Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting - April 8, 2024

The Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission met on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall Complex, 915 I Street, Sacramento, CA. The meeting was called to order at 1:03 p.m. and adjourned at 2:55 p.m. All 11 commissioners were present, with Commissioner Smith arriving at 1:06 p.m. The agenda included approval of minutes, a presentation on Friends of Sacramento Arts, discussion of the 2024 Commission Workplan, and various reports and announcements.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approval of Minutes - The Commission unanimously approved (11-0) the minutes from the March 11, 2024 meeting.

Special Presentations

• Welcome New Commissioner Justina Martino - Justina Martino introduced herself as the director of Art Tonic, a nonprofit supporting artists through project management, professional development, and grant writing. She is also a local artist with a studio at Sun Rider Studios and expressed eagerness to serve as a liaison for artists in District 6.
• April Commemorative Month Announcements - Roberta McClellan, executive director of Viewpoint Photographic Arts Center, promoted Photography Month, a month-long regional celebration of photographic arts in its sixth year, featuring 22 events and 20 participating organizations, including a student exhibit at the Crocker Art Museum. Andrew Defy, Sacramento Poet Laureate, promoted the first annual Sacramento Literary Festival, which includes events in every district and features a Code of Conduct to ensure safe spaces for artists, particularly for people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Chair Enriquez also highlighted Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month, urging participation in the California Arts and Culture Summit.

Discussion Item: Friends of Sacramento Arts Overview

• Alison Cagley, executive director of Friends of Sacramento Arts, presented on the organization’s mission to ensure equitable access to comprehensive arts education, with the vision of "arts every day for every child in every school." She highlighted the crisis that only one in five school children in California receive arts education, and described the organization’s role in advocating for Prop 28, which was passed by over 65% of voters, providing permanent funding for arts education. Cagley noted that Sacramento City Unified School District will receive approximately $5 million annually, and Folsom Cordova will receive $4-5 million annually. She also discussed the need for 15,000 more credentialed art teachers over the next five years and mentioned a waiver allowing districts to use funds for contract artists and supplies due to teacher shortages.
• Commissioners expressed strong support for the organization’s work. Commissioner Winlock praised Friends of Sacramento Arts as "phenomenal" partners in arts education. Commissioner Blair supported the effort as a vehicle for community engagement, referencing the Del Rio Trail beautification project. Commissioner Naranjo (via Winlock?) highlighted the importance for Twin Rivers and requested information on how to ensure schools accept Prop 28 funds. Commissioner Lavulo voiced concern about schools opting out and committed to advocating at school board meetings. Commissioner Martino questioned how artists can become teaching artists, and Cagley referred to Dr. Winlock and the Sacramento County Office of Education.

Discussion Item: Proposed 2024 Workplan

• Jason Jong presented the draft 2024 Workplan, which outlines goals and objectives derived from the Creative Edge Plan. The commission discussed how to align the workplan with the Creative Edge Plan’s six goals. Commissioner Winlock suggested aligning presentations with specific goals (e.g., Friends of Sacramento Arts with Goal 1 on arts education). Commissioner Martino proposed creating a creative directory for artists and addressing the need for affordable artist studios and housing. Commissioner Cruz Naranjo called for safeguards and remedies for artists who feel wronged, emphasizing the commission’s role in ensuring equity. Vice Chair Lavulo recommended adding a column to the workplan to track which creative edge goals are addressed each month. Chair Enriquez noted that six commissioners may be terming off, impacting continuity.
• The workplan was received and discussed with no formal action; it will remain a living document.

Director’s Report

• Jason Jong reported on current activities, including the "We Are Who We Are" exhibit at City Hall featuring student essays, the Del Rio Trail art activities, the Capitol Region Creative Core professional development, and the Sacramento Film and Media grant program (applications due May 15). He also noted an open seat for District 3 on the commission.

Commissioner Comments

• Commissioners shared upcoming events and announcements, including the Momti Market, Teatro Nagual Artist Mixer, and the Sacramento Arts and Culture Summit. Commissioner Winlock highlighted the Chuck It Up Festival and Sacramento Airport RFP. Commissioner Anderson mentioned a California Arts and Culture Summit kickoff mixer and the poet contest. Commissioner Cruz Naranjo spoke about community events in District 2, including Wally Weekend and the State Fair artist opportunities. Commissioner Lavulo urged for the installation of a kinetic art piece in District 8. Commissioner Winlock also called for recognition of Lyle Jones, retiring CEO of the Crocker Art Museum.

Public Comments

• Vanessa Avilas, executive director of Sisters of the Creative Divine, a new organization for women entrepreneurs and creatives, introduced herself and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the commission. She encouraged commissioners to reach out via Instagram or the organization’s website.

Key Outcomes

• The Commission unanimously approved the March 11, 2024 minutes.
• The Commission received and discussed the Friends of Sacramento Arts overview, with no formal action taken.
• The Commission received and discussed the 2024 Workplan, which will be updated and revisited throughout the year.
• No formal votes on substantive policy matters were taken; all actions were procedural or informational.