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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-16-2020 MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO Thursday, July 16, 2020 Teleconference Meeting I. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners: Boldenweck, Bowen, Campagna, Hobson-Coard, Foley, Fornaciari, Ventura, DeNatale, Looper Absent: Commissioner: Madrid-Nickle Staff Present: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager Ercie Santos, Cultural Arts Specialist Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant III. AGENDA REVIEW: N/A IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of June 18, 2020: Minutes for June 18, 2010 stand as sent. V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Councilmember Karyl Matsumoto Chair Looper asked staff how citizens are notified of the virtual Cultural Arts Commission meetings. Manager Duldulao responded that detailed information on how to join the meeting and make public comments is posted on the City website. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget Considerations: Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of July 16, 2020 Page 2 Manager Duldulao reported that the City Council approved the budget on June 24, 2020. She stated that the total budget reduction for the Parks and Recreation Department came to $1.7 million. This included $1.1 million from hiring freezes which are positions that will go unfilled and a $941,000 reduction in the supplies and services budget. Thanks to a FEMA reimbursement the City received, the Department was able to restore some budget cuts that had originally been proposed. This includes restoration of the full budget for Commissioner stipends, allowing Cultural Arts Commission meetings to continue to be monthly, and budget for art shows. She added that $50,000 for public art was not restored. The City Council also increased the Innovation Fund allotment to $300,000 giving the Department the ability to restore more programs as permitted by the County Public Health Department relative to the COVID-19 situation. Manager Duldulao stated the Department may also use the fund to offer modified virtual programs such as a virtual studio. She stated that currently instructors are teaching from their homes, but if the Department was to provide this alternative, it would offer instructors more workspace options. Other ideas include facilitating a Makers Lab with art activity packets. She concluded that with the start of the new fiscal year, the Department had to furlough over 100 part-time employees. However, in the future, as the County Public Health Mandate is relaxed, the Department hopes to offer modified in person classes, and bring back some of those part-time staff members. 2. Revised Meeting Schedule: Manager Duldulao stated that related to the budget reductions, the Department was necessitating a reduction in the frequency of Commission meetings. A survey was distributed to the Commission to help staff identify the best scenario for future Commission meetings. She added that the survey results were included in In the interim, staff became aware that eight Commissioners had reached the end of their term. Because the status of the Commission membership is unclear at this time, it is staffrevised meeting schedule discussion be delayed until the Commission membership is confirmed. Chair Looper requested clarification, wondering if the meetings would continue monthly until new members were chosen or if the meeting schedule was to be revised right now. ACM/Director Ranals replied that with budget now restored the meetings will continue to be monthly. She invited Commissioners to send any additional suggestions about the meeting schedule. 3. Art Tunnels/Boxes at the Genesis Campus Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of July 16, 2020 Page 3 ACM/Director Ranals reported the developers are still working on the details for installing art boxes at the Genesis Campus. The size of the boxes will be 4 feet by 5 feet. There will be approximately five acrylic boxes. ACM/Director Ranals suggested one idea for the boxes for the Commission to consider is jurying an art exhibit. She expected that the boxes might be available by year end. She added that if the boxes were completed by October, a might be possible. Vice Chair DeNatale suggested that when the boxes are installed that the Commission take a field trip to the Genesis Campus. Commissioner Boldenweck had a concern regarding the security of the art boxes. VII. NEW BUSINESS: N/A VIII. SUBCOMMITTEES: 1. Future Art Plan Vice Chair DeNatale asked if there was feedback on the resource list that was distributed at the last meeting. He invited Commissioners to contact the subcommittee members to share any additional comments. Vice Chair DeNatale stated that Specialist Santos obtained the survey results from the San Mateo County Art Commission. He commented that the subcommittee members would be meeting in the next few weeks. 2. Art Shows 2020 a. Photography Exhibit (Postponed) Chair Looper stated the Photography Exhibit would be postponed per last uld be cancelled due to time constraints. The Commission agreed. b. Day of the Dead/Dia de Muertos (October 9/10) Chair Looper asked if we should keep this item on the agenda in light of what ACM/Director Ranals had mentioned earlier about possibly using the Genesis Art Tunnels for the Day of the Dead Art Exhibit. Commissioner Boldenweck responded that there was still some flexibility in terms of preparation time and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of July 16, 2020 Page 4 they could wait another month to decide. She stated, however, that it was not possible to hold a two-day event that incorporated in-person art projects. Commissioner Boldenweck invited Commissioners to share their thoughts. Chair Looper commented she agreed with Commissioner Boldenweck statements. Vice Chair DeNatale stated that he also agreed with their comments and added that he does not believe an October show will be possible due to the pandemic and the expected surge. He suggested considering alternative ways of presenting the exhibit. Commissioner Boldenweck acknowledged that many events have been cancelled and stated that she has a friend named Yvonne who is knowledgeable in presenting virtual shows and can help. She will pass on Chair DeNatale. ACM/Director Ranals stated that this would be on . She also reminded Commissioners that all 2020 Parks and Recreation in-person events and gatherings, including the art shows, have been cancelled. She suggested a virtual exhibit of altars or photos of Day of the Dead celebrations. ACM/Director Ranals also addressed about the security of the Genesis Campus art boxes. She stated the art boxes will be locked. However, the exhibiting artist would be required to sign a liability waiver because the safety of the art could not be absolutely guaranteed. Chair Looper commented it should be made clear in the guidelines that the artists should not submit valuable items, such as family heirlooms. Commissioner Boldenweck mentioned that she has a Day of the Dead mask ACM/Director Ranals commented it could also be mailed. Specialist Santos informed the Commission that she has already done some initial research into companies that provide virtual exhibit gallery space. These online providers offer various levels, from options at no cost but with limitations to more expensive choices with many more fancy features. Specialist Santos suggested they might consider using the free online platform that is currently in use for the Specialist Santos informed Commissioners that at the previous Day of the Dead art show there were roughly 20 adult exhibits. The rest of the exhibits Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of July 16, 2020 Page 5 were provided by the DeChildcare Program. Specialist Santos also mentioned if Commissioners had referrals to organizations that facilitate online art exhibits to forward the information to staff. Refer to #V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Councilmember Matsumoto joined the meeting. She stated she would like to purchase and donate a 10-foot Giraffe sculpture from Sun Studios and preferred it be placed at Junipero Serra and Westborough Boulevard. Chair Looper thanked Councilmember Matsumoto for her generosity. Councilmember Matsumoto stated that she was open to other locations along Westborough Boulevard. ACM/Director Ranals commented that the location could present a challenge. She added that staff would research this further, and that it would be placed on the agenda for the August meeting. ACM/Director Ranals stated they would also want to allow for public commentary on the location of the piece. Chair Looper asked if this occurs for every piece. ACM/Director Ranals responded that it is customary. Chair Looper commented that the location request should be considered when a piece is donated. 3. Fundraiser Chair Looper reported that the Fundraiser BBQ was cancelled and asked if there were any new ideas for a fundraiser. Commissioner Ventura suggested collaborating with Commissioner Hobson-Coard to present a virtual Karaoke Show. She added they could accept participants for a fee. She also suggested social media to raise funds perhaps using Go Fund Me. Chair Looper requested that Commissioner Ventura prepare a written proposal of her fundraising ideas to present at the August meeting. Vice Chair DeNatale mentioned that he will be attending a virtual fundraiser for the Oakland Zoo on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. to see how it is presented. The event features a silent and live auction. He will send the details to Specialist Santos to forward to the Commission. Chair Looper mentioned that she knows of several nurseries that are featuring Art in the Garden and that they have had some fabulous artists. Commissioner Fornaciari suggested that if the Commission could access the database of 16,000 residents and request a donation of $10.00 from 1,000 people, then $10,000 could be raised with hardly any effort. Commissioner Fornaciari said that is how her Soroptimist Organization runs their fundraisers. Commissioner Foley added they could offer a door prize for every donation. He suggested a face mask with a logo that says we support the arts. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of July 16, 2020 Page 6 Commissioner DeNatale commented that it would be a good way of getting exposure to their art programs. He added that Specialist Santos is doing a wonderful job posting the Cultural Arts programs on social media. Commissioner Ventura commented that it may not be a good time to ask for money and suggested that we should give participants something in return for their donation. Chair Looper stated these are all great suggestions and that the City does have items on hand that can be given away at no cost to the Commission. 4. Other Subcommittees N/A IX. ITEMS FROM COMMISSON: 1. Commissioner Hobson-Coard stated she has four paintings on exhibit at Philz Coffee in San Mateo, and noted that the link can be found at www.artliaisons.com. She commented that the art was created in collaboration with her mom who passed away on July 12. Commissioners can contact her for more information. 2. /Orbsculpture that is at the Corp Yard. ACM/Director Ranals responded that staff could install it pending the Commission recommendation for suitable locations. ACM/Director Ranals added that the piece has sharp edges and is not safe for a park. It would work better in a median area. She stated staff would email a photo. Chair Looper requested that the item be placed on the August agenda. 3. Commissioner Fornaciari suggested that for an auction fundraiser, Commissioners could donate items. She added that the paid entry fee would give participants a chance to win a donated item. Commissioner Fornaciari offered to donate her prized walking stick. 4. Chair Looper asked that Commissioners put their fundraising ideas in writing and email them to Manager Duldulao or Specialist Santos so they can be discussed at the August meeting. X. ITEMS FROM STAFF: Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of July 16, 2020 Page 7 1. Specialist Santos will be released on social media by next week. 2. Specialist Santos mentioned that staff is developing an audio tour of the Sculpture Garden that should be available by the end of July in celebration of Parks and Recreation month. It is a work in progress that they will build on over time. More information will be forthcoming. 3. Manager Duldulao invited Commissioners to explore the Parks and Recreation website at www.ssf.net/rec highlighting special features National Parks and Recreation month. There are free virtual classes offered for the entire month including belly dancing, osteo pilates, tai chi, drawing, and painting. 4. Manager Duldulao also mentioned a special Parks and Recreation month social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram acknowledging all staff members, especially the part-timers, and their important contributions to the Department. XI. CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Looper acknowledged Specialist Santos for emailing all the Cultural Arts correspondence to the Commissioners. She is very pleased that Cultural Arts is mentioned often. Chair Looper thanked all the staff responsible for creating the email blasts. She also mentioned that the Cultural Arts webpage looks great. Specialist Santos reminded Commissioners that if they have correspondence or special flyers, the items can be included in the monthly meeting packet. She also stated that they email her these items by the Wednesday of the week before the meeting date. XII. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Looper adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Filereto Administrative Assistant Next Meeting: September 17, 2020