HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-07; Arts Commission; MinutesMEETING OF:
DATE OF MEETING:
PLACE OF MEETING:
ARTS COMMISSION
CARLSBAD ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Teleconference
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Laurenn Barker called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Barker, Chamberlain, Jadhav, Schmidt, Snyder, White, and Nassiri.
STAFF PRESENT: Richard Schultz, Cultural Arts Manager
Robyne Robinson, Public Art Coordinator
Megan Gilby, Community Arts Coordinator
Daisy Hernandez, Senior Office Specialist
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ITEM #3
Minutes of the Art Commission meeting of March 5, 2020. Motion to approve the minutes by
Commissioner Snyder, seconded by Commissioner White. Motion approved, 5/0/0/2 (Nassiri and
Chamberlain-abstain)
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
OUTCOME OF THE RECENT CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARTS COMMISSION: Cultural Arts
Manager Richard Schultz shared the City Council appointments on April 21, 2020 of three Arts
Commissioners with two returning. Commissioners Barker and Chamberlain were both re-appointed
for four-year terms. Schultz welcomed new Arts Commissioner Gita Nassiri who then commented on
her new appointment.
INTRODUCTION OF ROBYNE ROBINSON, NEW PUBLIC ART COORDINATOR: Cultural Arts Manager
Richard Schultz introduced Robyne Robinson, the city's first full-time Public Art Coordinator as a result
of a nationwide search. Robinson, who joined Cultural Arts Office in mid-February, shared a Power
Point presentation of her background and accomplishments.
UPDATE ON THE COMMUNITY ARTS GRANTS: Cultural Arts Manager Richard Schultz introduced
revisions to the current 2020 and upcoming 2020/2021 Community Arts Grant cycles. In response to
COVID-19, the changes offer flexibility to current and potential grantees impacted by the crisis
including arts organizations, artists and schools. Community Arts Coordinator Megan Gilby shared a
PowerPoint presentation detailing the proposed staff recommendations and changes. Per the City
Attorney's Office, changes must be approved by the Arts Commission. Commissioner Snyder made the
Page 2 of 2
Arts Commission
Minutes of the May 7, 2020 Meeting
motion to approve staff recommendations to the Community Arts Grants, seconded by Commissioner
Jadhav. Motion approved, 7 /0/0/0.
CHAIR REPORT: Chair Barker commented on her reflections of the COVID-19 shutdown and the
negative effects of the absence of visual and performing arts. She highlighted how important it is to
continue to support the arts during this challenging time.
CULTUAL ARTS OFFICE REPORT: Manager Schultz echoed the sentiments of Chair Barker and shared
the status of the Cultural Arts office staff, as well as current and future programming. Staff continues
to telecommute when possible and all programming and events are canceled through mid-May. Staff is
awaiting decisions for future programming from city leadership. Schultz emphasized the programming
challenges prompted by COVID-19 which includes launching virtual programming and online
opportunities developed by staff. Schultz reiterated the City Council's decision to postpone all
supplemental budget requests which included the mobile outreach vehicle, Cannon Gallery redesign
and annual Community Arts Grants ten percent increase to funding. Manager Schultz provided an
update of the Library & Cultural Arts Director search and the postponement of the American for the
Arts Economic Impact Study.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Commissioners shared the highlights of their
participation and attendance at local arts events and programs. Commissioner Snyder thanked staff,
welcomed Robinson and shared his reflections on the effects of this pandemic on local artists and the
arts scene. Commissioner Schmidt commented on how she has been spending time during the
lockdown. Commissioner Jadhav welcomed new Commissioner Nassiri, welcomed Robinson and also
commented the impact of COVID-19 on the arts. Commissioner White echoed the welcoming
sentiments of fellow commissioners and gave an update on the status of New Village Arts.
Commissioner Chamberlain echoed the welcoming sentiments to Robinson and Commissioner Nassiri,
thanked staff for their hard work on the grants cycles and commented on potential changes in the
grants rubric and increase accessibility to underserved groups. She reiterated the value of the arts in
the City of Carlsbad. Commissioner Nassiri welcomed Robinson to the team and commented on the
importance to adapt and maintain creativity within the community during these challenging times.
ADJOURNMENT: Vice-chair Snyder made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:02 a.m.
Mimi Kim
Administrative Assistant j3Y~L -__,