go to Council. Commissioner Bischoff suggested the motion accept the report and some modifications—not how to be implemented. This is a potential model from which to work. Commissioner Ladouceur stated that the Facilities Committee met today and asked for a clarification on page 20 of the report, as they did not know whether the figures were people or events. The unit was events, and that wording is to be clarified. Commissioner Ladouceur stated that the Facilities Committee asked that when the task force is formed for Facilities, that their Committee would like to stay as the task force for facilities. The Commission agreed. The Arts Commission accepted A Cultural Plan for Carlsbad, with a request for additional data and to include the recommendations of the Facilities Committee. Chairman Bear said the Commission has accepted the report and now have a lot of work to do. He reiterated the request of the Facilities Committee to remain the task force for Bear Bischoff Jersey Ladouceur Meilach Schuling MINUTES June 14, 1990 Page 8 COMMISSIONERS Mr. Wolf said that the Facilities Committee and the Arts Commission accepted the report with modifications and they will take the specific recommendations and review each one and come back with specific recommendations for City Council action. Chairman Bear stated it was important to point out in the preamble that the intent of the Arts Commission was to review these recommendations in detail and to prioritize them and develop an implementation plan which will be presented to the City Council in due course. Connie Beardsley asked the Commissioners to be present July 10, 1990, at the Council Meeting. Ms. Beardsley reminded the Commissioners of the jazz concert at Magee Park on June 20, 1990, and the Board Meeting of the Arts Associates to follow. ADJOURNMENT; By proper motion, the Special Meeting of June 14, 1990, was adjourned at 7: 28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CONNIE BEARDSLEY Arts Manager Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk I