Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Meeting - April 9, 2018

The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission convened on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. in open session. Commissioners present established a quorum (six of eleven members). The agenda included two special presentations, approval of prior meeting minutes, selection of a committee chair, updates on major capital projects and planning efforts, committee reports, and public comment.

Special Presentations

• Estella Sanchez (Sol Collective) spoke on art and activism. She described Sol Collective's 12-year history, beginning on Del Paso Boulevard, and its mission as a community space for artists, activists, educators, and healers. Examples included the Day of the Dead ceremony in Old Sacramento, the "Of Love and Riots" exhibit, artwork created during Stephon Clark protests, and an augmented reality pop-up at the Capitol supporting students. She highlighted a "Schools Not Prisons" initiative providing $75,000 in grants through the California Endowment. Sanchez expressed strong support for SMAC's cultural equity work and encouraged partnerships between large institutions and smaller community organizations. Commissioner Ishmael asked about membership (approximately 100 collective members plus an international network); Commissioner Vismar asked about school programs and what the commission could do beyond funding; Commissioner Blumenstock congratulated Sanchez on her "Legends of the Arts" award; Commissioner Delgado asked about the "Schools Not Prisons" grants.
• Roberta McClellan (Photography Month Sacramento / Viewpoint Photographic Art Center) reported on the inaugural Photography Month Sacramento. The idea began about a year and a half ago; as of the meeting, 40 organizations and more than 60 events were scheduled throughout April. She emphasized inclusivity and collaboration across museums, colleges, galleries, and community spaces. McClellan noted support from SMAC and Sacramento365 and said the next Photography Month is planned for April 2020. Commissioner Winlock asked how SMAC assisted; Commissioner Vismar asked about equity/diversity and outreach to disability organizations.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Meeting Minutes (March 12, 2018): Motion by Commissioner Mertz, seconded by Commissioner Blumenstock. Unanimously approved.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Selection of Chair, Grants and Education Committee: Motion by Commissioner Mertz, seconded by Commissioner Winlock. Veronica Delgado was approved as Chair.
• Item 3 – Theater and Convention Center Update (Lennee Eller): Eller reported that Populous is the architect for the Sacramento Convention Center and DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky for the Community Center Theater. Construction is scheduled to begin January 2019. Percent-for-art funding is estimated at $3.7–$4.3 million (2% of construction budget). The selection schedule: first panel meeting the week of May 2–4; artist interviews June 4–8; panel recommendations July 16–20; and a special commission meeting on July 23 to review recommendations. Two theater sites and four convention center sites were identified. The artist call via Submittables has drawn about 300 applicants. Commissioner Winlock suggested posting the outreach process on the website; Commissioner Mertz stressed community communication; Commissioner Blumenstock asked that cultural equity be incorporated.
• Item 4 – Cultural Plan (Creative Edge) Update: Director Jonathon Glus reported that the Creative Edge Steering Committee meets Wednesday; a town hall is scheduled April 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium. A joint workshop with the Cultural Planning Group and Third Plateau is being arranged.
• Item 5 – Strategic Division/SMAC Assessment: Glus said a joint workshop on SWOT analysis with Third Plateau and the Cultural Planning Group is planned but not yet calendared.

Committee Reports

• Outreach and Advocacy Committee (Commissioner Blumenstock): The committee is developing a structure for a cultural equity committee to replace the task force, including appointment and term-limit rules. Blumenstock reported a county budget request from $436,000 to $675,000, including a $50,000 increase for cultural equity grants and $115,000 for arts education. She urged commissioners appointed by county supervisors to meet with their supervisors.
• Grants and Education Committee (for Commissioner Marion, by Commissioner Wallace): The "Any Given Child" program needs more artists; a call for applications for residencies and assemblies will launch in early May, with a public panel in June. A presentation on the artist roster is planned for May.
• Art in Public Places Committee (Commissioner Ishmael): Covered two projects. A sculpture, "Genuine Void and Subtle Possession," will be relocated from the convention center to Fremont Park at the request of Councilmember Hansen's office, with relocation costs covered by that office. The "Bridge to Bridge" / "River Crossings" project, funded by an NEA Our Town grant and partnering with West Sacramento, will have an artist call in May. Budget is approximately $200,000, with about $125,000 from NEA. It is envisioned as a temporary project (six months or less). Discussion addressed permanent vs. temporary art and West Sacramento's role in selection.
• Friends of the Arts Commission (Commissioner Winlock): The Friends are reorganizing to support the Sacramento Arts Education Consortium and plan to expand their board from four to six–eight members. A presentation to the commission on the consortium structure was requested.
• Director's Report (Jonathon Glus): Glus thanked staff and announced plans to return to the APP committee regarding the existing artwork collection in the convention center and theater. Two staff positions remain open (grants manager and arts administrator). The exhibition program at City Hall will be reimagined. An equity summit is being discussed for the fall. The commission's presentation to City Council on the cultural equity statement was moved from April 19 to April 24.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No speaker slips were taken; no public comments were made.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the March 12, 2018, meeting minutes.
• Approved Veronica Delgado as Chair of the Grants and Education Committee.
• Confirmed a special commission meeting for July 23, 2018, to review public art panel recommendations.
• Agreed to post the artist selection/outreach process on the website.
• Agreed to use calendar invites (opt-out) for upcoming arts events requiring commission presence.
• Staff will bring a plan for the convention center/theater artwork collection to the APP committee.
• Friends of the Arts will present on the Sacramento Arts Education Consortium at a future meeting.
• The meeting adjourned after commissioner comments.