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(1) Receipt and Filing of a Report from the Culver City Arts Foundation Concerning the Arts in California Parks Program; and (2) If Desired, Consideration of Appointing two PRCS Commission Members as a delegate and as an alternate to act as a liaison to the Culver City Arts Foundation.
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Meeting Date: April 17, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Ted Stevens/PRCS
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (04/11/2025); (E-Mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (04/11/2025)
Department Approval: Ted Stevens, PRCS Director (04/11/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission (1) receive and file a report from the Culver City Arts Foundation (CCAF) concerning the Arts in California Parks program; and (2) if desired, consider appointing two PRCS Commission Members as a delegate and as an alternate to act as a liaison to the CCAF.
BACKGROUND
Culver City Arts Foundation (CCAF) was born out of the Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission. The founders wanted to expand their independence and community reach to be able to better serve the needs of everyone, from art lovers and supporters to the artists who contribute to Culver City’s vibrant arts landscape. Being a separate foundation gives CCAF the ability to cast a wider net for artists at all levels and cater to a wider spectrum of sponsorship potentials.
The Culver City Arts Foundation is a local 501(c)3 dedicated to boost the creative culture of Culver City. Through fiscal grants, program supports, and creative networks opportunities, CCAF supports an engaged community that values a thriving arts culture. It is comprised of a board of 10 members, with Jim B. Clarke as its current Chair and Sehnita Joshua Mattison as its current Vice Chair.
DISCUSSION
Arts in California Parks is a program from California State Parks in partnership with Parks California and the California Arts Council. The goals of the program are:
• Welcome: California’s parks are open to everyone. The program creates projects that reflect and embrace California’s amazing diversity.
• Empower: The program paves the way for exciting creative careers through mentorship and job opportunities.
• Heal: The program helps communities experience the healing potential of arts and nature. It taps into their power to boost participants well-being and bring communities together.
• Connect: The program allows participants to dive into unforgettable experiences that link them to our beautiful parks, blend culture with nature, and weave our communities closer.
• Inspire: The program celebrates California’s rich heritage and honors the cultural significance of California’s parklands.
In 2024, the Arts in California Parks Grant program was launched with a $2.8 million investment to support 31 grant recipients across California. According to the Arts in California Parks website (www.artsincaliforniaparks.org <http://www.artsincaliforniaparks.org>), there are two grant tracks:
• Planning + Development Grants “support early-stage project development, focus on building partnerships, artist selection, and developing project plans.”
• Implementation grants “support the execution of art and cultural programs with community engagement and a well-defined partnership.”
A report regarding the grant will be delivered by a member of the CCAF. If desired, Commissioners may wish to appoint a delegate and an alternate to act as a liaison between the PRCS Commission and CCAF regarding arts in Culver City parks.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with this discussion.
ATTACHMENT
None.
MOTION
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
1. Receive and File a report from the Culver City Arts Foundation concerning the Arts in California Parks Program; and,
2. If desired, appoint two PRCS Commission Members as a delegate and an alternate to act as a liaison to the Culver City Arts Foundation.