Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - February 8, 2021
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Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - February 8, 2021
The Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission met on February 8, 2021, at 2:00 PM via teleconference. The commission reviewed and approved several public art and funding initiatives, including the Community Murals Sacramento pilot program, the Spirit Wings temporary installation, and the purchase of artwork for the Safe Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts District. Commissioners also discussed their roles, responsibilities, and work plan for FY2021, including upcoming meetings with city council members.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Meeting Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the November 9, 2020, and February 1, 2021, meetings via a motion that passed unanimously.
Discussion Items
- California Arts Council State Local-Partnership CARES Act Re-Grant: Arts Program Coordinator Ray Gargano presented a receive-and-file report on the re-grant of $15,787 from the California Arts Council, which was awarded to four organizations serving people of color: Journal Truth Museum, Vita Academic Academy, the Brazilian Center, and Caladanza Dance. The commission received the report without objection.
- Community Murals Sacramento: Art in Public Places Specialist Donald Gensler presented a pilot program to install community murals in each council district (with two in some districts) led by eight lead artists, each supported by three assistant artists, an engagement manager, and a supply manager—all paid positions. The program includes community collaboration, stakeholder meetings, and a paint day. A commissioner will serve on the selection panel. The motion to approve the project passed unanimously.
- Spirit Wings: Gensler presented a temporary public art application for a sculpture series on the boardwalk of Old Sacramento, part of the Characters on K initiative led by Metro Edge. The sculpture, under 20 pounds and 3 feet tall, will be installed on city property under a five-year revocable license with maintenance by the artist. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
- Purchase of Artwork for Safe Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts District: Program Manager Lennee Eller provided an overview of five artworks already in progress or approved, then requested approval for the final piece: "We Have Lift Off" by artists Jamex and Einar De La Torre—a 34-foot tall fiberglass-reinforced concrete spaceship with bronze flames and interactive lighting, located at 13th and J Street. The $220,000 contract (with total nearing $1 million) was approved unanimously.
- Update on Art in Public Places Project for the Safe Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts District: Eller gave an oral report on the status of five other artworks (by Nova Jiang, Kimberly Garza, and Jai Young) for the theater and convention center, noting their themes of technology, environment, and community. The report was received and filed.
- Roles, Responsibilities and FY2021 Work Plan for Commissioners: Cultural and Creative Economy Manager Megan Van Voorhis outlined commissioners' powers and duties in three areas: communications/advocacy, planning/evaluation, and policy/process. Chair Steve Winlock led a discussion on preparing for meetings with council members, with commissioners requesting data on past projects, grants, and funding, as well as guidance on avoiding pitfalls. Staff committed to providing supporting materials.
- Director’s Report: Megan Van Voorhis reported on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (federal stimulus program) and the Paycheck Protection Program, both critical for the creative community. She also mentioned placemaking efforts along Stockton Boulevard and updates to the General Plan. The report was received and filed.
- Chairperson’s Report: Chair Steve Winlock noted ongoing work and announced that next meeting would include an update on the C3 project by Matt Boyer. The report was received and filed.
Key Outcomes
- Approval of Commission Meeting Minutes (November 9, 2020, and February 1, 2021): Motion passed unanimously.
- Approval of Community Murals Sacramento: Motion passed unanimously to implement a district-wide community mural pilot program with paid artist positions and community engagement.
- Approval of Spirit Wings: Motion passed unanimously to approve a temporary sculpture installation on city property under a revocable license.
- Approval of Purchase of Artwork by Jamex and Einar De La Torre: Motion passed unanimously to approve the design and purchase of "We Have Lift Off" for the Safe Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts District, with a contract to proceed to city council.
- Receipt and Filing: All other discussion items (CARES Act re-grant, Art in Public Places update, Director's Report, Chairperson's Report) were received and filed without objection.
Meeting Transcript
Go ahead. Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. I officially call the arts, culture, and creative economy uh meeting to order at this time. Um, Madeline, would you please roll call? Good afternoon, everybody. Rick God. I'm here. Present. Cecily Hastings. Cruz Naranjo. Here. Andrea Lepore. Isela Perez. Here. Donnie Blumenstock. Here. Dr. Steven Winlock. Here. Priscilla Enriquez. Here. Dr. Melinda Wilson Raimi. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you, Ben. And with that, uh, we'll start with the consent calendar. All the items on the consent calendar are considered enacted by one motion. Anyone may request an item to be removed or separated. And on the consent calendar, right now we have the approval of the commission meeting minutes. Do I have a motion? Motion to approve the minutes. I'll second that. I'll second it. Great. Please. Um, Madeline Roll call. Okay. So uh Isela Perez. Yes. Donnie Blumenstock. Yes. Priscilla Enriquez. Yes. Dr. Melinda Wilson Raimi. Yes. Dr. Winlaw. Yes.
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