REPORT TO CULTURAL COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Potential Action on the Cultural Commission Work Plan and Activities for FY 2025/26
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 April 7, 2025 regular meeting, the Commission adopted its FY 2025/26 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. Plan and implement Summer Concerts in FY 2025/26 - Completed
B. Street Dance 2025 - Completed
C. Plan and host Friday Night Live Events - On Hold
D. Explore the feasibility of hosting a Group Wedding - On Hold
E. Secure sponsors for Cultural Commission special events in FY 2025/26 - Ongoing
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 - In Progress
B. Support Traffic Box Program - In Progress
C. Host Indoor Sculpture Exhibition - On Hold
D. Host Halloween Home & Holiday Home Decorating Contest and recognition: 1 winner per Council District, 1 group entry winner, 1 Best of the Best - Completed
E. Update and maintain City interactive web-based public art map - In Progress
GOAL #3: Raise the visibility of commemorative months.
A. Identify a space, format, and cultural holidays to curate and facilitate the celebration of commemorative month - In Progress
GOAL #4: Enhance communication and media strategy to increase community
awareness of the Cultural Commission.
A. Present accomplishments to City Council annually
B. 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
DISCUSSION
At the March 2, 2026, meeting, the Commission will review the FY2025/26 Work Plan (Attachment 1), discuss progress to date, and consider edits, reprioritization of activities, or adjustments based on available funding and staff capacity.
The Commission may also identify subcommittees to advance specific projects and provide direction to staff 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 2025/26.
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 projected for Commission activities for FY 2025/26 is $57,541. 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 2025/26.
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 and Activities FY2025/26