Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - November 13, 2023
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Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - November 13, 2023
The Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission met on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM (beginning at 2:01 PM) in the City Hall Complex at 915 I Street, Sacramento, CA. The meeting focused on the presentation of preliminary findings from a commissioned report on potential pathways for creative economy development in Sacramento, followed by commissioner discussion. The consent calendar was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:11 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: The commission passed a motion to approve the Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Special Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2023. The motion was moved by Commissioner Lavulo and seconded by Commissioner Naranjo, passed with a unanimous vote (10 ayes). No public speakers on the consent calendar.
Discussion Items
- Potential Pathways for Creative Economy Development in Sacramento (File ID: 2023-01306) – Megan Van Voorhis, Director of Convention & Cultural Services, presented preliminary findings from a six-month research process commissioned by the Office of Arts & Culture. The report, conducted by Creative Startups, included over 60 interviews, two focus groups, and analysis of creative vitality indices, benchmarking, and investment opportunities, centering BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Key data points:
- Sacramento lost 8% of creative economy jobs between 2019 and 2020, and another 1% between 2020 and 2021; the largest decline was in fine and performing arts (18%). Many indicators point to a rebound to pre-COVID levels by end of 2023.
- In 2022, arts, entertainment, and recreation had the highest growth rate of all economic sectors; creative economy wages are up 16% since 2018.
- Four personas were identified: Polymathic Media Producers (52% BIPOC, 31% average annual wage growth), Microcustomizing Designers (2× growth in BIPOC participation, 16% average annual growth in new businesses), Experience Economy Organizers (60% BIPOC, 11.4% average annual wage growth), and Civic Life Innovators (50% BIPOC, 9.4% annual average growth).
- Sacramento has a competitive advantage with six times the concentration of resale shops compared to other cities, used by designers for upcycling.
- Recommendations included alternative capital models (revenue-based loans, redeemable equity), increasing sponsorship of business accelerators, funding CDFIs, establishing a regional creative economy working group, subsidizing arts journalism, and creating a city liaison for creative entrepreneurs.
- Commissioners expressed strong support, with several noting the need for artist spaces, connectivity with universities and workforce development, and inclusion of creative economy representatives on other city commissions. Commissioner Blair (Ten) shared personal experience as a BIPOC creative entrepreneur facing systemic barriers. Commissioner Lavulo asked about incentivizing venue ownership; Chair Enriquez suggested the commission could reaffirm the Creative Edge plan to support this report. Commissioner Wilson Ramey proposed presenting the findings to GSAC or the Metro Chamber. Director Van Voorhis indicated the full report (100 pages) is expected to be released in December and that a “road show” to share findings is being planned.
Director’s Report
- Jason Jong, Cultural and Creative Economy Manager, reported on attending Creative Experience Santa Fe with Director Van Voorhis, where local Sacramento artists like Jay Ross and Rashawn Davis presented. He announced the third round of Sacramento Film and Media Grants is open through January 15, 2024. The youth commissioner seat (Seat L) for ages 14–22 is open, with applications due November 29, 2023. Commissioner Wilson Ramey requested a direct link and better description for the youth seat to encourage applicants.
Commissioner Comments – Ideas and Questions
- Chair Enriquez announced the resignation of Vice Chair Isela Ortiz, who cited time commitments and conflict-of-interest challenges as a small business owner. The seat will be opened for applications, with the City Clerk’s office contacting Councilmember Guerra. Commissioner Lavulo asked about navigating conflicts of interest; Senior Deputy City Attorney Michael Fry explained that recusal is possible for specific items after review by the city attorney’s office. Commissioner Tocalino noted the commission’s increased community visibility, citing participation in the Golden Harvest Festival and presented a recognition plaque to Jason Jong.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
- Discussion Item: Commissioners discussed and expressed strong support for the creative economy development pathways; no formal vote was taken, but the commission is expected to consider next steps at a future meeting.
- Resignation: Vice Chair Isela Ortiz’s resignation was acknowledged; the youth commissioner seat and the vice-chair vacancy will be filled through the standard appointment process.
- Next Meeting: Scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you. Chair, we have quorum. Or I'm sorry. Chair, we're ready when you are. All right, thank you. Good morning. Uh, good afternoon. I've been saying morning all day. Oh, sorry. Good afternoon. Uh, to the November 13th 2023 Sacramento Arts, Culture and Creative Commission meeting. We've got a tight agenda, and I think it'll go by quickly. So would you please mind calling the roll to establish a quorn? Yes. Thank you, Commissioners. Please unmute. Commissioner Anderson. Here. Commissioner Bautista? Here. Commissioner Blair. Here. Commissioner Lavulo. Here. Commissioner Naranjo. Here. Commissioner Smith. Here. Commissioner Toscalino. I'm sorry, Tokolino. Here. Commissioner Wilson Raimi. Here. Commissioner Winlock. Here. And Chair Enriquez. Here. And just to note, Vice Chair Ortiz has resigned, but I'll save my comments till the end of the meeting. So thank you. Um thank you. We have quorum. Thank you. Um, I'd like to remind members of the public and chambers that if you would like to speak on an agenda item, please turn in a speaker slip when the item begins. You will have two minutes to speak once you're called on. After the first speaker, we will no longer accept speaker slips. We will now proceed with today's agenda. Umisa, would you mind uh reciting the land acknowledgement and please rise? So the original people of this land, the Nisian people, Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwak, Patwin, Winton peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only federally recognized tribe. Maybe we acknowledge and honor the Native people who came before us and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands by choosing to gather together today in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for Sacramento's indigenous peoples' history, contributions, and lives. Thank you.
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