REPORT TO CULTURAL COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discuss and Update the Cultural Commission’s Work Plan Goals and Objectives for FY 2024/25 and 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 June 3, 2024, regular meeting, Commissioners held an initial discussion to identify priorities and activities for FY 2024/25, related to the Commission’s goals. Although the goals below were previously identified for FY 2024/25, the Commission discussed new activities to enhance the goals:
1. Host and enhance multicultural events intended to acquaint Santa Clara residents with cultural diversity and encourage participation.
a. Plan and implement Summer Concerts in FY 2024/25 & FY 2025/26.
b. The Commission will explore the feasibility of hosting a Group Wedding.
c. Plan and Host the Street Dance.
d. Share sponsorship opportunities with potential partners to support Cultural Commission special events in FY 2024/25.
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 as opportunities arise.
b. Identify available Traffic Boxes and release a call for artists for Artist Traffic Box Program.
c. Host Sculpture Exhibition “One world, one hope” common human yearning as we reflect on the state of the world.”
d. Host Halloween Home & Holiday Home Decorating Contest and Recognition.
e. Update and maintain City interactive web-based public art map.
3. Raise visibility of commemorative months.
a. Identify a space to curate and facilitate the Commemorative Months.
b. Promote monthly commemorative months through social media and Special Events to raise awareness and cultural competency.
4. Enhance communication and media strategy to increase community awareness of the Cultural Commission.
a. Send two representatives to attend the Americans for the Arts Conference.
b. Present work plan accomplishments and activities to City Council annually.
c. Develop one new partnership and collaboration with an external organization.
5. Prepare for Citywide Arts Master Plan process.
a. Develop private/public partnerships to invest and promote the Arts in Santa Clara.
b. Review, comment, and assist with the implementation of a citywide Arts Master Plan.
At the August 5, 2024, meeting, the Cultural Commission discussed projects and made budget allocations for those projects for FY 2024/25. The Commission adopted a work plan for FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26 that is subject to budget allocations at the August meeting. At the subsequent meetings, the Commission continued to discuss progress made towards the goals and made minor modifications to the goals.
DISCUSSION
At the April 7, 2025, meeting, the Commission may discuss and prioritize projects and activities noted in the attached Work Plan (Attachment 1). Through this item, the Commission may provide updates to the attached Work Plan. The Commission may also identify subcommittees to work on the items. Each subcommittee will provide a verbal update on their planned efforts and activities.
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 $56,412 in FY 2024/25 and is estimated to be $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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss and update the Cultural Commission’s Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENT
1. Cultural Commission Work Plan FY 2024/25 & 2025/26