Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Meeting – April 8, 2019

The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) held its regular meeting on Monday, April 8, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. The commission approved the consent calendar, debated and voted on an advocacy letter to the City Manager requesting significant arts funding, received updates on the first Youth Creativity Summit and the Cultural Plan, approved two public art project plans (Pannell Center Kinetic Art and North Natomas Library Tech Art), and heard committee reports and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes (March 11, 2019): Unanimously approved. (Motion by Commissioner Silva, seconded by Commissioner Deb.)

Advocacy Letter to the City Manager

• Recommendation: Receive and file; after discussion, the commission voted to send the letter. Chair Dr. Steven Winlock and Vice Chair Maya Wallace presented a letter addressed to City Manager Howard Chan requesting:
  • $2.2 million in the base budget for FY 2019‑20 (composed of last year's one-time addition of $500,000 plus $1.7 million for ongoing support of the Creative Edge Plan, cultural equity grants, film office, and creative economy grants).
  • $6 million in Measure U funding for ongoing implementation of the Creative Edge Plan.
  • The letter noted that since 2009 the arts commission has not been funded at its historically agreed level (approximately 0.5% of transient occupancy tax revenue) and argued that arts are a core service as important as police, fire, and public works.
• Debate: Commissioner Louis Vismar questioned the phrase “historically agreed upon level” but was assured it refers to traditional funding practice. Commissioner Maya Wallace raised concern about equating arts with police/fire, but the advocacy committee intentionally included that language to stress importance. Commissioner Matthew Gillam expressed disappointment that funding had not materialized and praised the letter.
• Vote: Roll call vote. All commissioners present (Jason Silva, Louis Vismar, Marie Mertz, Maya Wallace, Michael Marion, Stephen Winlock, William Ishmael, Veronica Delgado, Matthew Gillam) voted aye. Motion passed.

Creativity Summit Update

• Oral Report by Melissa Cirone: The first Sacramento Youth Creativity Summit was held April 1, 2019, at the B Street Theatre (Sophia venue). Nearly 300 students from 5 school districts and 20 high schools (plus one middle school) attended. The day featured a stilt walker, drumline, storytelling, workshops (12 options), a resource fair, and an open mic. Workshops covered entrepreneurship, music production, theatre, dance, trauma-informed art, and more. Youth advisory council helped design the event. Commissioner enthusiasm was very high; compliments were given for youth engagement, inclusion of creative economy grantees, and the venue. Next steps include potential funding, expanding media coverage, and engaging students in future advocacy.

Pannell Center Kinetic Art Project Plan

• Staff Report by Donald Gensler: A kinetic sculpture for the Pannell Meadow View Community Center (District 8), funded by CIP and discretionary funds from Councilmember Carr (total artist budget ~$110,000). Four pre‑qualified artists (from Massachusetts, Alameda County, and Washington State) will be interviewed by a selection panel. The artwork should be monumental, inviting, and community‑representative.
• Commissioner Concerns: Commissioner Louis Vismar noted disappointment that no local artists made the shortlist; staff emphasized the need for local artists to apply to the pre‑qualified database. Commissioner Matthew Gillam hoped the art would make the center more welcoming.
• Vote: Motion to approve passed unanimously.

North Natomas Library Tech Art Project Plan

• Staff Report by Donald Gensler: A nationwide RFQ for a technology‑focused public artwork at the North Natomas Library entrance, with a 10‑year intended lifespan and a 2‑year artist warranty. The project came from a creative economy grant that sparked interest in tech art. Funding is from CIP for the adjacent Aquatic Center.
• Discussion: Commissioner Matthew Gillam suggested engaging students in the design process, not just as a lecture. Staff agreed to involve students as stakeholders but noted the artist must lead. Commissioner Louis Vismar supported student involvement as a learning opportunity. Staff mentioned a similar hands‑on workshop project on North 12th Street.
• Vote: Motion to approve passed unanimously.

Arts Consortium Update

• Oral Report by Chair Winlock: The Arts Education Consortium continues its work to formalize goals and funding support for arts education. Friends of the Arts is developing its organizational structure. The Sacramento County Office of Education received a $1 million grant that aligns with consortium goals.

Cultural Plan Update

• Oral Report by Director Jody Ulich: Praised staff for the Creativity Summit. Consultant Metris Consulting (including former Chicago film office director) is beginning a film office assessment. Creative Edge implementation is ongoing.

Outreach and Advocacy Committee Report

• Commissioner Jason Silva: Committee focused on the advocacy letter. Noted that meeting videos are now online (arts commission website). Chair Winlock mentioned the website www.savesacarts.org as a hub for further advocacy. Other commissioners asked about a broader advocacy plan; Chair Winlock indicated multiple groups are coordinating, including a meeting with Creative Edge partners. Commissioner Louis Vismar suggested forwarding Dennis Mangers’ advocacy package; staff noted Brown Act restrictions, so commissioners were advised to contact Mangers directly.

Art in Public Places Committee Report

• Commissioner William Ishmael: Discussed the two project plans above. Also reported progress on re‑establishing public art tours with the Creative Arts League.

Director’s Report

• Jody Ulich: Cultural Services Manager position – first‑round Skype interviews scheduled April 19 for 7 highly qualified candidates; finalists may present to the commission. Memorial Auditorium reopening in May for graduations; Community Center Theatre closing after Aladdin for renovations; Convention Center closing in July. State Arts Advocacy Day is April 23 at the State Capitol; SMAC is a supporting partner. Senator Ben Allen received National Arts Leadership Award.

Chair’s Report

• Chair Winlock: Commended advocacy committee and Dennis Mangers’ volunteer efforts. Encouraged the commission to broadcast its role in supporting arts and culture, e.g., through the Creativity Summit.

Public Comments

• Robin Rare: On behalf of Richard Herrera, who has autism, requested an appointment with the executive director to discuss employment opportunities. Director Ulich agreed to arrange a meeting.
• Richard Herrera: Described his art background (muralist, exhibited in Germany), his Asperger’s syndrome, and his role as a role model for the autistic community. He has been applying for public art opportunities. Commissioner Veronica Delgado offered to assist due to her personal experience with autism.

Commission Member Comments

• Commissioner Silva: Announced Sacramento is hosting the Next City Vanguard Fellowship later this year, bringing 40 young urban innovators to the city.
• Commissioner Ishmael: Plugged Kingsley Art Club speaker series (April 17 and May 15).
• Commissioner Louis Vismar: Promoted a benefit concert for Joshua House (Mozart’s Requiem) on April 14.
• Discussion on visibility of arts events: Commissioners noted the challenge of publicizing events; William Ishmael cited Kingsley Art Club’s use of SAC 365, Facebook, and Instagram. Director Ulich pointed to the upcoming data project to connect schools and artists.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent calendar minutes.
• Approved and Sent: Advocacy letter to City Manager requesting $2.2 million base budget allocation and $6 million Measure U funding (roll call vote, all ayes).
• Approved: Pannell Center Kinetic Art Project Plan (unanimous).
• Approved: North Natomas Library Tech Art Project Plan (unanimous).
• Received and Filed: Creativity Summit update, Arts Consortium update, Cultural Plan update, all committee reports, and Director’s report.
• Next Steps: Staff to release RFQ for North Natomas Tech Art; artists to be interviewed for Pannell Center Kinetic Art; advocacy efforts to continue with community partners; Cultural Services Manager interviews to proceed.