Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - September 12, 2022

The Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission met on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 2:04 p.m. via teleconference, adjourning at 3:31 p.m. The meeting covered a proposed Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot for individual artists, the city budget process, and staff and chair reports. Commissioners also introduced a new member and discussed community arts initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting minutes of August 8, 2022, by a unanimous vote (9-0; Commissioners Gott, Perez, and Vice Chair Enriquez absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lambert Davis (speaking on Item 3, Office of Arts and Culture Budget): Urged staff to follow up with artist Al Wilson, describing him as an icon deserving of funding. He noted that Wilson had previously spoken at a meeting with the mayor and staff.
• Lambert Davis (speaking on Item 5, Chairperson’s Report): Welcomed new Commissioner Kristen Blair, promoted his cheesecake business in District 2, and called for more attention to the Marysville Corridor and District 2's talent.
• Lambert Davis (during Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda): Highlighted Grant High School's drumline's recent achievements and again urged support for District 2, noting his family's long history there.

Discussion Items

1. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Priorities: Guaranteed Basic Income for Individual Artists Funding Approach (Oral Report)

   • Staff (Megan Van Voorhis and Melissa) presented a proposed GBI pilot program: 200 artists, $450 per month for 24 months, funded by ARPA city-only dollars. The program aims to address economic instability among creative workers, reduce barriers, and explore structural equity. An advisory committee of artists and organizations will help shape eligibility, documentation, selection (randomized or community-based), and payment methods. The program is expected to launch in early 2023.
   • Commissioners expressed support for the concept but raised concerns about accountability and reporting. Commissioner Hastings stated, "I'm not even probably gonna vote for this because I just don't think this is a good approach," and advocated for monitoring and reporting on artist outcomes. Commissioner Naranjo called for built-in quality control and performance measures. Commissioner Blumenstock agreed that some accountability is needed to reassure the public, but cautioned against onerous reporting. Commissioner Lepore urged not overburdening artists, noting the purpose is to free them to work. Commissioner Wilson Ramey suggested quarterly progress reports and a public dissemination of final projects (e.g., exhibit, performance). Chair Winlock emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the program's purpose to the public.
   • No vote was taken; the item was for review and discussion.

2. Office of Arts and Culture: Budget, Annual City Budget Process and Timeline (Oral Report)

   • Staff (Megan Van Voorhis) explained the city's annual budget cycle: mid-year requests due in December, budget augmentation requests in January, city manager's proposed budget in April, and council approval in June. The Office of Arts and Culture's annual operating budget is about $800,000 (salaries, services, and the Cultural Arts Awards match). Additional funding for grant-making (e.g., Creative Edge) requires annual budget change proposals. In FY22, $2.6 million was added; in FY23, a $10 million ARPA allocation supported the creative economy. The office also secured external grants: $500,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (for Seeding Creativity), $5 million from Clean California, and $4.75 million from the California Creative Corps program.
   • Commissioner Blumenstock expressed concern about reliance on one-time funds and asked about the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Chair Winlock noted that the mayor had initiated a discussion on TOT uses, and staff confirmed that the City Council recently approved an update expanding allowable TOT uses. Commissioner Naranjo asked if staff would share the budget strategy with the commission in December; staff agreed.
   • The item was received and filed.

3. Sacramento Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Commission Director’s Report

   • Staff (Megan Van Voorhis) reported on the upcoming Sacramento Music Census (launching first week of October), over 400 applications for the Seeding Creativity program (45 grants), the completion of the Community Murals Sacramento project, a public art survey by consultant Alita Bray, and the California Creative Corps grant focusing on climate, public health, social justice, and civic engagement in underserved areas (North and South Sacramento).
   • The report was received and filed.

4. Sacramento Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Commission Chairperson’s Report

   • Chair Winlock welcomed new Commissioner Kristen Blair (District 2) and highlighted his involvement in selecting a replacement for departing commissioner Jody. He noted the collaborative spirit of the city.
   • The report was received and filed.

Introduction of New Commissioner

• Commissioner Kristen Blair (goes by "Ten") introduced herself as a small business owner in Del Paso Boulevard and founder of a nonprofit. She expressed a desire to help her community and bridge gaps between arts organizations and businesses.
• Each commissioner then introduced themselves to Commissioner Blair, sharing their backgrounds and districts. Commissioner Blumenstock also urged support for Proposition 28 (arts education funding) on the November ballot.

Commissioner Comments – Ideas and Questions

• Commissioner Naranjo: Discussed the need for grant-writing workshops for artists, restoration of murals at Southside Park and Washington Neighborhood Center, and lighting for outdoor stages. He praised the Community Murals program and noted that controversy over the Northgate mural led to better protocols.
• Commissioner Hastings: Announced partnerships with the California State Fair Fine Arts Competition and KVIE's art auction to feature local artists on the covers of Inside Sacramento.
• Commissioner Mehta: Shared that he wrote an article about the commission for N Magazine and praised the play The Color Purple.
• Chair Winlock: Expressed concern about Broadway Sacramento's budget shortfall and encouraged support for the organization.
• Commissioner Wilson Ramey: Asked about the commission returning to in-person meetings (not yet decided) and suggested exploring ways to help underserved communities and youth attend arts events.
• Commissioner Lavulo: Thanked the organizers for inviting commissioners to The Color Purple and stressed the importance of exposing her children to diverse art forms.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• No votes were taken on discussion items; they were received and filed or discussed.
• Staff will incorporate commissioner feedback on GBI reporting and accountability into program design.
• Staff will share budget strategy with the commission in December.
• The commission welcomed new member Kristen Blair.
• The meeting adjourned at 3:31 p.m.