Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - May 10, 2021

The Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission met on May 10, 2021, to discuss creative economy relief needs, hear staff and chairperson reports, and address community concerns about equity in grant processes. The meeting included a consent calendar, a detailed discussion on relief strategies, and reports from staff and the chairperson.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Approved the April 12, 2021 commission meeting minutes unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Creative Economy Relief Needs: Megan Van Voorhis presented data on the creative sector's losses, reporting approximately $38 million in aggregate losses across the seven-county Sacramento region and average per-artist losses of about $38,000. She highlighted needs such as putting creative workers back to work, neighborhood-level impact, workforce development, and marketing. The commission discussed ideas like a citywide arts celebration, placing artists in businesses, and forming a letter to the mayor with priorities for relief funding.
• Equity Concerns: Commissioner Cruz Naranjo expressed concerns that no Latino artists were selected for Community Mural Sacramento and that unsuccessful applicants were offered an eight-hour video for professional development. Staff clarified that the selection process is ongoing, that Latino artists were selected, and that the video was a panel review open to the public for transparency, not a training requirement. Commissioner Cecily Hastings echoed support for professional development, while Commissioner Cruz acknowledged the need for transparency and inclusion.
• Director’s Report: Megan Van Voorhis discussed participation in the national 'Reopen Every Venue Safely' effort, a creative placemaking meeting along Stockton Boulevard, ongoing mural activity, and arts education partnerships. She also noted plans to bring a fuller report on Community Mural Sacramento to the June meeting.
• Chairperson’s Report: Chair Dr. Steven Winlock encouraged commissioners to meet with their council members to advocate for the proposed $2.8 million budget for the department. He also highlighted the public art installation 'California Cathedral' and the 'River Crossing' piece.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the April 12, 2021 meeting minutes.
• Directive: Commissioners were asked to email their ideas on creative economy relief to staff by a deadline, addressing three questions: programs to support artists returning to work, ways to enable artists and arts organizations to reopen sustainably, and how to ensure inclusion and community impact.
• Next Steps: Staff will compile ideas and bring a draft letter to the mayor and council members for discussion. The letter will reflect recommendations for using relief funding.
• Community Mural Sacramento: Staff committed to strengthening application processes, offering feedback to all applicants, and continuing equity-focused improvements. A full report is expected in June.