Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting – March 9, 2026
Sacramento Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission Meeting – March 9, 2026
The Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission met on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 1:03 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included updates on the Small Organization Sustainability Fund, the 2025 Annual Report, an overview of the Art in Public Places program, and a Phase 1 review of a temporary public art application for Lawrence Park. Commissioners voted on several actions, and public comments addressed funding equity, community projects, and arts advocacy.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of February 9, 2026 Minutes (File ID: 2026-00108): Passed unanimously.
- Adoption of Follow-Up Log (File ID: 2026-00202): Passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 3 – Small Organization Sustainability Fund: Justina Martino (artist, Art Tonic) expressed gratitude for the fund but noted that many small arts businesses were ineligible due to being LLCs or lacking nonprofit status. She urged future rounds to address this gap.
- Item 4 – 2025 Annual Report: Lambert (community member) criticized the city for alleged mismanagement of funds and lack of oversight, citing a $160,000 discrepancy. He stated he would no longer attend meetings.
- Item 5 – Art in Public Places Overview: Lambert expressed concern that artist Brenana Gallman was being asked to go into debt for a mural on a restroom slated for demolition, contrasting this with larger grants for other groups.
- Item 6 – Lawrence Park Mural (Phase 1): Lambert voiced support for the Grant Drumline and hoped for funding. No other public comments on this item.
- Public Comments – Non-Agenda:
- Richard Falcon (Teatro Nahual) announced the 20th anniversary and that his organization will administer a $240,000 California Arts Council individual artist fellowship for five counties.
- Sheera Lane (HM916) promoted the premiere of “Citizens of Planet Earth,” a six-episode TV series on waste reduction filmed in Sacramento with over 104 local creatives.
- Justina Martino (again) highlighted upcoming art events including a show at East Street Gallery and a collage meetup at Prism Arts Space.
Discussion Items
- Item 3 – 2026-2027 Small Organization Sustainability Fund Update: Staff (April Breis) presented the new grant program, with $100,000 allocated by the Office of Arts and Culture and additional support from the state and county. Of 41 applications, 25 were deemed eligible and all 25 received awards (up to $5,000 each, capped at 50% of adjusted revenue). Outreach included Spanish materials and community ambassadors. Commissioners commended the program and discussed barriers to eligibility (e.g., Attorney General registration). The item was received and commented upon.
- Item 4 – 2025 Commission Annual Report: Jason Jong presented the report, summarizing accomplishments and the 2026 work plan. The report includes five goals: clarifying the commission’s role, enhancing community awareness, advocating for arts policies, addressing infrastructure needs, and reviewing the Creative Edge plan. The motion to recommend approval and forward to the P&PE Committee passed 7–0 (Commissioners Gutierrez, Orozco, and Wallace absent).
- Item 5 – Art in Public Places Overview and Updates (March 2026): Donald Gensler provided an update on the program, including the recent completion of the Living Balance mural at Sutter’s Landing, the Birds and Benches project (10 artist-designed benches at 212-acre park), and two upcoming library projects: North Sacramento/Hagenwood Library (RFQ out until March 23) and MLK Library (RFQ expected in April). He also discussed SB 456 (exempting muralists from contractor licensing) and ongoing maintenance efforts (5–6 large-scale projects per year, plaque installations). Commissioners asked about timelines, artist eligibility (local preference via rubric), and maintenance schedules. The item was reviewed and commented upon.
- Item 6 – Phase 1 Review: Temporary Public Art Application – Lawrence Park Mural: Donald Gensler presented the application by artist Brenana Gallman (Art by Bray) for a mural on the restroom facilities at Lawrence Park (District 6). The artist has community support, a budget shortfall of about $2,000, and plans a community paint day. The restroom is slated for demolition in 2–10 years, which the artist and neighborhood association accept. Commissioners discussed liability, maintenance, and the unsolicited nature of the project. A motion to advance to Phase 2 passed 8–0 (Commissioners Gutierrez and Orozco absent).
Key Outcomes
- Item 3 – Small Organization Sustainability Fund: Received and commented; no vote required. Staff will consider feedback for future rounds.
- Item 4 – 2025 Annual Report: Motion passed (7 yes, 0 no, 3 absent) to recommend approval and forward to the Personal & Public Employees (P&PE) Committee.
- Item 6 – Lawrence Park Mural (Phase 1): Motion passed (8 yes, 0 no, 2 absent) to advance to Phase 2 review under the Temporary Public Art Policy.
- Motion to Extend Meeting Past 2 Hours: Passed (6 yes, 1 no – Commissioner Ohaegbu opposed, 3 absent) per Council Rules of Procedure.
- Director’s Report: Jason Jong noted a follow-up on workforce classification inquiries, announced Beza Getahun as statewide Poetry Out Loud winner, highlighted the April 20 California Arts and Culture Summit (scholarships available), and reminded of the District 7 commission vacancy.
- Commissioner Updates: Commissioner Carter promoted the D5 Beautification Summit at Aggie Square on April 11 (4–6 PM).
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 3:06 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Chair staff is ready when you are. Good afternoon. Welcome to our Monday, March 9th, uh 2026 meeting. It is 103 p.m. And we're meeting for the meeting of the Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Commission. The meeting is now called to order. Will the clerk please call the role to establish a quorum? Thank you, Chair. Commissioners, please unmute for roll call. Commissioner Carter. Present. Commissioner Eisenberg. Present. Commissioner Gutierrez. Absent. Commissioner Hershey. Here. Commissioner O Habu. Here. Commissioner Orozco. Absent. Commissioner Smith. Absent. Commissioner Wallace. Here. Commissioner Winlock. Here. And Chair Lavulo. Here. Thank you. We have quorum. Thank you. I'd like to remind members in the public or of the public in chambers that if you would like to speak on an agenda item, please turn in a speaker slip before the item begins. After the item is called, uh, we will no longer accept speaker slips. You will have two minutes to speak once you are called on. We will now proceed with today's agenda. Please rise if you're able for the opening and acknowledgments and order or in honor of Sacramento's Indigenous People and Tribal Lands. To the original people of this land, the Niseinan people, the Southern May Do Valley, and Plains Miwok, Potwan Wintoon peoples and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only federally recognized tribe. May we acknowledge and honor the Native people who came before us and still walk beside us today on those ancestral lands by choosing to gather today in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for the Sacramento's Indigenous People's History Contribution and Lives. Thank you. Pledge of allegiance. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Next is approval of the consent calendar. Clerk, are there any members of the public who would like to speak on the consent calendar? Thank you, Chair. We have no speakers for this item. Thank you. Are there any commissioners who would like to speak on this item? Commissioner Wallace. Motion to approve.
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