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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-2020 MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO Thursday October 15, 2020 Teleconference Meeting I. CALL TO ORDER: 6:31 p.m. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners: Boldenweck, Bowen, Campagna, Hobson-Coard, Foley, Fornaciari, DeNatale, Looper Absent: Commissioner: Madrid-Nickle Staff Present: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects Ercie Santos, Cultural Arts Specialist Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant III. AGENDA REVIEW: Chair Looper requested a change under Subcommittee Reports that Item 2 be moved to Item 1. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of August 20, 2020: Minutes for September 17, 2020 stand as sent. V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Manager Duldulao reported she saw no public comments. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Giraffe and Sphere sculpture installation locations Manager Duldulao reported that ng was the meeting identified for public comment on the postcard that was mailed to residents near Lux Ave. and Maple Ave. The postcard notified residents about the proposed location to install the Sphere Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 2 sculpture in the median at that intersection. Manager Duldulao stated that no email comments were received. Administrative Assistant Filereto confirmed that she did not receive any voice messages with comments. Manager Duldulao stated that staff would proceed with the installation of the Giraffe and Sphere sculptures. She reported that the Giraffe sculpture Sphere would be installed shortly thereafter. Chair Looper asked that the Commission be informed when the sculptures are installed and Manager Duldulao agreed. ACM/Director Ranals commented that the Giraffe donation and the location was presented at Chair Looper s acceptance of the Sphere sculpture location. ACM/Director Ranals stated that staff informed Council of the location with a memo and had not received any objections. VII. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Capital Projects Art Update a. Caltrain Art RFP Deputy Director of Capital Projects Vitale introduced himself to the Commission and reviewed his presentation points on the process in which staff will engage artists to design, develop, and install art in Caltrain Plaza. He showed the Commission several presentation slides depicting the new location of the Caltrain Station and Plaza, as well as prospective illustrations of several aspects of the site. Deputy Director Vitale highlighted areas that could be opportunities for art installations. Deputy Director Vitale stated that the theme for the art project is to embody aspects of budget for the project will be $500,000 for either a single piece of art or multiple pieces within the plaza and/or tunnel. He also reviewed some artistic styles that will be incorporated in the request for proposals (RFP). Deputy Director Vitale then described the artist selection process and composition of the Caltrain Public Art Selection Committee (CPASC). This committee will consist of two Cultural Arts Commissioners, two Council Members, and three Community Members. The Cultural Arts Commission can determine how to select two Commissioners for the CPASC. The Mayor will appoint the two Council Members and three Community Members. Deputy Director Vitale stated that the RFP is currently being reviewed by the City Council and is included in the Commission packet so that Commissioners can also share their comments. He reviewed the RFP timeline, beginning with advertising the Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 3 RFP in November and December and ending with an award of contract by Council in April. Deputy Director Vitale invited questions and comments from the Commission. Vice Chair DeNatale commented that he appreciated the honest representation of the and the way it was presented. He expressed hope that the RFP would receive good responses. Commissioner Bowen asked if there was a date for the RFP to be returned by the artist. Deputy Director Vitale stated the draft RFP shows a due date of December 15, which would give the CPASC time to review proposals in January. Vice Chair DeNatale asked if this was the usual timeframe for an RFP response. Deputy Director Vitale stated the time frame is longer than what is customary due to the size of the budget and that the project may include a group of artists. Commissioner Campagna expressed appreciation that the Cultural Arts Commission is included in the selection and approval process of the Caltrain Art Project. Commissioner Boldenweck asked how the members of the CPASC will be selected. Deputy Director Vitale restated his previous comments and added recommendations for Community Members have been received already and that the Commission may also recommend someone they know of who may want to be a Community Member representative on the CPASC. He stated these names would be forwarded to the Mayor. Chair Looper asked about the time commitment expected of the CPASC and if meetings would take place on Zoom. Deputy Director Vitale reviewed the RFP timeline and stated that the proposal review in January and the formal presentation by the artists would take place on Zoom. Chair Looper asked if the Cultural Arts Member would serve on the committee for about a year. Deputy Director Vitale stated if there were any adjustments or modifications by the artist that need to made with their design there could be a need to meet with the CPASC after the contract is awarded. He anticipates monthly meetings in January through March, as well as some meeting time in the middle of the art fabrication process, and then again when the piece is installed. Chair Looper thanked Deputy Director Vitale for clarifying the process and stated this will help the Commission with the selection process of their two members. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 4 ACM/Director Ranals recalled the selection process for the Millenium sculpture on Westborough Boulevard. She stated that three artists brought in models of their sculpture and it was a very nice presentation. ACM/Director Ranals stated that the presentation process is yet to be determined. ACM/Director Ranals informed the Commission that the original theme of this public art was a war memorial, but it has evolved to have a more open-ended theme. ACM/Director Ranals mentioned the compromise of including different representatives on the CPASC since it is such a complex project with several stakeholders and recognized that public art recommendations are domain. Commissioner Hobson-Coard inquired about the desired criteria for CPASC members. Deputy Director Vitale stated that the Commission could consider who has had experience with public art projects, but that it is up to the Cultural Arts Commission to determine how to select their CPASC members. He also requested that these members be identified by January. Chair Looper confirmed that this could be done. Deputy Director Vitale stated that he hopes to release the RFP by the beginning of November. He stated the City will be using a web-based program called Procure Now to publicize and manage responses to the RFP. He asked Commissioners to share any comments about the RFP with him by next week. b. Gardiner Park Plaza Deputy Director Vitale reviewed presentation slides describing the Gardiner Park renovation project, which is near completion. He described an opportunity to add a mural on the retaining wall surrounding the basketball court that would be painted by San Francisco artist Sirron Norris, who is well known for his murals and experience working with the community. The budget for design and installation of the mural is $20,000 dollars. The retaining wall is 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall. Deputy Director Vitale reviewed the timeline for the mural project and role of the Cultural Arts Commission. He reported that the community would be engaged via an online survey to determine the mural theme in November. In December, the artist will create two to three design options, which would be shared with the community again via a survey. In January, the Commission and City Council will review the final design. The installation is expected to take place in January, and the mural unveiling is expected to take place in March. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 5 Deputy Director Vitale reviewed a list of possible themes for the murals, which was neighborhood identity, local history, and environment. Vice Chair DeNatale expressed excitement about the mural and for the opportunity to work with a well-known local artist. Commissioner Campagna agreed and spoke in in South San Francisco. Commissioner Campagna commented that he is very proud that the themes came from the Public Art Survey. Chair Looper asked about the width of the mural. Deputy Director Vitale estimated the side walls of the basketball court to be about 20 feet, and the back wall to be about 25 to 30 feet wide. Chair Looper asked about the possibility of extending the art to other walls in the park if more funds become available at a later date. Deputy Director Vitale commented that the artist originally only contemplated painting the back wall and is willing to extend the mural to the sidewalk, so the project is getting more artwork than anticipated for $20,000. ACM/Director Ranals extended an invitation to the Commissioners to join the ribbon cutting at Gardiner Park on October 17 at 10:00 a.m. The event will be limited to 35 people due to COVID. Deputy Director Vitale stated that he is planning for another ribbon cutting event once the mural is complete. Chair Looper thanked Deputy Director Vitale for the presentations. 2. 2021 Art Exhibit Schedule Specialist Santos gave a brief overview of the art exhibit schedule and asked for direction from the Commission in selecting shows for the coming year so she can start promoting the shows and notifying artists. The Commission normally establishes their art show schedule in August, and there are four shows that are typically held in February, March or April, May or July, and October. Specialist Santos stated that March or April is when the Commission hosts the Youth Art Show in collaboration with the South San Francisco Unified School District. Specialist Santos stated that the Virtual Day of the Dead Show will take place from October 26 through November 22. She stated that due to COVID, art shows planned in the first half of year will likely continue to take place virtually. In addition, she is uncertain if the school district will be able to collaborate on the Youth Art Show. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 6 Chair Looper commented on doing a virtual show in early February or March. Commissioner Boldenweck stated that doing a virtual photography show would be easy to do. Commissioner Hobson-Coard agreed. Commissioner Boldenweck commented on the possibility of unlimited entries for a virtual art show, unlike the usual space limitations of an in-person art show. Commissioner Fornaciari asked if entries for the Photography Show would be limited to three entries. Specialist Santos stated that would be up to the subcommittee and that she will be better informed on this topic after completing the Virtual Day of the Dead Show. Specialist Santos stated there can be further discussion at the November meeting. Chair Looper invited Commissioners to share their ideas with Manager Duldulao and Specialist Santos. 3. Cancellation of December 2020 Meeting Chair Looper stated that the Commission typically cancels the December meeting and asked if the Commission would like to cancel this December meeting. Commissioner Boldenweck made a motion to cancel the meeting with a second by Commissioner Bowen. The Commission discussed the motion to cancel the meeting. Commissioner Boldenweck expressed concern for not having selected a Chair for the Photography Show yet. Vice Chair DeNatale asked about the reason for cancelling the December meeting. ACM/Director Ranals stated that it is meeting. Specialist Santos responded to Commissioner Boldenweck Chair for the Photography Show. Historically, the previous Subcommittee Chair would automatically carry over to the next year unless they do not want to continue. In the case of the Photography Show, Commissioner Hobson-Coard is the Subcommittee Chair. Chair Looper commented that the December meeting has been cancelled in the past because it is close to Christmas. Commissioner Fornaciari opted not to cancel the meeting. There was further discussion and Chair Looper called for a roll call vote to decide if the meeting should be cancelled. The vote was five to three in favor of having a December meeting. SUBCOMMITTEES: 1. Future Art Plan: Vice Chair DeNatale informed the Commission that he would have to leave after his presentation. Vice Chair DeNatale stated that the survey was distributed through email, newsletters, social media, and also has been personally distributed by some Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 7 Commissioners through other outlets, including Everything South City. To date, 64 responses have been received. Vice Chair DeNatale stated he would not review the results in detail because the subcommittee has not met yet to review the results. Vice Chair DeNatale stated that the survey does not have a deadline, but may close on November 30 if it is included in the November City newsletter. Commissioner Campagna commented that one of the responses that stood out for him was that the survey would be more equitable if it were published in other languages and asked if the survey could be translated. ACM/Director Ranals stated the City can do that. Vice Chair DeNatale responded to several questions about the survey and indicated that the subcommittee still needed to meet in order to organize a plan on what to do with the survey results. Vice Chair DeNatale stated he should have a more detailed update of the survey at the next meeting. Chair Looper thanked Vice Chair DeNatale and everyone who participated in the discussion. 2. Sculpture Commissioner Boldenweck had nothing to report at this time. 3. Art Show 2020 a. Virtual Day of the Dead/Día de Muertos Specialist Santos stated she received 24 pieces of art from 16 exhibitors and that the deadline for entries was today at midnight. Each artist submitted one to three entries. Specialist Santos reviewed next steps for judging the artwork and posting it online, and reminded the Commission that the virtual show will take place from October 26 through November 22. Commissioner Boldenweck reminded the Commission about the Day of the Dead art project, and displayed the art project kit which would be distributed to Movie Night participants on October 23. Manager Duldulao stated that the kits would also be distributed at the Park to Park program. Specialist Santos added that the art project kits would also be distributed to seniors. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 8 Commissioner Boldenweck commented she would like to see the completed projects. Specialist Santos mentioned that the flyer and promotions invited the public to share their creations on social media. 4. Fundraiser Commissioner Bowen reported that staff supported soliciting donations through email and made a motion to send emails to solicit donations. Commissioner Boldenweck seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken and unanimously approved. Commissioner Bowen commented that at the last meeting they had discussed doing an auction of small jewelry. Chair Looper stated that the subcommittee should meet and have a discussion on this topic and bring it back to the next meeting as an action item. 5. Other Subcommittee: N/A X. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: N/A XI. ITEMS FROM STAFF: 1. Cultural Arts Impact Fee ACM/Director Ranals stated that Councilmember Matsumotoon City Council may be November 23. ACM/Director Ranals stated that one of Councilmember Matsumotogoals is to establish a funding source for public art. Given this goal, the City Attorney has drafted an ordinance that will state that a developer must spend one percent of their construction budget on public art or make a cash contribution of half a percent of their construction costs for the purchase of public art. City Council will consider this matter in November. 2. Public Art Master Plan ACM/Director Ranals with a consultant to develop a Public Art Master Plan. She stated that the funding source still needs to be established, but staff hope to have more information November. Manager Duldulao highlighted -themed events. She also th mentioned details for the upcoming 47 Annual Thanksgiving Fun Run and Winter Wonderland event. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes of October 15, 2020 Page 9 Manager Duldulao reminded the Commission that some Commissioners terms are expired and that Commission interviews have been scheduled on October 21. Commissioner Fornaciari stated she had already been notified. wanted to let Chair Looper know that staff wants to acknowledge all her accomplishments at a future meeting. Chair Looper stated she has enjoyed working with everyone on the Commission. ACM/Director Ranals clarified that there are three vacancies and if only two are filled, Chair Looper can still continue to serve on the Commission. Manager Duldulao informed the Commission that Administrative Assistant Susan Filereto would be retiring after 30 years of service. XII. CORRESPONDENCE: Specialist Santos highlighted a free, one-week virtual art summit presented by ArtPlace America, that is being held from October 26 through October 30. Participants must register and workshops take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. XIII. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Looper adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Filereto Administrative Assistant Next Meeting: November 19, 2020