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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-03; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES Carlsbad Arts Commission Februarys, 2011 Carlsbad Council Chambers I. Call to Order Chairman Fox called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. II. Roll Call Commissioners Present: DeForest, Fox, Friese, Iserloth, Schmidt, and Voll Commissioners Absent: Aquallo III. Approval of Minutes On motion by Commissioner Schmidt, second by Commissioner Friese, to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held December 2, 2010. AYES: Commissioners DeForest, Fox, Friese, Iserloth, Schmidt, and Voll NOES: Aquallo IV. New Business A. Presentation by David DeCordova. Principal Planner: Overview of the new General Plan process. Principal Planner David deCordova, gave a PowerPoint presentation about the process the city is following to develop a new General Plan, and then responded to the commission regarding the Arts Element. Jennifer Jesser, Senior Planner, gave a summary of the evolution of the Envision Carlsbad Citizens Committee (ECS). Heath Fox, Chair, then read the following prepared statement: "Having read the Envision Carlsbad Working Paper #4 and attended the citizens committee meeting on January 26, I was struck by the lack of a clear and focused sense of purpose regarding the arts. It seemed to me that the good members of the committee had not received a thorough background briefing about current arts programming in the city nor about the role of the Cultural Arts Office, a condition I found disheartening. Their conversation at the meeting simply didn't know where to go or what to do with the arts, and the topic was glossed over. The working paper, in responding to the question about the arts on pages 56-57, at least pointed in the direction of the Cultural Arts Office as a professional resource regarding these matters, and I was gratified to see that. However, in Chapter 3, specifically section 3.4, I was struck by the readiness of the conversation to focus on facilities, and this, in my view, is the wrong way around. When one starts a business, the first step is to analyze the market-determine what products people will buy-then decide which product your business will provide, then build the factory to manufacture that product. In the context of the arts, the first points of discussion should address issues of audience and programming. Which audience profile should be our focus? Do we want to focus on a local audience (citizens of Carlsbad and our immediate North County neighbors); or, as suggested in the "visitor" language of the current arts element, a regional audience (drawing audience from throughout the Southern California megalopolis); or do we desire to court the high end art world that garners national and international attention? All have their advantages and disadvantages. The former is a breakeven proposition, but the regional and national options have favorable economic potential. And then, what kind of programming strategy do we invest in for our targeted audience? What is the right balance of visual and performing arts? What is the optimal combination of continuous programming (such as Cannon Art Gallery on-going exhibition schedule) and periodic programming (such as the Jazz in the Park series)? With the strategic questions about audience and programming considered, then we can begin to address issues of facilities and funding. But to do so the other way around invites an emphasis of facilities that could lead to the type of challenges our neighbors in Escondido have struggled with over the years with the California Center for the Arts. The underpinning of my argument is that we cannot assume that "if we build it, they will come." We have to know "who" they are, and "what" they will come to. I suggest, if we are serious about arts and culture development, that it would be prudent to engage a consulting firm with experience in this sector, one who will be well-informed of the innovative ideas, best practices, and successful programs in both the visual and performing arts from a wide variety of municipal examples; a firm that can partner with the complement the professionals in the Cultural Arts office; a firm who is skilled at engaging and soliciting constructive and actionable community input; a firm with the experience and expertise in the arts and culture sector to guide the process towards a clear focus." The Arts Commission agreed with the statements of Heath Fox, Chair. B. Presentation on new Cultural Arts Office program: This Is Jazz! (Colleen Finnegan) Colleen Finnegan, Community Arts Coordinator, gave details about the new experimental program. She noted that the performances are free and will be held in the Schulman Auditorium. Ms. Finnegan explained that the starting time of 4:00 p.m. was chosen so that residents would find it convenient to attend the performances later on Saturdays when family errands and athletic activities are concluded. Arts Commission - 2 - February 3, 2011 V. Public Comment There was no public comment. VI. Commission Reports A. Commissioners reported on their recent activities. B. Mr. Gordon reported on the activities of the Cultural Arts Office and noted programs that would be occurring in February. VII. Adjournment Chairman Fox adjourned the regular meeting of the Arts Commission at 10:33 a.m. Respectfully submitted, PETER GORDON, Arts Manager Isabelle Paulsen, Minutes Clerk Arts Commission - 3 - February 3, 2011