REPORT TO CULTURAL COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Potential Action on Cultural Commission Work Plan and Activities for FY 2025/26
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Cultural Commission (“Commission”) considers three to five specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals and/or activities for the fiscal year (FY). These goals are intended to focus the Commission’s efforts and respond to City Council priorities within the existing budget direction and resource limitations. During the FY the Commission may regularly discuss, provide updates, assign subcommittees, and prioritize projects related to these goals.
At the April 7, 2025, regular meeting, Commissioners adopted work plan priorities and activities for FY 2025/26 related to the Commission’s goals.
GOAL #1: Host and enhance multicultural events to encourage and acquaint Santa Clara residents with cultural diversity.
A. Plan and implement Summer Concerts in FY 2025/26
B. Street Dance
C. Explore the feasibility of hosting a Group Wedding
D. Secure sponsors for Cultural Commission special events in FY 2025/26
GOAL #2: Develop and encourage interactive art opportunities to provide temporary, performing, cultural, and public art in the City.
A. Advise and recommend public art to City Council for public benefit
B. Support Traffic Box Program
C. Host Indoor Sculpture Exhibition
D. Host Halloween Home & Holiday Home Decorating Contest and recognition:
i. 1 winner per Council District, 1 group entry winner, 1 Best of the best
E. Update and maintain City interactive web-based public art map
GOAL #3: Raise the visibility of commemorative months.
A. Engage the public with commemorative months according to Federal Calendar
B. Identify a space to curate and facilitate the celebration of commemorative months
C. Promote monthly commemorative months through social media and special events to raise awareness and cultural competency.
GOAL #4: Enhance communication and media strategy to increase community awareness of the Cultural Commission.
A. Commissioners to attend the Americans for the Arts Conference
B. Present regularly to City Council
C. Develop, maintain, and grow partnerships and collaborations with external organizations.
GOAL #5: Prepare for Citywide Arts Master Plan Process.
A. Develop public/private partnerships to invest and promote the Arts in Santa Clara
B. Develop, promote, and implement Citywide Arts Master Plan alongside the City Council
At the April 7, 2025, meeting, the Cultural Commission discussed projects and adopted a work plan for FY 2025/26.
DISCUSSION
At the July 7, 2025, meeting, the Commission may discuss, edit and prioritize projects and activities noted in the attached Work Plan (Attachment 1). The Commission may also identify subcommittees to work on the items. Through this item, the Commission may provide updates to the attached Work Plan.
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 annual budget allocated for Commission activities is $57,541 in FY 2025/26. Project allocations are identified in the work plan (Attachment 1) and voted on by the Commission.
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 2025/26.
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director, Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cultural Commission Work Plan and Activities FY 2025/26