HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-13; City Council; ; Arts & Culture Master Plan Annual Status ReportCA Review CKM
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
District:
April 13, 2021
Mayor and City Council
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Richard Schultz, Cultural Arts Manager
richard.schultz@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2086
Arts & Culture Master Plan Annual Status Report
All
Recommended Action
Receive an annual status report on Arts & Culture Master Plan initiatives launched in fiscal year
2019-20 and fiscal year 2020-21, consider additional support of initiatives for fiscal year 2021-
22 and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Executive Summary
On June 26, 2018, the City Council approved the Arts & Culture Master Plan (Resolution No.
2018-118), affirming its support of the community’s desire for artistic and cultural programs
and services. The plan directs staff to annually update the City Council on the progress of
approved initiatives and to seek City Council direction on any new initiatives to undertake in the
coming fiscal year. The City Council’s approval of the Master Plan included a phased approach
to the top ten initiatives, and funding to pursue the first two initiatives, a venue feasibility study
and implementation of a mobile outreach strategy using the city’s TGIF mobile stage and a
possible newly programmed arts vehicle. The last update was provided to the City Council on
May 7, 2019. Due to the pandemic, there was no update presented in 2020.
This report provides an update on previously approved initiatives and presents a menu of
additional initiatives for City Council consideration in fiscal year 2021-22.
Discussion
Background
Since its approval in 2018 and in addition to ongoing programming, Cultural Arts staff have
planned and implemented numerous initiatives of the Arts & Culture Master Plan.1 The plan’s
49 initiatives represent six focus areas which were developed based on community input:
1.Support Art as an Essential Component of Daily Life
1 The Arts & Culture Master Plan, including appendices, is available on the city’s website at
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/arts/planning.asp
April 13, 2021 Item #7 Page 1 of 7
2.Foster Arts & Culture Within the Physical Realm
3.Expand Arts & Culture Learning Opportunities
4.Establish Relationships that Support a Thriving Business Sector
5.Celebrate Carlsbad’s Unique History and Distinct Identities
6.Build Capacity Within the Arts & Culture Sector
Status update for fiscal year 2019-20
Note: The Arts & Culture Master Plan initiative is cited at the beginning of each section.
The first two initiatives were approved by the City Council concurrent with the approval of the
Arts & Culture Master Plan on June 26, 2018:
Cultural Facilities Needs Assessment
Physical Realm 1.1: Launch a feasibility study to explore the creation of a City of Carlsbad
cultural arts facility that responds to the regional interest for a larger performance venue for
professional theater and can provide classrooms, rehearsal spaces and production studios.
A venue feasibility study was included in the original Arts & Culture Master Plan funding. Staff
contracted with Webb Management Services to conduct a study and assessment of a potential
visual and performing arts venue within the City of Carlsbad. This work included input from key
community stakeholders and a market analysis related to existing venues, as well as
establishing interest and potential usage of a new performing and visual arts venue in Carlsbad.
On Oct. 22, 2019, staff presented the findings of the venue feasibility study to the City Council.
The study concluded that a cultural facility with the following characteristics could be feasible in
Carlsbad:
•A 400-600 seat flexible performance space, a state-of-the-art facility
•A venue that includes rehearsal, program and teaching spaces to support local
arts groups as well as city meetings and private events
•An outdoor performance and event space with the necessary infrastructure
•An industrial arts space
Further action will depend on the outcome of the selection of a site for a new City Hall/Civic
Center.
Develop a Mobile Outreach Strategy for the Cultural Arts Office
Daily Life 1.1: Investigate the possibility of utilizing the city’s Mobile Stage for performance
opportunities outside of the TGIF concert series including potential rentals as a revenue source.
Community feedback indicated this solution would address the current lack of space for
workshops and classes until another option, such as an arts venue, is available. The City Council
authorized city staff to proceed with the mobile outreach strategy utilizing the city’s TGIF
mobile stage and a possible newly programmed Arts Vehicle in its resolution at the June 26,
2018 meeting (Resolution No. 2018-118). The City Council allocated $90,000 to launch the
effort, with the focus on staffing and related materials and supplies.
In the first year, staff formulated a mobile arts education strategy, resulting in a short-term
approach to mobile delivery with the existing resources of the TGIF stage and Family Open
Studios at the Art in the Village (August 2018), as well as participation at the inaugural Carlsbad
ArtWalk on Armada (September 2018) and a multi-cultural festival at Jefferson Elementary
April 13, 2021 Item #7 Page 2 of 7
School (April 2019). Cultural Arts staff also researched mobile vehicle options, conducting site
visits to similar vehicles and identified a preferred model for mobile delivery of arts
programming.
Status update for fiscal year 2020-21
The next three initiatives were approved by the City Council at the first annual update on
May 7, 2019:
Guest artist residencies
Lifelong Learning 2.4: Create opportunities for guest artist residencies for master classes or
other engagement events.
The City Council approved an ongoing $50,000 per fiscal year to support guest artist residencies
in fiscal year 2019-20. Guest residencies bring artists to Carlsbad for an extended period to
offer community members an opportunity to interact with those artists in an array of events,
including performances and workshops.
The following residencies were presented:
• North Coast Repertory Theater of Solana Beach presented a week-long musical theatre
camp from July 22-26, 2019, for ages 12 to 14 that provided 20 students with a dynamic
experience from the audition process through an admission-free performance of
“School House Rock Live Jr.” for 100 family and friends.
• Ken Waldman, Alaska’s Fiddler Poet, performed throughout Carlsbad from Oct. 8-12,
2019, including 13 events with a total audience of 585 at local schools, a homeless
shelter and other locations.
• Ray Li of Northwind dazzled audiences with his unique synthesis of technology, kinetics
and music. He performed at Jefferson Elementary School and Carlsbad High School,
including a talk-back session at each school. He also collaborated with local ensemble
Litvak Dance to create an original performance piece for the Schulman Auditorium.
During his five-day visit, over 340 local students and residents participated in events.
• In conjunction with Cannon Gallery exhibit “Edges Frayed” on display March 1-Aug. 8,
2020, three virtual workshops during spring 2020 showcased three Southern California
textile artists, Bhavna Mehta, Michelle Montjoy and Irma Sofia Poeter, in a material-rich
presentation and demonstration about construction and connection. These virtual
workshops, managed by Programs & Venues Coordinator Karen McGuire, in
combination with a virtual gallery tour of the exhibit resulted in 986 views.
Additional residencies planned for 2020 were cancelled due to the pandemic.
STEAM pilot program
Lifelong Learning 1.1: Leverage local partnerships to support STEM to STEAM learning initiatives
with an initial pilot program with Carlsbad's Title I schools with an eventual goal of replication in
schools across the city.
The City Council approved an ongoing $45,000 per fiscal year to support STEAM programming.
Cultural Arts staff partnered with three Carlsbad schools for kindergarten through fifth grades
to develop STEAM programming with an eventual goal of replicating it at other Carlsbad Unified
School District schools. Each school proposed a unique program for $15,000 in funding:
• Jefferson Elementary: Sharing the Planet, utilizing the Sage Garden Nutrition program
with elements such as the creation of an original cookbook.
April 13, 2021 Item #7 Page 3 of 7
• Calavera Hills Elementary: The Harmony Project emphasizes awareness of global and
environmental impact
• Buena Vista Elementary: Art and innovation learning stations equipped with engineering
materials and tools for creation of projects with a guest artist providing instruction and
guidance.
Agreements were being finalized when the pandemic started in March 2020. The projects were
postponed until full instruction and operations resume at each school. As the pandemic
continues into 2021, Cultural Arts staff are planning and developing curriculum for the second
phase of STEAM programming comprised of offsite field trips for Carlsbad schools integrating
environmental sciences and the arts at the Batiquitos Lagoon, launching in Fall 2022.
Increase Community Arts Grants Funding
Capacity Building 1.1: Increase community grant funding and support.
At the May 7, 2019 update, the City Council confirmed the initiative recommendation of the
plan by directing an annual increase in community arts grant funding of 10% a year for three
years, followed by a review to determine whether an additional three years of funding
increases are needed based on community demand (Resolution No. 2019-061). The first 10%
increase was budgeted in fiscal year 2019-20, bringing the Community Arts Grants funding level
to $88,000. The second 10% increase was deferred in fiscal year 2020-21, in response to fiscal
challenges associated with the pandemic. Throughout both the calendar year 2020 and fiscal
year 2021 grant cycles, staff worked with grantees to adapt to the realities of the pandemic,
including bringing any significant changes in projects to the Arts Commission for review and
approval.
Here are the funding results for the last two years:
Community Arts Grants Jan-June 2020 Sept 2020-Aug 2021
Applications 27 21
Funded projects 23 21
Eligible requests $114,303 $109,800
Total funding $88,000 $88,000
Status of additional Arts & Culture Master Plan initiatives
The following four initiatives are part of the ongoing effort by staff to meet the timelines
established by the Plan. While some initiatives require support and funding from City Council,
others can be achieved with existing resources and via expanded programming.
Daily Life 2.4: Support citywide recognition of October as Arts and Humanities Month
In 2019 and 2020, the City Council approved a resolution designating October as Arts &
Humanities Month. Cultural Arts staff scheduled an array of events, both in person and virtually
as appropriate to the circumstances, in all genres including interactive art education projects,
music performances and artist talk shows.
Physical Realm 3.1: Establish a practice of including a Cultural Arts representative in preliminary
concept development conversations about upcoming capital improvement projects.
April 13, 2021 Item #7 Page 4 of 7
Depending on the funding source, most new capital improvement projects in the city include a
budget allocation for public art equal to 1% of the project total. With a new public art
coordinator in place in Fall of 2020, Cultural Arts issued a “Call to Artists” to select the city’s first
embedded artist to consult with the design team of Veterans Memorial Park. Artist Michelle
Montjoy was selected to advise and provide resource to city staff and the park design team. In
collaboration with Cultural Arts Manager Richard Schultz and Public Art Coordinator Tonya
Rodzach, Ms. Montjoy is participating in planning sessions focused on incorporating artistic
elements into the overall park design and will provide support for both public outreach and
artist selection. Other upcoming capital improvement projects with public arts components
include Fire Station 2, the Chestnut freeway underpass and the Barrio roundabout.
Physical Realm 2.1: Encourage and assist local businesses to support the creation of privately
sponsored murals within Carlsbad Village and new developments throughout the city.
Cultural Arts is collaborating with the Carlsbad Village Association to engage established artists
to display a wide array of media in the storefronts of businesses in the Village. The city values
an inclusive vision of the arts and culture in everyday life, while stimulating an expanding
creative sector economy. Original and unique artistic creations, as temporary public art, spur
dialogue and enhance the Village as destination. This pilot program is designed for replication in
other areas of the city and serves as the basis for future explorations of the components in the
initiative.
Distinct Identities 1.1: Create a trail art program through a collaboration with city departments,
local businesses and organizations that encourages wellness and enhances the outdoor
experience.
In partnership with the Parks & Recreation Department, Cultural Arts staff researched and
conceptualized a new component to the city’s memorial program that would make available art
cairns on trails to commemorate deceased loved ones. Cultural Arts staff worked with local
artist Betsy Schulz to produce color renderings of the proposed memorial trail art. This is the
first component of a larger trail art initiative identified in the master plan that will be expanded
upon in the coming years such as at the future Veterans Memorial Park.
Options
Fiscal year 2021-22 initiatives for City Council consideration
Staff is presenting for the City Council’s consideration the following four options that provide
support for four Arts & Culture Master Plan initiatives. City staff is prepared to undertake these
in fiscal year 2021-22, if so directed by the City Council:
1. Daily Life 1.1: Investigate the possibility of utilizing the city’s Mobile Stage for
performance opportunities outside of the TGIF concert series including potential rentals
as a revenue source.
In the first year of funding, the City Council allocated $90,000 that was used for part-time
staff to formulate a mobile arts education strategy including curriculum development,
logistics, operations and scheduling, resulting in a short-term approach to mobile
delivery with the existing resources of the TGIF stage and Family Open Studios at the Art
in the Village in August 2018, as well as participation at the inaugural Carlsbad ArtWalk
on Armada in September 2018 and a multi-cultural festival at Jefferson Elementary
School in April 2019. A second year of funding for staffing in fiscal year 2019-20, was
approved by the city manager during the carryforward budget process in October 2019,
April 13, 2021 Item #7 Page 5 of 7
but only as a one-time expense.2 In fiscal year 2020-21, ongoing funding was deferred
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to resume arts education and outreach efforts,
ongoing funding for this part-time staff is required. The cost of this staffing is $107,392.
The $17,392 increase from the original $90,000 reflects an increase in the cost of
requested staff.
2. Capacity Building 1.1: Increase community grant funding and support.
The Arts & Culture Master Plan recommends an annual increase of 10% for three years
followed by a review to determine whether additional increases in support of ongoing
Community Arts Grants are needed. At the May 7, 2019, update, the City Council
confirmed this recommendation (Resolution No. 2019-061). The first 10% increase was
budgeted in fiscal year 2019-20, bringing the Community Arts Grants funding level to
$88,000. The second 10% increase was deferred in fiscal year 2020-21, in response to
fiscal challenges associated with the pandemic. Funding the deferred $9,680 Community
Arts Grant amount will help to address the volume of requests that continue to outpace
available grant funding. Staff will return to the City Council before the start of fiscal year
2022-23 to determine whether an additional three years of funding increases are needed
based on community demand.
3. Physical Realm 3.3: Fund technology upgrades for the Cannon Art Gallery to enable the
space to function at industry standards for presentation of art, audio programming and
visitor support features.
The gallery opened in September 1999 and has not had any Capital Improvement
Projects upgrades, such as electrical, lighting, sound or data, since its opening nearly 22
years ago. In its current condition, the gallery is significantly out of sync with its industry.
The gallery cannot host many regional and national touring exhibits that require specific
lighting, electrical, sound, flooring, environmental controls and moveable walls. The
gallery averages 2,500 to 3,000 attendees per exhibition, for a total of 10,000 to 12,000
attendees per year. Staff is requesting $50,000 to engage a qualified consultant to assess
the current status of the gallery’s amenities, review current and future trends in
presenting exhibitions and recommend best practices for developing a plan, process and
timeline to upgrade the gallery space. This evaluation of operational needs and
alignment with industry trends will be the first step in multi-year effort. The result of this
assessment will be utilized to inform the design and plans for a gallery upgrade, which is
tied to a proposed fiscal year 2021-22 Capital Improvement Project.
4. Daily Life 1.2: Procure an arts vehicle for city staff to deliver arts programming to
locations throughout the city.
Cultural Arts staff have researched mobile vehicle options, conducting site visits to
similar vehicles and identifying a preferred model for mobile delivery of arts
programming. Staff are recommending a recreational-style vehicle, 33-37 feet in length,
featuring customized technology and including options to stage it as a classroom, a
performance space or a mini-gallery. Staff anticipate a cost of up to $445,000 for the
purchase of a mobile arts vehicle, which will take an estimated year for design,
fabrication, and procurement. Cultural Arts staff will explore and have already received
2 A carryforward budget is the balance at the end of a prior fiscal year that has been rolled forward to the next
fiscal year.
April 13, 2021 Item #7 Page 6 of 7
interest in potential donations that could significantly offset the city-funded portion of
the vehicle purchase. Staff are also aware that the purchase of a mobile arts vehicle
represents a significant financial expenditure at a time of economic uncertainty and the
City Council may desire to delay the purchase until a stronger economy returns.
Staff recommend the City Council consider the four options and provide direction on which
options the City Council would like staff to implement in fiscal year 2021-22.
Fiscal Analysis
Costs associated with the four options discussed above are listed below. Funding for the
options directed by the City Council will be included in the city’s fiscal year 2021-22 operating
budget.
Option Description First-year
cost
Annual ongoing
cost
1 Arts education outreach $107,392 $107,392
2 10% increase in community arts grants $9,680 N/A
3 Cannon Gallery study $50,000 N/A
4 Mobile arts vehicle $445,000 $9,822
Total $612,072 $126,894
Next Steps
Staff will return to the City Council with a resolution reflecting the City Council’s direction and
staff will initiate the development and implementation of the directed options.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
In accordance with California Public Resources Code Section 21065, receiving this report does
not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act in
that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a
reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the environment, and does not require
environmental review.
Public Notification and Outreach
Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and it was
available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
None
April 13, 2021 Item #7 Page 7 of 7
Arts & Culture Master Plan
Annual Status Report
Suzanne Smithson, Library & Cultural Arts Director
Richard Schultz, Cultural Arts Manager
April 13, 2021
Overview
•A brief review of the Arts & Culture Master Plan
•Highlights of fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21
•A preview of FY2021-22
•Request for direction on FY2021-22 initiatives
2
Plan History
Development of the Plan (2015-2018)
•Extensive community feedback
•49 initiatives
•Top Ten initiatives list
•City Council approval:
June 26, 2018
3
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Predominant Themes
1.Support Art as an Essential Component of Daily Life
2.Foster Arts & Culture in the Physical Realm
3.Expand Arts & Culture Learning Opportunities
4.Establish Relationships that Support a Thriving Business Sector
5.Celebrate Carlsbad’s Unique History and Distinct Identities
6. Build Capacity within the Arts & Culture Sector
4
Accomplishments
Cultural Facilities Needs Assessment
•Accepted by City Council on Oct. 22, 2019 with these findings:
o A 400-600 seat flexible performance space
o A venue offering spaces to support performances, arts education, private events and city meetings
o An outdoor performance and event space with the necessary infrastructure
o An industrial arts space
5
September 2019
Cultural Facilities Needs Assessment
Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA
contact:
Duncan Webb
WebbManagementServices,lnc.
501 Fifth Avenue.Suite 1202
New York, NY 10017
12121929-5040
duncan@webbmgmt.org
Guest Artist Residencies
North Coast Repertory Theatre
•One-week theatre camp
•July 22-26, 2019
•Ages 12-14
•20 participants
•Free community performance
of Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.
6
Guest Artist Residencies
Ken Waldman
Alaska’s Fiddler Poet
October 8-12, 2019
•Carlsbad Senior Center
•Carlsbad Village Faire
•Pine Park Community Center
•La Posada de Guadalupe Shelter
•Pacific Ridge School
7
Guest Artist Residencies
Ray Li, North Wind
Technology-Infused Futuristic Music
March 3-7, 2020
•Jefferson Elementary
•Carlsbad High School
•Original collaborative performance
with local ensemble Litvak Dance in
the Schulman Auditorium
8
Guest Artist Residencies
Cannon Gallery exhibit Edges Frayed
Virtual Workshops
June-August 2020
Local textile artists:
•Bhavna Mehta
•Irma Sofia Poeter
•Michelle Montjoy
9
Additional Initiatives
•STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts,
Mathematics)
o Three Title I Schools postponed the launch of their
newly-developed programs due to the pandemic
o Commenced research for Phase Two, an academic
year program of field trips to a Carlsbad natural
environment focused on grades K-5 with a
community partner
10
Additional Initiatives
Physical Realm 3.1: …including a Cultural Arts
representative in preliminary concept
development for capital improvement projects.
o Veterans Memorial Park
o Embedded artist Michelle Montjoy
o Participating in design process
11
Additional Initiatives
Physical Realm 2.1: …support the creation of
murals within Carlsbad Village…
•Collaborative temporary public art project
with Carlsbad Village Association
•Engage established artists to display a wide array of media in storefronts
•Replicable for future expansion to other areas of the city
12
Fiscal Year 2021-22 Options
•Mobile Arts Strategy Staffing
•Community Arts Grants Increase
•Cannon Gallery Upgrade Consultant
•Mobile Arts Vehicle
13
Mobile Arts Strategy Staffing
•Approved in fiscal years 2018-19
and 2019-20
•Support arts education outreach
•Also supports participation in
community events including Art in
the Village and ArtWalk
•Requested: $107,392
14
Community Arts Grant Increase
•Arts & Culture Master Plan recommends
a ten percent increase
•Plan suggests three-year increments
•Annual requests range from 30% to 50%
more than available funds
•Requested: $9,680
15
Cannon Gallery Upgrade
PR 3.3 (Physical Realm): Fund technology
upgrades for the Cannon Art Gallery to function
at industry standards
•Opened in 1999
•No upgrades during 2016 library renovation
•Outdated track lighting
•No sound system or power outlets in the walls
•Requested: $50,000 (for consultant)
16
Mobile Arts Vehicle
•Identified a preferred strategy to fulfill the number
two initiative in the Top Ten.
•A recreational style-vehicle with a multi-purpose
interior serving visual and performing arts programs
•Potential to bring arts programming including gallery-
style presentations throughout Carlsbad.
17
Mobile Arts Vehicle
Multi-purpose flexible interior
18
Taking the “show on the road”
Mobile Arts Vehicle
19
Rather than a RV, it’s an ARTv!
•Presents a high profile for the city and the arts
•Three to four months for design
•Eight to ten months for fabrication
•33’ to 37’ custom recreational vehicle
•Flexible art gallery and covered outdoor activity areas
•Miminal set-up and breakdown
•Requested: $445,000
Next Steps
20
•City Council to select the options for support
•On City Council’s direction, staff will return
with a resolution for approval
•The selected options will be incorporated into
the fiscal year 2021-22 budget process
Fiscal Year 2021-22 Options
Option Description
First-year
cost
Annual
Ongoing
cost
1 Arts education outreach $107,932 $107,932
2 10% increase in community arts
grants
$ 9,680
3 Cannon Gallery technology study $ 50,000 N/A
4 Mobile arts vehicle $445,000 $ 9,822
Total $612,072 $126,894
21
Questions?
22