REPORT TO CULTURAL COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Potential Action on the Cultural Commission Work Plan and Activities for FY 2026/27
Report
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Cultural Commission (“Commission”) identifies three to five specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals and related activities to guide its work. The annual Work Plan is intended to focus the Commission’s efforts, align with City Council priorities, and operate within the existing budget direction and resource limitations.
At the June 1, 2026 regular meeting, the Commission adopted the FY 2026/27 Work Plan goals and associated activities. Throughout the fiscal year, the Commission may review progress, adjust priorities, establish subcommittees, and provide direction to ensure implementation remains aligned with adopted goals and respond to emerging opportunities or constraints.
The adopted goals and current status of related activities are summarized below:
GOAL #1: Host and enhance multicultural events to encourage and acquaint Santa Clara residents with cultural diversity.
A. Provide input and collaborate with staff on the implementation of the Summer Concerts in the Park in FY 2026/27 - COMPLETED
B. Provide input and collaborate with staff on the implementation of the annual Street Dance in FY 2026/27: August 7, 2026 - COMPLETED
C. Provide input and collaborate with staff on the implementation of Friday Night Live Events - In Progress
D. Foster and advise staff on the implementation of the International Day of Yoga event - 6/20/27
E. Support the pursuit and engagement of sponsorships for Cultural Commission special events in FY 2026/27 - COMPLETED
GOAL #2: Develop and encourage interactive art opportunities to provide temporary, performing, cultural, and public art in the City.
A. Support, advise and evaluate submissions for the Traffic Box Program
B. Provide input, evaluate submissions, and advise staff on the implementation of a Public Art Exhibition (indoor or outdoor)
C. Provide advisory support and judge the annual Halloween Home & Holiday Home Decorating Contest and Recognition
D. Recommend entries on the City interactive web-based public art map
E. Provide input and recruit participants for Make Music Day June 21, 2027
GOAL #3: Raise the visibility of commemorative months.
A. Identify a space to curate and facilitate the celebration of Commemorative Months and which cultural holidays to celebrate and via what medium
GOAL #4: Enhance communication and media strategy to increase community
awareness of the Cultural Commission.
A. Special Order of Business presentation to City Council annually to invite members to the Summer Concerts and Street Dance and brief overview of other activities supported by the Cultural Commission
B. Continuous identification, maintenance and development of partnerships and collaborations with external organizations
C. Active Commission Representation at Station Area Task Force meetings
GOAL #5: Prepare for Citywide Arts Master Plan Process.
A. Provide advisory support and collaboration on the development and implementation of the citywide Public Arts Master Plan alongside the City Council and staff
DISCUSSION
At the August 3, 2026, meeting, the Commission will review the FY2026/27 Work Plan (Attachment 1), discuss progress to date, consider edits, reprioritization of activities, or adjustments based on available funding and staff capacity.
The Commission may also identify subcommittees to advance specific projects regarding implementation strategies. Any modifications to the Work Plan will ensure continue alignment with Commission goals, City priorities, and budget constraints.
Through this agenda item, the Commission may provide updates and take actions to refine the Work Plan for the remainder of FY 2026/27.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adopted budget for FY 2026/27 Cultural Commission activities is $58,693. Funding allocations for individual projects are identified in the Work Plan and voted on by the Commission.
Any adjustments to project priorities or scope will be managed within the Commission’s existing adopted budget and available resources. No adjustment request is being made as part of this action.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Cultural Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discuss and potentially take action on the Cultural Commission Work Plan and Activities for FY 2026/27.
Staff
Prepared by: Robin Shaddle, Recreation Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director, Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cultural Commission Work Plan FY 2026_27