Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Meeting - January 8, 2018

The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) held its regular meeting on January 8, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. The commission approved consent calendar items, appointed standing committee chairs for 2018, established a new Race and Cultural Equity Committee, and received updates on the Cultural Plan, strategic assessment, and various committee reports. No public comments were made.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the December 11, 2017, special meeting. Motion by Commissioner Mertz, second by Commissioner Wallace, passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• 2018 Standing Committee Appointments: Chair Jason Silva announced the following appointments: Doni Blumenstock as Chair of Outreach and Advocacy; William Ishmael as Chair of the Art in Public Places Committee; and Michael Marion as Chair of the Grants and Education Committee (with a vice chair to be appointed by Marion). Motion to approve passed unanimously.

• Establish Race and Cultural Equity Committee: A motion was made by Commissioner Wallace (with second by Commissioner Mertz) to establish a standing Race and Cultural Equity Committee, directing the Outreach and Advocacy Committee, in consultation with Vice Chair Steven Winlock, to develop the committee's parameters, selection process, and other details, with a target of bringing recommendations back to the full commission in February or March 2018. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Ishmael and others emphasized the need to define the committee's purpose and membership (including non-commissioners) before full implementation.

• Cultural Plan Update: Director Jonathon Glus reported that the community outreach phase is in its final stages. The last public meeting will be held on January 30, 2018, at the Poetry Center, with an additional meeting focused on race and cultural equity at the same venue. The steering committee will meet in mid-January, and the final town hall is anticipated in early March 2018.

• Strategic Division/SMAC Assessment Update: Director Glus noted that staff met with Third Plateau in late December 2017. Third Plateau will conduct small group conversations with stakeholders in late January and early February 2018, with recommendations expected back to the commission in late February or early March 2018, aligned with the cultural plan timeline.

Committee Reports

• Outreach and Advocacy Committee (Doni Blumenstock): The committee discussed internal structural planning, the need to continue cultural equity work (including seeking mid-year budget increments from the city for funding), and a review of bylaws. Commissioners Maya and Rebecca are reviewing bylaws for potential adjustments. The 40th anniversary celebration is ongoing.

• Grants and Education Committee: No report; Michael Marion was absent.

• Art in Public Places Committee (William Ishmael): Discussed the Royal Chicano Air Force mural (due March 1, 2018), the Matsui Park project (artist contract signed, public announcement expected soon), Powerhouse Science Center funding (new public art opportunity), and the 12th Street underpass (graffiti issues may lead to repainting). The committee emphasized the need for earlier integration with city planning and historic preservation departments.

• Friends of the Arts Commission (Steven Winlock): The committee is working to define its role in supporting SMAC's arts education goals, particularly a consortium with the city and 13 school districts. A goal is to place a VAPA coordinator in every school district. The mayor recently met with superintendents to discuss the consortium.

• 40th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee (Doni Blumenstock): The committee is under construction; Blumenstock suggested Veronica Delgado as chair.

Director's Report

• Jonathon Glus reported on administrative updates: staff is building a work plan based on zero-based budgeting for the first time in years, with a focus on transparency and alignment with the upcoming strategic plan. A new staff member (Donald Gensler, a trained attorney and community-based artist) has been hired for the Art in Public Places division, starting in about a week and a half.

Chair's Report

• Chair Jason Silva was absent due to a deadline at the Science Museum (a future public art site). No other report.

Public Comments

• No public comments were made.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved.
• Standing Committee Appointments: Approved for 2018.
• Race and Cultural Equity Committee: Established as a standing committee; parameters to be developed by Outreach and Advocacy Committee and Vice Chair Winlock, with a report back in February or March 2018.
• Cultural Plan Update: Received and filed.
• Strategic Division/SMAC Assessment Update: Received and filed.
• Committee Reports: All received and filed.
• Upcoming Events: Arts Awards Gala on January 17, 2018 ($45 tickets); final cultural plan public meeting on January 30, 2018, at the Poetry Center.