COMMUNITY CULTURAL PLAN
Prepared by the Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission
and the Community Development Department
ADOPTED
NOVEMBER 24, 2003
UPDATED
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2003/2004
SUBMITTED TO CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 10, 2005
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2005
SUBMITTED TO CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 27, 2006
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2006
SUBMITTED TO CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 19, 2007
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary 2
Program Goals 3
Implementation Timeline 9
Overview of 2006 Accomplishments 10
Overview of 2005 Accomplishments 15
Action Plan 17
Appendices
Culver City Fact Sheet
Telephone Survey
Background and Context
Needs Assessment
2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2001, the Culver City Council established a Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) and
created an ordinance by which the Commission would operate. The existing Art in
Public Places and Historic Preservation programs were folded under this Commission’s
purview. One of the objectives outlined was the formulation of a Community Cultural
Plan to be taken to the Council for discussion and final approval.
The City Council appointed the five commissioners from the more than fifty applicants,
indicating Culver City’s high degree of interest in the arts and culture. The new
Commission, operating under the Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Department, held its first meeting in October 2001. In July 2003, the Council placed the
CAC under the Community Development Department.
The CAC immediately began working on the business related to Art in Public Places,
while embarking on a strategic process to design Culver City’s Cultural Plan. With the
CAC and Culver City Redevelopment Agency (CCRA) funds available, the Commission
began work on the Community Cultural Plan with a consultant, ArtsMarket, Inc. The
CAC held meetings and workshops to discuss the most effective outreach methods.
Public input was sought through Town Hall meetings, the City website and individual
interviews. The result of this input was the development of a Community Cultural Plan
with six fundamental goals.
To accomplish these goals, the Commission assigned separate subcommittees to
address the action and resources required to achieve desired outcomes. The CAC
subcommittees are: Education in Life Long Learning, Facilities, Festivals and Events,
Fundraising, Grants and Artist Services, Historic Preservation, Image and Public
Relations, and Public Art. In considering the success of this plan and the ability to
provide the community with cultural resources, the CAC recognizes that it must think
creatively and strategically in terms of facilities, fundraising and public relations. It
recognizes that fundraising is a part of every goal adopted by the Council and that all of
these goals require the participation of not just Commission staff, but staff from other
City departments as well.
This plan presents the work of the Commission to date:
• Goals, adopted by the Culver City Council 5-0, on March 24, 2003.
• An overview of each goal.
• An Action Plan which offers practical and timely outcomes, reflecting the
community’s input. The plan evolved through public outreach and research, which
will be ongoing.
3
GOAL 1
NURTURE AND PROMOTE CULVER CITY’S RESOURCES
FOR LIFELONG LEARNING IN AND THROUGH ARTS AND
CULTURE.
Culver City is rich in resources and potential partnerships that can strengthen arts
education and expand arts and cultural programming to the community. From the City’s
department of Parks Recreation and Community Services Department’s early childhood
to senior programs, to the Culver City Unified School District’s (CCUSD) mission
statement adopted in the 1990’s, a commitment to lifelong education for all ages is
important and apparent in the community.
The Commission will work to tap into the local resources and develop strategic
relationships to provide opportunities for lifelong learning in and through arts and
culture. It will work to strengthen its relationship with City departments, public and
private schools, institutions of higher learning and existing community arts
organizations, such as the A.R.T. Group and LA GOAL.
The Cultural Affairs Commission will identify, nurture and coordinate efforts of the public
sector offerings along with private sector resources to promote and maximize what is
available to local citizens and organizations. Additionally, the CAC will collaborate and
consolidate efforts with these organizations to apply for grants and funding opportunities
that will expand and bring non-City funding of cultural programs to the community.
4
GOAL 2
STRENGTHEN CULVER CITY’S ARTS AND CREATIVITY
IMAGE, CAPITALIZING ON AND STRENGTHENING ITS
LEGACY OF FILM HISTORY, CULTURAL HISTORY, PUBLIC
ART AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
Although Culver City has received exposure beyond its boundaries, there must be a
committed effort to spotlight this City and its resources to all of Southern California, and
beyond. To this end, the CAC will explore ways and develop a strategy to promote the
City’s arts and creativity image through the legacy of its film history, cultural history,
public art and historic preservation and make recommendations to the Council for
action.
Culver City has a rich cultural history which includes the area of film and the arts. In the
1930’s, the film industry was a major economic force and employer in Culver City,
however the City was branded as “Culver City, where Hollywood movies are made.”
This perception continues to cloud the City’s amazing resources. Today, Culver City is
cutting edge with two major studios and many support businesses peripheral to the
motion picture industry.
In addition to its film legacy, Culver City was the first City in the nation to allow credit for
Architecture as Art under its Public Art Program ordinance. Currently, ordinances are in
place for Public Art requirements and fees as well as Historic Preservation. In 1990, the
Historic Preservation Advisory Committee Report was completed and accepted by the
City. This document includes every structure that has been designated “Landmark,”
“Significant” or “Recognized”.
Culver City continues to offer public concerts and bring numerous cultural events to the
community, often drawing audiences from other cities, as well. All of these programs
not only provide cultural outlets to our constituency, but brand the City as an arts and
culture provider. In an effort to continue the success of existing programs and build
upon them, it is important that the Commission work to maintain and expand programs
and events offered.
Funding for these programs as well as other marketing initiatives is paramount. Outside
funding will be explored and ultimately secured for projects where no City money is
available or where after City funding, more money is required to complete a project. If
there is to be a museum and multi-use facility in the future, relationships with funders,
who exclusively fund capital projects at all stages of development, will be established.
Additionally funds for the acquisition, maintenance and conservation of historic sites and
public art will be researched.
5
GOAL 3
FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIVERSE ARTS AND
CULTURAL FACILITIES.
From the Native Americans (Gabrielinos), to the early Spanish and Mexican settlers, to
Harry Culver’s dream of a balanced community, Culver City has developed into a
diverse city with a rich history and heritage. The importance of art is clearly recognized
by the community and should be highlighted in various arts and cultural facilities
throughout the City.
After resources are further identified, a “needs assessment,” utilizing the public input,
will be developed. In creating this needs assessment, the CAC will work with the City,
arts organizations, individual artists and community members to determine what type of
facility would be best for the community. The CAC will prioritize short term and long
term goals and will work with City Departments and local developers to discover unique
venues/properties that may be used as cultural facilities.
In the short term, the Commission will collaborate with various segments of the
community to bring new art, music and cultural performances to Culver City. In the long
term, the CAC will work to facilitate the development of creative spaces for visual arts
and crafts, historic preservation and performing arts. The CAC will work with the City to
bring resources together to maximize impact with less cost through grants and other
funding strategies.
6
GOAL 4
DEVELOP A NETWORK OF CULTURAL RESOURCES
THROUGHOUT CULVER CITY.
In reviewing community input for this cultural plan, it is clear that many cultural
resources already exist within the community. The CAC will work to identify local and
other accessible resources and make that information widely available to the larger
community. Further, the CAC will work to connect organizations and individuals within
our community to build resources and infrastructure. Strength lies in the coordination
and interfacing of different organizations. Broadening communication is critical and will
be a priority for the CAC.
To this end, the CAC will explore avenues that can function as networking tools and
develop strategies to further expand our networking capacity. The CAC has already
created a database of arts organizations, Cultural Affairs participants and artist slide
registry and anticipates becoming an information resource for current and potential
organizations, individual artists, as well as for other departments in the City regarding
cultural activities, facilities and community events.
7
GOAL 5
SUPPORT CULVER CITY’S ARTS AND CULTURAL
ORGANIZATIONS AND ARTISTS.
As resources are identified and networking efforts continue, the CAC will have the
capacity to match artists and organizations with opportunities for support. Expanding
upon the existing database, the Commission will create a resource directory that will
contain contact information about artists, organizations, facilities and programs that
currently exist within the City. This resource will be used not just by the Commission
and the City, but will be essential to the artists and organizations not only working
within, the community but throughout the southland.
To this end, the Commission will explore available funding opportunities for creating a
resource directory, an on-line database, website and the process required to
accomplish these outcomes.
8
GOAL 6
ESTABLISH THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUNDING TO
SUPPORT ONGOING CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CULVER
CITY.
At this time, the percent for art fees will not fully fund an ongoing level of cultural
development desired by the community. The CAC subcommittees on Fundraising and
Grants and Artist Services will explore different means of financially supporting the
City’s continued cultural development.
A master fundraising plan will be created that will generate income for each of the six
adopted goals and provide direction to the Commission and its Staff for implementation.
Additionally, the CAC will assist the Community Development Department in becoming
a conduit for grant funding to enhance the cultural arts and historic preservation
programs already in place. Further, the CAC will continue to work with Commission
Staff in determining funding priorities and explore opportunities to achieve essential
outcomes.
9
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
In developing the associated Action Plan, outcomes and tasks were organized into short
and long term timelines. The definition of “short term” is an action or outcome that may
be achieved within 5 years. “Long term” refers to those endeavors which may require
substantially more time for full implementation.
These outcomes reflect the Community’s input and recommendations over the last sixteen
months. As the Cultural Affairs Commission recognizes the importance of “opportunity” the
outcomes are not ordered in any particular priority. Outcomes and action items will be
accessed and evaluated on a regular basis to determine immediate feasibility and record
accomplishments to date. 10
2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS - OVERVIEW
For calendar year 2006, updates to accomplishments include (in approximate
chronological order):
Continued to assist Tim Robbins’ The Actors Gang with securing a second
venue in Culver City; Facilitated premiere of family version of
Shakespeare’s Pericles in Media Park during summer;
Continued to assist Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas Theatre and
development of a program, as per lease agreement, to offer dates at the
Kirk Douglas Theatre for Culver City-based cultural and community
organizations;
Continued to search for new permanent performing arts spaces for use by
the recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as for use by
theatre companies choosing to serve the Culver City community;
submitted grant application in January 2006 to the California Cultural and
Historical Endowment for the AMVETS facility;
Completed the 5
th
Music in the Chambers classical series in the winter of
2006 and completion of the program development for the 2007 Music in
the Chambers series:
2006 PERFORMERS
Ronald Leonard, former principal cellist – Los Angeles Philharmonic
Hubert Laws, Grammy Award-nominated jazz flutist
David Young, principal bass – Los Angeles Opera
Karen Elaine, Grammy Award-nominated violist
David Stahl, pianist and music professor – Los Angeles City College
2007 PERFORMERS
Suzanna Guzman, opera singer – Los Angeles Opera
Hubert Laws, Grammy Award-nominated jazz flutist
Ben Hong, assistant principal cellist – Los Angeles Philharmonic;
Completed A Moment in Time – a sculpture honoring Culver City founder
Harry Culver. Unveiling ceremony in March 2006 that included Harry
Culver’s grandson and great-grandchildren and featured professional
musical theatre performers including members of Forever Plaid;
Hosted semi-annual PAC SoCal meeting featuring presentation by
Christine Steiner, an attorney specializing in visual art and public art
issues;
11
Developed and implemented Speak Easy in April 2006, a poetry event
featuring the California Poet Laureate, Al Young, and jazz alumni of the
Henry Mancini Institute; the event was presented at the Culver Events
Center and created especially for the west side community;
May 2006 proclaimed Historic Preservation Month;
Hosted May 2006 visit of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the
Humanities to Culver City that included a reception at Sony Pictures
Entertainment with Culver City’s arts and cultural leaders;
Coordinated with private property owners and artists for approval of public
art for new development and tenant improvements at Turning Point
School;
Created and implemented first annual ARTWALK Culver City with 30
professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City participating.
Estimated attendance of 1,500 resulting in selection by Los Angeles
magazine for its “Best of LA” issue; development and implementation of
banner program for the Culver City Art District; nurturing of the Culver City
Art District resulting in items in the Los Angeles Times, The New York
Times, Elle magazine and Lifescapes magazine;
Completed the 12
th
Annual Summer Sunset Music Festival in 2006 and
completed new planning for the 13
th
Culver City Music Festival in 2007.
The best of World Music and authentic American regional music was
presented and approximately 1000 people attended each concert. The
marketing for the concert was revamped and the production elements
were professionalized;
Continued summer intern program participation (in collaboration with the
Getty Foundation and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission) and
continued partnerships with the USC Theatre and Public Art Studies
Programs for interns during the fall, winter and spring months;
Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Congress in August 2006 at Veterans
Memorial Building; attendees included over 100 performing arts interns
participating in the County’s summer intern program;
Completed first annual condition inspections of all public art work on
private property;
Researched updates to Public Art Ordinance language;
Oversaw the 2006 Performing Arts Grant Program and implemented the
2007 Performing Arts Grant Program with cash grant awards of $44,500 to 12
13 performing arts organizations serving the Culver City community with
presentations of music, theatre and dance:
2006 RECIPIENTS
About Productions Theatre
Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Theatre/Music
Culver City Playhouse Theatre
The Definiens Project Music
Henry Mancini Institute Music
Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Music
Vox Femina Music
We Tell Stories Theatre
Westchester Symphony (Culver City) Music
2007 RECIPIENTS
About Productions Theatre
Benita Bike DanceArt Dance
contra-tiempo Dance
Culver City Chamber Orchestra Music
Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Theatre/Music
Culver City Public Theatre Theatre
The Definiens Project Music
Keith Glassman Dance/Performance Dance
Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Music
Three Chairs Theatre Company Theatre
Vox Femina Music
We Tell Stories Theatre
Westchester Symphony (Culver City) Music
Continued to develop a stronger relationship with Culver City resident
performing arts companies and provide better communication and
assistance with marketing, fundraising, and facility code and maintenance
requirements; developed relationship with prestigious PEN USA literary
organization; Completed approved Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for the Culver
City Cultural Affairs Foundation and appointed Board:
BOARD MEMBERS
Christine Hardin, Interior Designer
Sofia Klatzker, Arts Education Coordinator, LA County Arts
Commission
Rick Noguchi, Program Officer, California Community Foundation
Mercedes Paz, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts &
Humanities
Renae Williams, Director of Dance Presentation, The Music Center
Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Commission 2
nd
Annual Forum for Arts
Commissioners in October 2006;
Completed commission of art project for Washington Blvd. between
Sepulveda and Walnut Ave. by artist Kyungmi Shin;
Facilitated use of percent for public art funds to support addition of
historical / cultural elements (including an outdoor performance space) in
the expanded Town Plaza project;
Advocated for historic preservation as part of a Sustainable Community
Plan;
Presented first Los Angeles Philharmonic Neighborhood Concert in Culver
City in December 2006 at the Robert Frost Auditorium, a free concert
featuring the music of Mozart that was attended by 1200 people;
Completed inventory and upload of all public art work in City on City web
site;
Included expanded information about historic preservation on City web site
to include complete 1987 City wide structures survey and additional links
to state and National web sites and resources;
Completed implementation and review of maintenance/conservation for all
City owned public art (approximately 40 pieces);
• Continued The Art of … speaker series. Produced six live speaker’s
presentations featuring The Wende Museum, The Art of Green Living with
Collette Brooks, Bottlerock, Charlotte Tarantola and renowned Dr.
Daoshing Ni of Yo San University. All presentations reached projected
capacity and required waiting lists.
14
Facilitated compliance under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) of development projects affecting historical resources including
initial site analysis and documentation for The Citizen’s Building, The
Helms Bakery Complex, The Culver Studios (Comprehensive Plan
Amendment) and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
15
2005 ACCOMPLISHMENTS - OVERVIEW
For calendar year 2005, updates to accomplishments include:
Planning and facilitation for the opening of the Pan African Film Festival in
February 2005;
Completion of the 4
th
Music in the Chambers series in the spring of 2005
and completion of the program development for the 2006 Music in the
Chambers series;
Facilitating the establishment of Tim Robbins’ The Actors’ Gang at the Ivy
Substation as Culver City’s second nationally-recognized resident theatre
company;
Completion of the 11
th
annual Summer Sunset Music Festival (SSMF) in
2005 and program development for the 12
th
SSMF in 2006;
Implementation of Art in the Plaza events in Town Plaza in July, August
and September 2005;
Continued summer intern program participation (in collaboration with the
Getty Foundation and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission) and
development of new partnerships with the USC Theatre and Public Art
Studies Programs for interns during the fall, winter and spring months;
Completion of The Lion’s Fountain in Town Plaza and implementation of a
community/children’s event in September 2005;
Implementing the 2006 Performing Arts Grant Program with cash grant
awards of $32,000 to nine performing arts organizations serving the
Culver City community;
Further streamlining the annual Performing Arts Grant Program to include
concise scoring sheets and better defined review panel process;
Developing a stronger relationship with Culver City resident theatre
companies and providing better communication and assistance with
marketing, fundraising, and facility code and maintenance requirements;
Identifying new permanent performing arts spaces for use by the
recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as for use by theatre
companies choosing to serve the Culver City community;
16
Planning and presentation of a free performance in November 2005 by
Grammy-nominated John Santos and his Latin Jazz Quartet;
Development of an art walk – to be implemented in the spring of 2006 – to
highlight exhibit spaces and art galleries located near the intersection of
Washington and La Cienega Boulevards;
Development of short and long-range planning concepts for public art and
cultural programming along Washington Boulevard (west of the 405 Fwy.);
Coordination with private property owners and artists for approval of public
art for new development and tenant improvements at Symantec, Echo
Horizon School, Veterinary Properties, and Park Century School;
Implementation of first architecture review panel for Architecture as Art
concepts at 8601 Washington Boulevard and 3505 Hayden Avenue;
Fabrication of the Harry Culver sculpture for Town Plaza (to be completed
March 2006);
Installation of historic designation plaques on “Landmark” and “Significant”
buildings in Culver City;
Expanded information about historic preservation on City web site;
May 2005 proclaimed Historic Preservation Month;
Completion of an inventory of public art on private and City owned
property which includes a description of the artwork and images to be
made available on City’s web site;
Completion of Utility Box art program in and adjacent to Town Plaza
(wrapping of control box for The Lion’s Fountain and utility box adjacent to
Kirk Douglas Theatre completed October 2005);
Installation of plaques in Town Plaza and downtown paseo explaining
history of zoetrope and relationship to Culver City’s film studio history;
Implementation of contracts for routine maintenance of five pieces of City-
owned public art (La Ballona, Path of Life, Film Strip, Cougar I and II, The
Lion’s Fountain); and,
Establishing a working relationship with The [United States] President’s
Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and submitting a
Culver City-related event proposal to the PCAH for its spring 2006
meeting. 17
ACTION PLAN
Short Term Outcomes
Outcome headings in RED, Updates for 2006 in BLUE
Outcomes Tasks Accomplishments to Date Sub-Committee(s)
Partnerships with
community
organizations that
assist in providing
arts education
opportunities.
Related Goals: 1
• Assist in formalizing partnerships between
specific schools and colleges, for residencies
and programs that continue on a multi-year
basis.
• Ongoing.
• Representation/Membership on a variety of boards, organizations
throughout the community such as the Culver City Unified School
District Community Arts Team and the Culver City Historical
Society.
• Developing a stronger relationship with Culver City resident theatre
companies and connecting them to CCUD. (2005)
Image and Public
Relations,
Education in
Lifelong Learning
Marketing and
publication of all
existing arts and
cultural education
programs offered
throughout Culver
City.
Related Goals: 1, 5
• Establish linkages with leaders from community
organizations/schools to discuss programs and
determine needs
• Showcase local arts in education and cultural
education programs on the City website.
• Distribute brochures and/or position information
in Culver City Living at least twice a year to all
residents. Explore opportunities with other
outreach vehicles.
• Alert media and send press releases regarding
events.
• On-going with continued expansion into new media outlets.
• Press release distribution for Historic Preservation, Public Art and
Cultural Affairs Programs. Highlighted program information in
Culver City Living.
• Designated staff to interface with various community organizations.
(2003-04)
• Press release and public notification of Performing Arts Grant
Program, spring and summer concert series, and other
performances and events through LACN and other area arts
listservs, City web site, and electronic master notification system.
(2005, 2006)
• Participation in Los Angeles County Arts Commission’s Forum for
Arts Commissioners, October 2005.
• Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Commission’s 2nd Annual Forum
for Arts Commissioners, October 2006.
• ARTWALK Culver City listed in Los Angeles magazine’s “Best of
LA” issue, August 2006; articles on Culver City’s Art District
included in Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Elle magazine
and Lifescapes magazine. (2006)
Image and Public
Relations,
Education in
Lifelong Learning
An annual festival
that furthers arts
learning.
Related Goals: 1
• Bring resources together to plan events. • Art Revolution, monthly exhibition and sale to include children’s
workshop (2003-04; 2005)
• Fiesta La Ballona’s focus on children’s art activities.
• Art in the Plaza event in Town Plaza implemented in July, August
Fairs and
Festivals,
Education in
Lifelong Learning 18
An annual festival
that furthers arts
learning.
Related Goals: 1
and September 2005. Development of an art walk to highlight
exhibit spaces and art galleries located near the intersection of
Washington and La Cienega Boulevards. (2005)
• Created and implemented first annual ARTWALK Culver City
with 30 professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City
participating. (2006)
• Community/Children’s event associated with the unveiling of The
Lion’s Fountain in September 2005. (2005)
• Developing children’s workshop for spring/summer 2006
highlighting zoetropes and early filmmaking technology. (2005)
Link Culver City’s
rich culture to studies
at the primary,
middle and high
school levels.
Related Goals: 1
• Interface with the CCUSD to support curriculum
and foster relationships with County program
representatives and local businesses.
• Ongoing.
• Living History Program and Presentations
• Teacher’s Manual
• History pages on City website.
• Exploring historic photo display at Pacific Theatres. (2003-04)
• Provide information about Washington Blvd. art project (by
Kyungmi Shin) to CCUSD. (2006)
Education in
Lifelong Learning
and Historic
Preservation
Workshops, master
classes, other
learning and
mentoring
opportunities with
professional artists
and students.
Related Goals: 1, 4,
5
• Create program and identify regular
sponsorships to assist in facilitation.
• Los Angeles County Arts Commission Intern Day offered historical
and architectural presentations about Culver City for over 150
interns. (2003-04)
• City Historian offered class and tour for various graduate students
and visitors to City. (2003-04)
• Continued summer intern program participation (in collaboration
with the Getty Foundation and the Los Angeles County Arts
Commission) and development of new partnerships with the USC
Theatre and Public Art Studies Programs for interns during the fall
and winter months. (2005; 2006)
• Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Congress in August at Veterans
Memorial Building; attendees included over 100 performing arts
interns participating in the County’s summer intern program.
(2006)
Education in
Lifelong
Learning,
Fundraising and
Grants and Artist
Services
City-wide program
that features regular
field trips to cultural
events, organizations
and facilities of
performing, visual or
• Meet/link local organizations, schools to plan
program (e.g. West Los Angeles College, CTG,
Culver City Historical Society, etc.)
• Senior Center & PRC-sponsored outings and field trips.
• Worked with Los Angeles County Arts Commission to bring 150
interns to Culver City to explore public art and other cultural
resources. (2003-04)
• Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Congress in August at Veterans
Memorial Building; attendees included over 100 performing arts
Education in
Lifelong
Learning, Image
and Public
Relations and
Facilities 19
architectural focus.
Related Goals: 1, 2,
3
interns participating in the County’s summer intern program.
(2006)
• Created and implemented first annual ARTWALK Culver City
with 30 professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City
participating. (2006)
• Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Commission’s 2nd Annual Forum
for Arts Commissioners, October 2006.
Local and accessible
programs
highlighting the
City’s history.
Related Goals: 1, 2
• Collaborate with the Culver City Historical
Society.
• Sponsor walking tours and bus tours.
• Utilize information from different sources
including City Historian.
• Work with Information Technology to enhance
and change information.
• Highlight information on City website and send
out press releases to all media.
• Utilize public access through the cable
company.
• Historic displays in library and West Los
Angeles College
• Create the “Movies in the Park” program which
will feature movies in an outdoor venue,
possibly at the Veteran’s Memorial Complex.
• Ongoing.
• Annual Fiesta tours since 1982;
• City bus tours and walking tours.
• Historical presentations on demand (lectures, slide shows).
• New information included on website. Further updates to occur in
three months. (2003-04)
• Additional updates provided by City Historian to history pages on
City web site. (2005)
• Press releases sent regarding plaque installation on historic
structures. (2003-04)
• Installation of historic designation plaques on “Landmark” and
“Significant” buildings in Culver City. (2005)
• Historical programming on Channel 43 highlighting interviews
with community members.
• Living History Project.
• May 2004 was proclaimed Historic Preservation Month in Culver
City. (2003-04)
• May 2005 proclaimed Historic Preservation Month in Culver City.
(2005)
• May 2006 proclaimed Historic Preservation Month in Culver City.
(2006)
• Culver City Commendation bestowed on Speaker Herb Wesson Jr.
regarding his efforts to preserve the State Capitol Building and his
work with the City’s Historian. (2003-04)
• City Historian appointed to the Historic State Capitol Commission.
(2003-04)
• Information about historic preservation and resources for property
owners and public provided on City web site. (2005)
• Developing children’s workshop for spring/summer 2006
highlighting zoetropes and early filmmaking technology. (2005)
• Commission of art work by artist Kyungmi Shin for Washington
Historic
Preservation,
Image and Public
Relations and
Public Art
20
Blvd. that includes Culver City, Gabrielino and Ranchero history.
(2006)
City commitment to
summer concert
series featuring local
artists and expand
these opportunities.
Related Goals: 1, 2,
5
• Advocate for continued support of the Summer
Sunset Music Festival.
• Find and identify local resources.
• Several local artists highlighted to include John Mills, Kevin
McDonald and David Weiss. (2003-04)
• 10
th
Annual series completed with support from the Redevelopment
Agency as well as other sponsors. Total contribution including in-
kind is $14,000 from sponsors/grants.
• Worked with KLAC to promote Mills Brothers presentation.
(2003-04)
• Completion of the 11
th
annual Summer Sunset Music Festival
(SSMF) in 2005 and program development for the 12
th
SSMF in
2006. (2005)
• Completed the 12th Annual Summer Sunset Music Festival in 2006
and completed new planning for the 13th Culver City Music
Festival in 2007. The best of World Music and authentic American
regional music was presented and approximately 1000 people
attended each concert. The marketing for the concert was revamped
and the production elements were professionalized. (2006)
Fairs and
Festivals,
Fundraising
A comprehensive
database of
organizations, artists
(craft, folk visual
etc.), property
owners, businesses,
and schools.
Related Goals: 1, 4,
5
• Meet with representatives of commercial
businesses, community organizations and
schools (both public and private) in the City to
determine how the Commission can most
effectively bring parties together, help facilitate
collaborative projects, and bring more non-City
funded programming to the community.
• In progress. Fundraising and
Image and Public
Relations
Cultural
programming for all
ages.
Related Goals: 1, 5
• Collaborate with Parks, Recreation and
Community Services (i.e., Senior Center and
Teen Center), schools and organizations
• Ongoing.
• Developed Art Revolution and The Art of… Speaker Series. (2003-
04) Produced six live speaker’s presentations featuring The Wende
Museum, The Art of Green Living with Collette Brooks,
Bottlerock, Charlotte Tarantola and renowned Dr. Daoshing Ni of
Yo San University. All presentations reached projected capacity
and required waiting lists. (2006)
• Continuation of Fiesta La Ballona, Music in the Chambers, and
Performing Arts Grant program. (2003-04; 2005; 2006)
Fairs and
Festivals,
Fundraising 21
Cultural
programming for all
ages.
Related Goals: 1, 5
• Completion of the 4
th
Music in the Chambers series in the spring of
2005 and completion of the program development for the 2006
Music in the Chambers series. (2005)
• Completion of the 5
th
Music in the Chambers series in the winter of
2006 and completion of the program development for the 2007
Music in the Chambers series. (2006)
• Art in the Plaza events in Town Plaza in July, August and
September 2005. (2005)
• Completion of a community/children’s event for The Lion’s
Fountain in September 2005. (2005)
• Facilitated premiere of The Actors’ Gang’s family version of
Shakespeare’s Pericles in Media Park. (2006)
• Continued to assist Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas
Theatre and development of a program, as per lease agreement, to
offer dates at the Kirk Douglas Theatre for Culver City-based
cultural and community organizations. (2006)
• Continued to search for new permanent performing arts spaces for
use by the recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as
for use by theatre companies choosing to serve the Culver City
community; submitted grant application in January 2006 to the
California Cultural and Historical Endowment for the AMVETS
facility. (2006)
• Completed A Moment in Time – a sculpture honoring Culver City
founder Harry Culver. Unveiling ceremony in March 2006 that
included Harry Culver’s grandson and great-grandchildren and
featured professional musical theatre performers including
members of Forever Plaid. (2006)
• Developed and implemented Speak Easy in April 2006, a poetry
event featuring the California Poet Laureate, Al Young, and jazz
alumni of the Henry Mancini Institute; the event was presented at
the Culver Events Center and created especially for the west side
community. (2006)
• Development of an art walk – to be implemented in the spring of
2006 – to highlight exhibit spaces and art galleries located near the
intersection of Washington and La Cienega Boulevards. (2005)
• Created and implemented first annual ARTWALK Culver City
with 30 professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City
participating. (2006)
• Completed commission of art project for Washington Blvd. 22
between Sepulveda and Walnut Ave. by artist Kyungmi Shin.
(2006)
• Presented first Los Angeles Philharmonic Free Neighborhood
Concert in Culver City in December 2006 at the Robert Frost
Auditorium. (2006)
• Planning and presentation of a free performance in November 2005
by Grammy-nominated John Santos and his Latin Jazz Quartet.
(2005)
An annual, City-
initiated, scope of
work plan for Public
Art.
Related Goals: 2
• Review public art plan annually. • In progress.
• Harry Culver sculpture selection initiated. (2003-04)
• Fabrication of the Harry Culver sculpture for Town Plaza (to
be completed Spring 2006). (2005)
• Completed A Moment in Time – a sculpture honoring Culver City
founder Harry Culver. (2006)
• Annual work plan presently outlined in adopted 05-06 budget
and includes Harry Culver sculpture project, maintenance of art
work, completion of Utility Box Art program and development
of public art concept for Washington Boulevard west of the
405 Fwy. (2005)
• Completion of implementation and review of
maintenance/conservation for all City-owned public art. (2006)
• Researched updates / changes to Public Art Ordinance. (2006)
• Completed inventory and upload of all public art work in City
on City web site. (2006)
Public Art
Entry
monument/gateway
plan that celebrates
the City’s rich
cultural heritage.
Related Goals: 2
• Work within CDD to research potential
monument signs for City-wide consistency.
• Research sponsors to assist funding monuments
for larger installations.
• Art project for Washington Boulevard by Kyungmi Shin includes
entry banners marking City’s boundaries; art concept includes
references to Culver City’s film studio history, native American
history and culture and Ranchero history. (2006)
Image and Public
Relations,
Fundraising
Application process
and consideration for
new historic
landmarks/structures.
Related Goals: 2
• Review ordinance and enlist the help of the
California Office of Historic Preservation
(COHP) and other organizations.
• In progress.
• Gathered information from the California Preservation Foundation.
(2003-04)
• Secured funding in FY 06-07 budget for updated City-wide historic
structures survey. (2006)
Historic
Preservation
Expanded use of the • Work with Planning to catalog all existing signs. • Worked with Culver Hotel regarding restoration of 1920s historic Public Art and 23
historic sign
ordinance.
Related Goals: 2
• Protect and maintain historic signs and recreate
historic signage.
roof-top sign; provided information to owners regarding sign
fabricators. (2006)
Historic
Preservation
Historic structures in
City and County
records flagged.
Related Goals: 2
• Work with the Building and Planning Divisions
and with the County Recorder’s Office to ensure
all historic buildings are flagged in relevant
databases.
• Plaques positioned on designated landmarks.
• Ongoing surveys (to continue new
opportunities)
• All buildings have been flagged in Culver City’s internal database
(Permits Plus)
• In progress: some plaques already positioned. (2003-04)
• Installation of historic designation plaques on “Landmark” and
“Significant” buildings in Culver City. (2005)
• GIS database complete. All structures have been identified. (2003-
04)
• Information for property owners and general public about historic
preservation added to City web site. (2005)
• Scanned and uploaded completed 1987 Thirtieth Street Architects
historic structures survey to City web site. (2006)
Historic
Preservation
Public attention and
recognition of Culver
City for its heritage
and cultural diversity.
Related Goals: 2
• Expand and strengthen the Fiesta La Ballona
Festival with heritage, art, parade floats and
more.
• Explore adding various festivals that showcase
all the diverse cultures of Culver City.
• Ongoing. Returned to original event format with week-long
activities throughout the City.
• New committee, layout and sponsors.
• Support of various community events to include the Pan African
Film Festival, Car Show, Music in the Council Chambers. (2003-
04)
• Historic Preservation month proclaimed in May 2004. (2003-04)
• Historic Preservation month proclaimed in Culver City in May
2005. (2005)
• Historic Preservation month proclaimed in Culver City in May
2006. (2006)
• Art project for Washington Boulevard by Kyungmi Shin includes
references to Culver City’s film studio history, native American
history and culture and Ranchero history. (2006)
• City received a B- on the Los Angeles Conservancy’s 2003
Preservation Report Card. (2003-04)
• Establishing a working relationship with The [United States]
President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and
submission of a Culver City-related event proposal to the PCAH for
its spring 2006 meeting. (2005)
• Hosted May 2006 visit of the President’s Committee on the Arts
and the Humanities to Culver City that included a reception at Sony
Pictures Entertainment with Culver City’s arts and cultural leaders.
(2006)
Fairs and
Festivals,
Fundraising, and
Historic
Preservation 24
• Participation in Los Angeles County Arts Commission Arts
Commissioner Forum, October 2005
• Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Commission 2nd Annual Forum
for Arts Commissioners in October 2006.
Awareness of Culver
City’s uniqueness,
such as “Culver City
Architecture” and
develop multi-faceted
and multi-
organization
approaches to market
Culver City’s history
and culture around
the theme.
Related Goals: 2
• Identify themes that will bring attention to
Culver City.
• Use brochures and walking tours, City web site
and other opportunities to promote the
uniqueness of Culver City.
• Support the implementation of the “Art of…”
Speaker Series
• Ongoing.
• Walking tours of Downtown, NPR and Hayden Tract
• LA County Arts Commission intern day will focused on
Architecture as Art in Hayden Tract. (2003-04)
• The Art of… Speaker Series has produced ten speaking events.
Staff working to develop fully edited copies of presentations.
(2003-04; 2005) Produced six live speaker’s presentations featuring
The Wende Museum, The Art of Green Living with Collette
Brooks, Bottlerock, Charlotte Tarantola and renowned Dr.
Daoshing Ni of Yo San University. All presentations reached
projected capacity and required waiting lists. (2006)
• Culver City to apply for World Heritage Site designation by
(UNESCO). (2003-04)
• Establishing a working relationship with The [United States]
President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and
submission of a Culver City-related event proposal to the PCAH for
its spring 2006 meeting. (2005)
• Hosted May 2006 visit of the President’s Committee on the Arts
and the Humanities to Culver City that included a reception at Sony
Pictures Entertainment with Culver City’s arts and cultural leaders.
(2006)
• Participation in Los Angeles County Arts Commission Arts
Commissioner Forum, October 2005
• Hosted Los Angeles County Arts Commission 2nd Annual Forum
for Arts Commissioners in October 2006.
• Art project for Washington Boulevard by Kyungmi Shin includes
references to Culver City’s film studio history, Native American
history and culture and Ranchero history. (2006)
• Articles about Culver City appear in Los Angeles magazine, the Los
Angeles Times, The New York Times, Elle and Lifescapes magazine.
(2006)
All
Subcommittees
Maintain and expand
cultural arts
programming.
• Support existing community programming and
festivals.
• Develop cross marketing opportunities to
• 3
rd
annual Music in the Council Chambers featured four concerts
throughout April and May. (2003-04)
• Completion of the 4
th
Music in the Chambers series in the spring of
Fairs and
Festivals 25
Related Goals: 2
publicize arts programming with various
organizations.
2005 and completion of the program development for the 2006
Music in the Chambers series. (2005)
• Completed the 5th Music in the Chambers classical series in the
winter of 2006 and completion of the program development for the
2007 Music in the Chambers series. (2006)
• Continue to work with DBA, Symphony, CCEF and other
performing arts organizations to cross market programs where
applicable. (2003-04)
• Continue to manage the Performing Arts Grant Program. (2003-04;
2005; 2006)
• Planning and presentation of a free performance in November 2005
by Grammy-nominated John Santos and his Latin Jazz Quartet.
(2005)
• Presented first Los Angeles Philharmonic Free Neighborhood
Concert in Culver City in December 2006 at the Robert Frost
Auditorium. (2006)
• Development of new cultural programming along Washington
Blvd. west of 405 Fwy. (2005)
• Developed and implemented Speak Easy in April 2006, a poetry
event featuring the California Poet Laureate, Al Young, and jazz
alumni of the Henry Mancini Institute; the event was presented at
the Culver Events Center and created especially for the west side
community. (2006)
• Completed commission of art project for Washington Blvd.
between Sepulveda and Walnut Ave. by artist Kyungmi Shin.
(2006)
• Development of an art walk – to be implemented in the spring of
2006 – to highlight exhibit spaces and art galleries located near the
intersection of Washington and La Cienega Boulevards. (2005)
• Created and implemented first annual ARTWALK Culver City
with 30 professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City
participating. (2006)
Publicly accessible
collections and
research libraries that
make it possible for
residents to get
involved/study the
culture of their
• Expand awareness of current collections and
resources.
• Work with Culver City Julian Dixon Library.
• ADA accessibility publicized for various venues
and events.
• Links with private sector.
• Sony Pictures Entertainment Virtual Museum launched in October
2003.
• Expanded history on City website and Culver City library historical
section. (2003-04) (2005)
• Expanded information about historic preservation on City web site
for property owners and general public. (2005)
• Completion of an inventory of public art on private and City owned
Education in
Lifelong
Learning, Historic
Preservation and
Image and Public
Relations 26
community.
Related Goals: 2
property which includes a description of the artwork and images to
be made available on City’s web site. (2006)
A database of
available facilities
and information
resource “catch all”
regarding
performance and
event spaces.
Related Goals: 3
• Identify facilities and amenities (including
Veteran’s Memorial Complex and Senior
Center) and consider alternative spaces for
events (i.e., office space, school, park).
• Create database.
• Designate individual to provide information and
assist in matching artists with event/performance
locations.
• In progress. Information collected for Smashbox Studios,
Conjunctive Points, Sony Pictures and Downtown.
• Facility packets created and sent to various event marketers. (2003-
04)
• List of currently available facilities made available on City’s web
site for performing arts grant applicants and other interested parties.
(2005; 2006)
• Identifying new permanent performing arts spaces for use by the
recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as for use by
theatre companies choosing to relocate to Culver City. (2005; 2006)
• Submitted grant application in January 2006 to the California
Cultural and Historical Endowment for the AMVETS facility.
(2006)
Grants and Artist
Services,
Facilities
Multi-Media
Communication
Resource, Referral
and Dissemination
Capacity (website,
telephone,
publications, cable).
Related Goals: 4, 2
• Explore available funding opportunities for
creating a resource directory, an on-line
database, website and the process required to
accomplish these resources.
• Gather as much information as possible before
printing the first edition of the directory.
• Talk to the City’s many artists, groups,
organizations, and program directors to ensure
that the information included in the directory is
what will be most helpful to their objectives.
• Ongoing. (2003-04)
• Some funding sources have been identified. (2003-04)
• Development of press contact list for performing arts and other
Cultural Affairs events. (2006)
• Refinement of Cultural Affairs community contact list. (2006)
Fundraising and
Image and Public
Relations
Community Calendar
of Events
Related Goals: 4, 2
• Work with City, CCUSD and other
organizations to create a single, comprehensive
community calendar of events.
• In progress.
• Development of calendar for 2006 Performing Arts Grant
recipients. (2005; 2006)
Festivals and
Events and Image
and Public
Relations
Maintain Performing
Arts Grant Program.
Related Goals: 4, 5
• Revise current guidelines. • Completed.
• Further streamlined the annual Performing Arts Grant Program to
include concise scoring sheets and better defined review panel
process. (2005)
• Oversaw the 2006 Performing Arts Grant Program and
implemented the 2007 Performing Arts Grant Program with cash
grant awards of $44,500 to 13 performing arts organizations
serving the Culver City community with presentations of music,
theatre and dance. (2006)
Grants and Artist
Services 27
Grants for local
artists to present
residencies and
workshops.
Related Goals: 4, 5
• Act as a conduit to match organizations with
grant funders.
Grants and Artist
Services
New and emerging
cultural arts
organizational
support program
(a.k.a. “hatch”
program).
Related Goals: 4, 5
• Nurture and host workshops for organizations
regarding (grant writing, collaborative
marketing, creating a board of directors, etc.)
that are most needed.
• Provide annual workshops for applicants to
Culver City arts grants program(s).
• Public outreach to organizations throughout Los
Angeles.
• In progress.
• Collaborated with Joan Kassan and Jody Hall Esser regarding Grant
Training Workshop in August 2004. (2003-04)
• Developing a stronger relationship with Culver City resident theatre
companies and providing better communication and assistance with
marketing, fundraising, and facility code and maintenance
requirements with other cultural organizations in or wishing to
relocate to Culver City. (2005)
• Identifying new permanent performing arts spaces for use by the
recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as for use by
theatre companies choosing to serve the Culver City community.
(2005)
• Continued to assist Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas
Theatre and development of a program, as per lease agreement, to
offer dates at the Kirk Douglas Theatre for Culver City-based
cultural and community organizations. (2006)
• Continued to search for new permanent performing arts spaces for
use by the recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as
for use by theatre companies choosing to serve the Culver City
community; submitted grant application in January 2006 to the
California Cultural and Historical Endowment for the AMVETS
facility. (2006)
• Development of an art walk – to be implemented in the spring of
2006 – to highlight exhibit spaces and art galleries located near the
intersection of Washington and La Cienega Boulevards. (2005)
• Created and implemented first annual ARTWALK Culver City
with 30 professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City
participating. Estimated attendance of 1,500. (2006)
Grants and Artist
Services
More opportunities
for local artists of all
disciplines.
Related Goals: 4, 5
• Expand the artistic scope of City-sponsored
festivals and community events.
• Broaden exhibition opportunities for visual
artists and groups to show their work as a part of
festivals and community events.
• Ongoing.
• Art Revolution provides opportunities for local artists to showcase
and sell work. (2003-04)
• Implementation of Art in the Plaza events in Town Plaza in July,
August and September 2005. (2005)
• Local artists also featured in Music in the Council Chambers,
Festival and
Events and
Grants and Artist
Services. 28
More opportunities
for local artists of all
disciplines.
Related Goals: 4, 5
Summer Music Festival and Fiesta La Ballona. (2003-04; 2005;
2006)
• Developing a stronger relationship with Culver City resident theatre
companies and providing better communication and assistance with
marketing, fundraising, and facility code and maintenance
requirements. (2005)
• Continued to assist Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas
Theatre and development of a program, as per lease agreement, to
offer dates at the Kirk Douglas Theatre for Culver City-based
cultural and community organizations. (2006)
• Continued to search for new permanent performing arts spaces for
use by the recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as
for use by theatre companies choosing to serve the Culver City
community; submitted grant application in January 2006 to the
California Cultural and Historical Endowment for the AMVETS
facility. (2006)
Affordable,
professional spaces
for artists of all
disciplines.
Related Goals: 4, 5
• Through public/private partnership planning and
initiatives, identify affordable spaces for
galleries/exhibitions, rehearsals and flexible
performance spaces.
• Consider ways to maintain space affordability.
• Identifying new permanent performing arts spaces for use by the
recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as for use by
theatre companies choosing to relocate to Culver City. (2005; 2006)
• Assisting galleries seeking space in Culver City and collaborating
with Redevelopment Agency Economic Development Division.
(2005; 2006)
Grants and Artist
Services,
Facilities and
Redevelopment
Agency
Expansion of funding
for the grants
program.
Related Goals: 5
• Evaluate and launch appropriate mechanisms to
expand the grants program funding, including
but not limited to, dedicated funding
mechanisms, private sector contributions (i.e., a
501(c) 3 organization) or large grants that may
be regranted.
• Host fundraising events such as silent auction,
wine tasting, gala, World Fest and teen concerts
and film festival.
• City-wide sponsorship package developed to include performing
arts grant program. (2003-04; 2005; 2006)
• Sony Pictures Entertainment sponsorship secured in 2004, 2005 and
2006; $15,000 allocated each year to Performing Arts Grant
Program. (2005; 2006)
• Completed draft Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for 501(c)(3)
for Cultural Affairs. (2005)
• Completed approved Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for the
Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation and appointed Board.
(2006)
Fundraising,
Festivals and
Events, and
Grants and Artist
Services
Annual review of
Public Art and
Historic Preservation
Ordinances,
Commission policies
and the Community
Cultural Plan.
• Developed new policy to slate annual meeting in January each year
for public input. (2003-04)
• Policies and Community Cultural Plan accomplishments updated
annually. (2005; 2006)
• Updates to Public Art Ordinance researched summer of 2006; to be
reviewed by CAC in early 2007. (2006)
Commission,
Director and Staff 29
Related Goals: 6
Funding from private
and public sources to
implement the
elements of the
Community Cultural
Plan.
Related Goals: All
• Develop grant proposals and seek sponsorships.
• Establish mechanisms for residents to provide
contributions, bequests and deferred giving to
cultural programs.
• $11,000 for the Summer Sunset Music Festival. (2003-04)
• Sponsorship money secured for 2005 SSMF. (2005; 2006)
• Organizational Internship grants of $8,000 awarded for two
summer interns. (2003-04; 2005; 2006)
• Explore other resources to include grant workshops for
Commissioners. (2003-04)
• Buy a Name Brick program is still active. (2003-04)
• Completed approved Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for the
Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation and appointed Board.
(2006)
• Submitted grant application in January 2006 to the California
Cultural and Historical Endowment for the AMVETS facility.
(2006)
Fundraising
Annual Report to
City Council for
review.
Related Goals: All
• Establish annual review and benchmark process
and format.
• December 2004
• Community Cultural Plan reviewed by City Council with updated
accomplishments in January 2005 and February 2006.
Cultural Affairs
Commission,
Director and Staff
Communication
mechanisms and
regular joint meetings
to link the Cultural
Affairs Commission
with others within the
community doing arts
and cultural
programming,
including Parks and
Seniors programs and
Planning.
Related Goals: All
• Plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate programs
including public art, grants to arts organizations,
arts in education, public programming in the arts
and exhibits.
• Develop CAC policies, rules and procedures for
effective operations.
• Facilitate coordination and joint planning for
cultural development ventures with other public
agencies and the private sector.
• Provide information and technical assistance to
arts and cultural organizations and artists in
Culver City.
• Fundraise for arts and cultural development
initiatives and programs undertaken by City.
• Conduct marketing efforts to broaden public
participation in Culver City arts and cultural
activities and programs.
• Policy Workshop on July 29, 2003
• Established dialogue with President’s Committee on the Arts and
the Humanities. (2003-04)
• Provided workshop for Performing Arts Grant Applications in
October 2003. (2033-04)
• In progress. (2003-04)
• Marketing efforts to date include flyers, posters, postcards, e-mail
blasts and website posting. Participation has increased on all
programs. (2003-04)
• Developing a stronger relationship with Culver City resident theatre
companies and providing better communication and assistance with
marketing, fundraising, and facility code and maintenance
requirements. (2005; 2006)
• Development of an art walk – to be implemented in the spring of
2006 – to highlight exhibit spaces and art galleries located near the
intersection of Washington and La Cienega Boulevards. (2005)
• Created and implemented first annual ARTWALK Culver City
with 30 professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City
participating. Estimated attendance of 1,500. (2006)
Commission,
Director and Staff
A master fundraising
plan that will provide
• With input from each subcommittee, the
Commission should explore the creation of a
• In progress.
• Research on models completed. Workshop held to discuss models
All
Subcommittees 30
direction to the
Commission and its
staff. The
fundraising plan will
generate income for
each of the six goals
the Council has
approved.
Related Goals: All
new 501(c) (3) organization and will present
information to the City Council for
consideration.
• Create a dialogue with public (City, County,
State and Federal) and private funders to update
them on the work of the Commission and
provide materials on project progress and
upcoming programs.
• Prepare, track and evaluate applications for
CAC funding.
• Compile a list of funders who accept
applications for funding without requiring
501(c)(3) status.
• Collaborate to create a list of funding priorities
that will provide direction to the Commission
and its staff.
on November 18, 2004. (2003-04)
• Master Funding Plan Document completed and adopted by the
Commission in March 2004. (2003-04)
• Completed draft Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for 501(c)(3)
for Cultural Affairs. (2005)
• Completed approved Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for the
Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation and appointed Board.
(2006)
Leadership
committee to
implement the
Community Cultural
Plan.
Related Goals: All
• Establish Cultural Affairs Advisory Committees
(ad hoc) as needed. (e.g. Architecture Advisory
Committee).
• Develop panels to broaden community input into
the public art, grants, arts in education and other
initiatives of the Commission, and criteria for
how the panels and Commission work together.
• In progress.
• Review panel incorporated into Performing Arts Grant program in
2004 and 2005; use of advisory and review panels incorporated into
policies and approved by City Council in January 2005. (2005)
• Implementation of first architecture review panel for Architecture
as Art concepts at 8601 Washington Boulevard and 3505 Hayden
Avenue. (2005)
• Professional peer review panels used in all major City
commissioned public art projects, the Performing Arts Grant
Program and Architecture as Art projects. (2006)
All
subcommittees
and Staff
31
ACTION PLAN
Long Term Outcomes
Outcomes Tasks Accomplishments to Date Sub-Committee(s)
A “Wall of Honor” in City
Hall.
Related Goals: 1, 2
• Utilize resources for photos of elected
officials and Chief Administrative Officers
over time.
• Identify public and private spaces that will
allow displays.
Historic Preservation
and Facilities
Annual film festival for
Culver City as a major and
growing event that focuses
regional attention on its
studio/film history.
Related Goals: 1, 2
• Identify unique niche that will distinguish
the Culver City festival from others
regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Explore local theatres and other unique
venues. (i.e. outdoors)
• Worked with Pan African Film Festival to bring their opening
night event to Culver City. (2003-04; 2005)
• Worked with ION Film Festival for Animation Festival in Fall
2004. (2003-04)
Fundraising and Fairs
and Festivals
Sculpture walk/garden that
would display significant
historic figures of Culver
City.
Related Goals: 2
• Determine general location.
• Research figures for bronzes.
• Research placement of bronzes.
• In progress.
• Finalists selected for Harry Culver sculpture; design concepts
under consideration. (2003-04)
• Fabrication of the Harry Culver sculpture for Town Plaza.
(2005; 2006)
• Areas for artwork have been designated.
Public Art, Facilities,
Historic Preservation,
Fundraising
A multi-use performing
arts center.
Related Goals: 2, 3
• Develop a capital campaign.
• Research potential design and location.
• Identifying new permanent performing arts spaces for use by
the recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as for
use by theatre companies choosing to relocate to Culver City.
(2005; 2006)
• Submitted grant application in January 2006 to the California
Cultural and Historical Endowment for the AMVETS facility.
(2006)
Fundraising and
Facilities
A Culver City history and
film museum.
Related Goals: 2, 3
• Establish a public/private task force to
evaluate all options and initiatives now
underway.
• Seek funding for and conduct feasibility
analysis for the best and most appropriate
option for a significant and unique
museum destination within Culver City.
• Sony Pictures Entertainment Virtual Museum launched
October 2003
Fundraising, Historic
Preservation and
Facilities
A greater density of arts • Develop a program and evaluate options • Collaborating with Redevelopment Agency Economic Grants and Artist 32
spaces within Culver City.
Related Goals: 3
such as low-interest loans, grants and
incentives to private-sector developers and
landlords, to establish a greater density of
artist studios, small performance venues
and rehearsal spaces in key locations
throughout Culver City.
• Identify ways in which Culver City can
assist arts organizations and artists to
secure work space within the City.
Development Division to identify spaces for arts organizations
wishing to relocate to Culver City. (2005; 2006)
• Developing a stronger relationship with Culver City resident
theatre companies and providing better communication and
assistance with marketing, fundraising, and facility code and
maintenance requirements. (2005: 2006)
• Participated on Washington / National Specific Plan
development. (2006)
Services, Facilities and
Redevelopment
Agency
Grant opportunities for
individual and visual
artists.
Related Goals: 4, 5
Grants and Artist
Services and
Fundraising
Grant opportunities for
organizational support.
Related Goals: 4, 5
Grants and Artist
Services and
Fundraising
33
CULVER CITY FACT SHEET
First known inhabitants: Gabrielino Indians
Characteristics: Peace loving, monotheistic, highly developed language, had a system of
money, named for their nearness to the San Gabriel Mission
Early Settlers: Agustin Machado, early 1800s, founded Rancho La Ballona with his
brother Ygnacio Machado and Felipe and Tomas Talamantes.
Other early families: Higuera, Ybarra, Lugo, Rocha, and Saenz
Culver City’s Founder: Harry H. Culver (announced his plans in Los Angeles in 1913)
Year of Incorporation: 1917
Charter City: 1947
City’s area in 1917: 1.2 square miles
City’s area in 2003: 5.0 square miles, approx. (due to 40 annexations)
Culver City Flower: Lantana
Current Population: 38,816 (2000 census)
Wording on City Seal: City of Culver City, The Heart of Screenland, Incorporated 1917
City Hall 9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Early elected officials: Trustees
Elected City Officials: 5 member City Council (elections in April, even-numbered years)
City Clerk, City Treasurer:
City Departments: Administration, City Attorney, City Treasurer, Community Development,
Fire, Information Technology, Parks, Recreation and Community
Services, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Transportation
LA County Board
of Supervisors: 2nd Supervisorial District
Assembly District: 47th
Senate District: 26
th
U. S. Congressional
District: 32nd
Culver City Unified
School District: A unified (K-12) district since 1949. Culver City has 5 operating public
elementary schools, a middle school, Culver City High School, Culver
Park High School (alternative high school), Adult School, and a
Children’s Center.
Elected Officials: 5 member Board of Education (elections in November, odd-numbered
years)
Courts: Culver City is a part of the Culver Judicial District
Website: www.culvercity.org
Community Library: Culver City Julian Dixon Public Library
Community Facilities: Senior Center, Teen Center Veteran’s Memorial Complex
Performance Facilities: Ivy Substation, Robert Frost Auditorium, Veteran’s Memorial Complex
Community Parks: Blair Hills Park, Blanco Park, Dr. Paul Carlson Park, Culver City Park,
Culver West Park, Media Park, El Marino Park, Fox Hills Park Green, La
Ballona Playground, Lindberg Park, Linwood Howe Playground, Paddle
Tennis Park, Syd Kronenthal Park, Tellefson Park, Veteran’s Park
Community Colleges: West Los Angeles College, Santa Monica College
34
TELEPHONE SURVEY
SURVEY STATISTICS
Number Completed: 500
Date of Distribution: September 8-14, 2002
Method of Distribution: Telephone Survey
Telephone survey respondents were proportionately selected from the entire City of
Culver City based on block group population density. Using a random-digit, USPS
Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certified, computer-generated list of phone
numbers, the team of trained interviewers from Performance Centers Incorporated
conducted all interviews. A total of 500 surveys were completed between September 8
and September 14, 2002.
A total of 15,958 calls were made to reach a completed sample of 500 with the following
results:
Table 1. Calling Results
Results
(Actual Survey Length: 8 Minutes)
Count
Disconnected 583
Called Next Day 321
Language Barrier 198
Hang-Up 297
Time Call Back 371
Busy Signal 726
Refused 1,060
Not Qualified – Not a Culver City Resident 0
No Answer 11,781
Wrong Number 137
Total Calls Made 15,958
Completed Surveys 500
35
Figure 1.a Final Dialing Results
0K 2K 4K 6K 8K 10K 12K
726
321
500
583
198
297
11,781
1,060
371
137
Busy
Call Next Day
Complete
Disconnect
DQ - Language
Hang-Up
No Answer
Refusal
Time Callback
Wrong Number
Total Dials
Figure 1.b. Survey Respondent Distribution
36
ATTENDANCE
Table 2. In the past year, about how many times have you attended the following?
n=500
None
1-3
4-8
9 or
more
Do not
know/No
response
A K-12 school arts or cultural event in Culver City? 75.0% 15.6% 5.8% 3.4% 0.2%
A City-sponsored free arts and cultural concert or
program in Culver City?
65.4% 25.2% 5.6% 3.2% 0.6%
Any other type of performance, exhibition or cultural
program in Culver City?
71.0% 22.0% 3.2% 2.2% 1.6%
A community festival in Culver City? 56.2% 38.4% 3.8% 0.8% 0.8%
A program or event related to a specific culture or ethnic
celebration, in Culver City?
74.4% 20.8% 2.0% 1.2% 1.6%
Table 2a. Summary of attendance
n=500 Percent
Zero attendances
36.2%
Attended one or more times
63.8%
Figure 2. Summary of attendance
36.2%
63.8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Zero attendances Attended one or more times
37
Table 3. Would you attend more arts and cultural events if…
n=500 YES NO
Do not
know/No
response
They were more publicized? 79.6% 16.8% 3.6%
There were more events taking place in Culver City? 74.6% 19.4% 6.0%
Were more diverse in ethnic or cultural celebration? 44.4% 49.8% 5.8%
Were publicized in a different language or languages? 15.4% 81.8% 2.8%
Figure 3. Would you attend more arts and cultural events if…
15.4%
44.4%
74.6%
79.6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Were publicized in a different
language or languages?
Were more diverse in ethnic
or cultural celebration?
There were more events
taking place in Culver City?
They were more publicized?
Yes
PE
38
PERCEPTIONS OF CULVER CITY’S ARTS AND CULTURE
Table 4. How much do you agree or disagree with…?|1010|
Percent
n
Agree Disagree
Average
Rating
Arts education and programming is important for Culver City’s
school-age children.
494 92.1% 7.9% 3.57
It is important that the city offer arts and cultural activities for
Culver City’s youth and seniors.
493 91.7% 8.3% 3.53
Historic preservation of buildings and neighborhoods is
important to the future of Culver City.
492 87.6% 12.4% 3.39
Arts and cultural offerings are important to Culver City’s future
growth and development.
486 87.7% 12.3% 3.38
It is important to preserve Culver City’s diverse cultural
traditions.
489 83.8% 16.2% 3.30
Arts and cultural entertainment are important to my family and
me.
496 84.1% 15.9% 3.29
Culver City’s studio history should be made more visible. 478 79.3% 20.7% 3.18
Culver City’s public art contributes to the community in
important ways.
459 79.5% 20.5% 3.16
Culver City needs a cultural center for residents and visitors to
enjoy year round arts and cultural participation and learning.
479 70.6% 29.4% 2.98
The quality of Culver City’s festivals, arts and cultural offerings
is high.
387 61.2% 38.8% 2.70
Local arts events, festivals and performances are highly
visible.
481 44.5% 55.5% 2.44
Events taking place in Culver City satisfy all my needs for arts
and culture.
462 30.1% 69.9% 2.08
|1010| Respondents were asked to tell us on a scale of 1 to 4, where 1 means STRONGLY AGREE and 4 means STRONGLY DISAGREE
how much they agree or disagree with the following statements in regards to arts and culture in Culver City. 39
Table 5. How likely would you be to support…?|1010|
n=500 1 2 3 4 5
Average
rating
The renovation of Veterans Memorial into an
updated cultural center?
8.6% 6.6% 29.6% 24.0% 31.2% 3.63
The development of a museum related to Culver
City’s film studio history?
10.6% 8.2% 24.4% 24.6% 32.2% 3.60
ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
Table 6. Visits to art and cultural events and attractions, festivals and
performances.
n=500 YES NO
Do not
know/No
respons
e
When friends or family from out of town visit, do you
take them to arts and cultural events, attractions or
performances in Culver City?
27.8% 70.6% 1.6%
How about to arts and cultural attractions, festivals or
performances elsewhere in Los Angeles?
70.6% 28.2% 1.2%
Table 6a. Where?|1010|
n=338 Frequency Percent
Museums 48 14.2%
The Getty Museum 45 13.3%
Hollywood Bowl 39 11.5%
LA County Museum of Art 32 9.5%
Santa Monica 25 7.4%
Music Center 25 7.4%
Downtown museums 21 6.2%
Theatres 18 5.3%
Disneyland 15 4.4%
Downtown 14 4.1%
Universal Studio 13 3.8%
MOCA 11 3.3%
Venice Beach 11 3.3%
Chinatown 10 3.0%
Concerts 8 2.4%
Beverly Hills 7 2.1%
Galleries 7 2.1%
Tar Pits 7 2.1%
|1010| Respondents were asked to tell on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means not at all and 5 means very strongly support, how likely they
would be to support the following in Culver City. |1010| The answers to this open end question were coded as the multiple answers, therefore the numbers do not add up to 100%. 40
Beach 5 1.5%
Dorothy Chandler 5 1.5%
Downtown Los Angeles 5 1.5%
Huntington Gardens 5 1.5%
Natural History Museum 5 1.5%
The Marina 5 1.5%
Westwood In UCLA 5 1.5%
All over/Everywhere 4 1.2%
Aquarium 4 1.2%
Farmers Market 4 1.2%
Malibu 4 1.2%
Pasadena 4 1.2%
The Museum Of Modern Art 4 1.2%
Amusement Park 3 0.9%
Art Walk 3 0.9%
Festival And Concerts 3 0.9%
Little Tokyo 3 0.9%
Long Beach 3 0.9%
Manhattan Beach 3 0.9%
Not sure 3 0.9%
Playhouse 3 0.9%
Presidential Library 3 0.9%
The African Marketplace 3 0.9%
Parks 3 0.9%
West LA 3 0.9%
Tourist attractions 3 0.9%
Ahmanson Theater 3 0.9%
Anything that is going on 2 0.6%
Century City 2 0.6%
Laguna Beach Art Center 2 0.6%
Street Craft Fairs 2 0.6%
UCLA 2 0.6%
32nd St 1 0.3%
California National Black America Museum 1 0.3%
California Plaza 1 0.3%
Cinco De Mayo 1 0.3%
Civic Auditorium 1 0.3%
Dodger Stadium 1 0.3%
Griffith Park 1 0.3%
Hermosa Beach Theatre 1 0.3%
Los Angeles Museum Of Science 1 0.3%
Magic Mountain Sea World 1 0.3%
Marina Del Ray 1 0.3%
Museum in Beverly Hills 1 0.3%
Near Colloseum 1 0.3%
Ojai 1 0.3%
Oliver Street 1 0.3%
Orange County 1 0.3%
Pacific Heights Museum 1 0.3%
Palace 1 0.3%
Palm Springs 1 0.3%
Royce Hall 1 0.3%
Shakespeare Festival 1 0.3% 41
San Simeon 1 0.3%
Santa Barbara 1 0.3%
Science Center 1 0.3%
South Bay Theater 1 0.3%
The Observatory 1 0.3%
The Page Museum 1 0.3%
The Schubert Theatre 1 0.3%
The Watchtower 1 0.3%
The Children’s Museum in LA 1 0.3%
Zoos 1 0.3%
AWARENESS OF CULVER CITY CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Table 7. About Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission.
n=500 YES NO
Do not
know/No
response
Do you know that Culver City has a Cultural Affairs
Commission?
31.4% 67.4% 1.2%
Do you think Culver City’s newly formed Cultural Affairs
Commission should promote the increase in arts and
cultural offerings in Culver City?
89.2% 5.8% 5.0%
Do you think it should promote an increase in
educational recreational arts and cultural classes?
87.0% 7.0% 6.0%
COMMONLY USED INFORMATION RESOURCES
Table 8. How do you primarily find out about Culver City arts performances and
events?
n=500
Percent
Newspaper 45.6%
Other 19.2%
Flyers 12.0%
Signs 10.6%
Friends/Family 9.2%
Television 1.4%
Civic clubs 1.2%
Radio 0.8%
42
Table 8a. Other
n=96 Percent
Ads 1.0%
All of them 1.0%
Banners 7.3%
Calendar of events 2.1%
Calendar of events posted at Boulevard Music 1.0%
Catalogues 1.0%
City bulletin/brochure 2.1%
City news flyers that come in the newspapers 1.0%
Condo association 1.0%
Culver City's Web site 3.1%
Direct mail 11.5%
Don't make it our business to go to many in Culver City 1.0%
Don't usually find out about it 18.8%
Driving down the street 2.1%
E-mail messages 1.0%
Flyers and Culver City Living magazine 1.0%
From my job 1.0%
Library 1.0%
Newspaper, friends, school email, banners 1.0%
Not sure 22.9%
Pamphlet 1.0%
Participate in the community planning, sometimes I have booth 1.0%
Recreation leisure booklet 2.1%
Senior citizens newsletter 3.1%
Surveys 1.0%
The Culver City magazine 3.1%
The local Culver City newspaper and the local library 1.0%
Usually find out about things too late 1.0%
West Culver Magazine and The Senior center tells all the activities 1.0%
Wife is a member of Chamber of Commerce 1.0%
Word of mouth 2.1%
43
AWARENESS OF CULVER CITY’S CULTURAL EVENTS
Table 9. Please name any Culver City festivals, arts and cultural organizations
you have heard of.|1010|
n=500 Frequency
Fiesta La Ballona 92
City Hall Concerts 19
Theatre in the Park. 9
Historical Society 7
Summer Festival 7
Music in the Park 5
Culver City Symphony 4
Veterans Park Festival 4
Ballona Creek 3
Cinco De Mayo 3
DEMOGRAPHICS
Table 10. Ethnicity
n=500
Percent
African American 6.0%
Asian 5.6%
White 72.8%
American Indian, or Alaskan Native 0.4%
Pacific Islander 1.2%
Another race 9.6%
REFUSED 4.4%
Table 11. Education
n=500 Percent
Less than high school 3.2%
High school diploma or GED 15.8%
Some college or technical school 20.0%
College graduate 37.4%
Post college graduate 23.0%
REFUSED 0.6%
Table 12. Income
|1010| The list is long and diverse. Only top-ten organizations are listed here for the reporting purposes. Almost 50% (249 respondents)
said that they have not heard of any or they could not remember the names. 44
n=500 Percent
Less than $10,000 4.4%
$10,001-$20,000 2.8%
$20,001-$30,000 6.8%
$30,001-$40,000 10.2%
$40,001-$50,000 9.0%
$50,001-$75,000 15.0%
$Over $75,000 21.2%
REFUSED 30.6%
Table 13. Age
n=500 Percent
Under 18 years old 4.0%
18-24 3.2%
25-34 13.0%
35-44 16.2%
45-54 21.4%
55-64 15.2%
65+ 27.0%
Table 14. The number of people in a household
n=490 Percent
One 27.1 %
Two 39.4 %
Three 14.5 %
Four 12.0 %
Five or more 6.9 %
45
Table 15. The number of children under 18 in a household
n=496 Percent
None 73.8 %
One 11.1 %
Two 10.1 %
Three 3.8 %
Four or more 1.2%
Table 16. How many years have you lived in Culver City?
n=496 Percent
1-5 years 27.8%
6-10 years 8.1%
11-20 years 20.0%
More than 20 years 44.2%
Table 16a. Statistics
n=496
Minimum 1.00
Maximum 81.00
Mean 20.73
Median 18.00
Mode 2
a
a) Multiple modes exist. The smallest value is shown.
Table 17. Employment
n=500 Percent
Employed 56.2 %
Not employed 12.6%
Retired 31.2%
46
Table 18. Gender
n=500 Percent
Male 49.2%
Female 50.8%
47
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT:
CULVER CITY RESIDENT INPUT
Table 1. In the past year, about how many times have you attended the following?
n=500
None
1-3
4-8
9 or
more
Do not
know/No
response
A K-12 school arts or cultural event in Culver City? 75.0% 15.6% 5.8% 3.4% 0.2%
A City-sponsored free arts and cultural concert or
program in Culver City?
65.4% 25.2% 5.6% 3.2% 0.6%
Any other type of performance, exhibition or cultural
program in Culver City?
71.0% 22.0% 3.2% 2.2% 1.6%
A community festival in Culver City? 56.2% 38.4% 3.8% 0.8% 0.8%
A program or event related to a specific culture or ethnic
celebration, in Culver City?
74.4% 20.8% 2.0% 1.2% 1.6%
Table 1a. Summary of attendance
n=500 Percent
Zero attendances
36.2%
Attended one or more times
63.8%
48
Table 2. How much do you agree or disagree with…?|1010|
Percent
n
Agree Disagree
Average
Rating
Arts education and programming is important for Culver City’s
school-age children.
494 92.1% 7.9% 3.57
It is important that the city offer arts and cultural activities for
Culver City’s youth and seniors.
493 91.7% 8.3% 3.53
Historic preservation of buildings and neighborhoods is
important to the future of Culver City.
492 87.6% 12.4% 3.39
Arts and cultural offerings are important to Culver City’s future
growth and development.
486 87.7% 12.3% 3.38
It is important to preserve Culver City’s diverse cultural
traditions.
489 83.8% 16.2% 3.30
Arts and cultural entertainment are important to my family and
me.
496 84.1% 15.9% 3.29
Culver City’s studio history should be made more visible. 478 79.3% 20.7% 3.18
Culver City’s public art contributes to the community in
important ways.
459 79.5% 20.5% 3.16
Culver City needs a cultural center for residents and visitors to
enjoy year round arts and cultural participation and learning.
479 70.6% 29.4% 2.98
The quality of Culver City’s festivals, arts and cultural offerings
is high.
387 61.2% 38.8% 2.70
Local arts events, festivals and performances are highly
visible.
481 44.5% 55.5% 2.44
Events taking place in Culver City satisfy all my needs for arts
and culture.
462 30.1% 69.9% 2.08
|1010| Respondents were asked to tell us on a scale of 1 to 4, where 1 means STRONGLY AGREE and 4 means STRONGLY DISAGREE
how much they agree or disagree with the following statements in regards to arts and culture in Culver City. 49
Table 3. How likely would you be to support…?|1010|
n=500 1 2 3 4 5
Average
Rating
The renovation of Veterans Memorial into an
updated cultural center?
8.6% 6.6% 29.6% 24.0% 31.2% 3.63
The development of a museum related to Culver
City’s film studio history?
10.6% 8.2% 24.4% 24.6% 32.2% 3.60
In addition, the data on the following pages demonstrates the high levels of civic
engagement and cultural activity among Culver City residents, as compared to the
overall profile of residents of Los Angeles County.
DEMOGRAPHIC COMPARISON CHARTS AND MAPS
Table 4. Population and Income
Demographic Los Angeles County Culver City
Total Population
(households)
3,145,587 16,670
Median Household
Income
$52,661 $60,157
Income under $25,000 33.0 % 18.9 %
$25,000-$49,999 25.5 % 23.0 %
$50,000-$74,999 17.6 % 20.9 %
$75,000-$99,999 10.7 % 12.9 %
Over $100,000 18.9% 24.5 %
|1010| Respondents were asked to tell on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means not at all and 5 means very strongly support, how likely they
would be to support the following in Culver City. 50
Culver City Consumer Demographics: Median Family Income 51
Table 5. Race
Race (In households) Los Angeles County Culver City
White 60.1 % 69.1 %
Black 11.1 % 13.6 %
American Indian 0.7 % 0.6 %
Asian/Pacific Islander 11.6 % 10.2 %
Hispanic 32.3 % 16.3 %
Other Race 0.2 % 0.2 %
Multi-Racial 16.3 % 6.4 %
Table 6. Age by Household
Age (In Households) Los Angeles County Culver City
Less than 25 years old 4.7 % 2.6 %
25-34 years old 20.6 % 16.0 %
35-44 years old 24.9 % 24.5 %
45-54 years old 20.2 % 22.8 %
55-64 years old 12.5 % 14.0 %
65-74 years old 9.0 % 10.3 %
75-84 years old 6.3 % 7.9 %
85+ years old 1.8 % 1.9 %
Table 7. Education
Educational Attainment Los Angeles County Culver City
No High School Diploma 28.0 % 16.3 %
High School Graduate 19.1 % 17.6 %
College, No Degree 19.6 % 20.3 %
Associate Degree 6.9 % 7.2 %
College Degree 16.8 % 22.1 %
Graduate/Professional
Degree
9.6 % 16.4 %
52
Culver City Demographics: Percent of Population With College Degree (Age 25+)
53
Table 8. Arts Indexes
Arts Indexes (PPI’s|1010|)
Los Angeles
County
Culver City
Attends dance performances 115 138
Attends music performances 95 114
Went to live theatre 110 130
Went to museum 124 147
Attends movie, theatre, opera
and ballet
119 136
|1010| Purchase Potential Index (PPI). Source: CACI consumer market data. PPI, is calculated by
combining two sources of data: 1) a consumer classification system (A Classification of
Residential Neighborhoods — ACORN) and 2) the Survey of American Consumers (SAC).
ACORN consumer behavior clustering enables researchers to identify households by their
combined demographic, lifestyle, consumer, media and household location/type attributes.
ACORN, A Classification of Residential Neighborhoods, is developed by ESRI Marketing
Systems. It combines U.S. Census demographics with thousands of data items about consumer
and lifestyle patterns collected from national data sources such as the Simmons Survey of the
American Household and other actual product consumption data. The system defines discrete
lifestyle “clusters” to help marketers group households with similar characteristics, so they can
best respond to and predict the market. The Survey of American Consumers is conducted twice
a year by Mediamark Research, Inc. (MRI). MRI is a syndicated survey research firm
specializing in media and marketing information. MRI surveys the U.S. adult population 18
years and over with a total of 25,000 respondents. The respondent completes a detailed
questionnaire by checking off purchases of various products and services, the number of times
purchased, the time frame in which the product or service was acquired, etc. In addition, the
respondent completes a face-to-face interview with MRI about exposure to newspapers,
magazines, radio and television. Surveys are conducted with distinct ACORN types.
54
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Attends Live Theater
55
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Attends Museums
56
Table 9. Leisure Indexes
Leisure Indexes
Los Angeles
County
Culver City
Paid Sporting Event Admissions 113 127
Contributes to Charity 118 129
Contributes to Educational
Organizations
126 138
Contributes to Political
Organizations
136 150
Attends Auto Shows 88 106
Attends Zoo 92 101
Visits Theme Parks 120 127
Gambles at Casinos 121 120
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Contributes to Charity
57
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Paid to Attend Sports Events
58
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Attends Zoos 59
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Contributes to Charity (Total $)
60
Tables 10-11. Television Indexes
Top 5 Television Indexes Los Angeles County
Soccer 163
Bravo 141
The Box 125
Alpine Ski Jumping 124
Pay-Per-View Sports 113
Top 5 Television Indexes Culver City
Bravo 177
Soccer 153
VH-1 127
The Box 126
MTV 115
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Watches Soccer
61
Tables 12-13. Radio Indexes
Top 5 Radio Indexes Los Angeles County
Spanish 317
All News 184
New Adult Contemporary 158
Black 143
Classical 139
Top 5 Radio Indexes Culver City
All News 245
Classical 209
Spanish 165
Jazz 154
Modern Rock 139
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Listens to All News Radio
62
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Listens to Classical Radio
63
Table 14. Newspaper Indexes
Newspaper Indexes
Los Angeles
County
Culver City
Reads Daily Newspaper 92 106
Reads 2+ Daily Newspapers 99 124
Reads Sunday Newspaper 89 101
Reads 2+ Sunday Newspapers 106 125
Reads Movie & Review Section 99 111
Heavy Newspaper Reader 94 117
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Reads Daily Newspaper
64
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Read 2+ Daily Newspapers 65
Tables 15-16. Magazine Indexes
Top 5 Magazine Indexes Los Angeles County
Women’s Fashion 147
Epicurean 122
Bridal 119
Airline 114
News-Weekly 114
Top 5 Magazine Indexes Culver City
Airline 144
Travel 144
Epicurean 142
Business/Financial 128
Computer 127
Culver City Consumer Behavior Index: Read Airline Magazines
66
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Results based on surveys responses from existing Culver City Arts Organizations.
Table 1. What, if any types of technical assistance services would be most
valuable?
Frequency
n=7
Percent
Audience Development/Marketing 4 57.1%
Space to Rent 1 14.3%
Grant Workshops/Fundraising 1 14.3%
Building Relationships with Schools/AiE Partnerships 1 14.3%
Table 2. Please rate the level of importance of the following items to your
organization:
Type of space
n
Average
rating
A
Building a strong arts and cultural image for Culver City. 11 8.2
B
Raising public awareness about arts and cultural activities. 11 8.9
C
Creating art/cultural space. 10 8.9
D
Technical assistance available to my organization. 11 4.6
E Increasing attendance/purchases and related earned income for arts
and cultural groups and artists.
11 7.1
F
Increasing contributed income for arts and culture. 10 8.0
G
Increasing the variety of arts and cultural offerings in Culver City. 9 8.9
H Strengthening the capacity of our arts and cultural organizations to
provide quality programming.
10 8.5
I Using arts and culture to develop one or more Culver City “cultural
districts.”
10 5.7
J
Using arts and culture to help at-risk youth. 10 6.0
K
Using arts and culture to strengthen K-12 education. 10 6.4
L Using the arts and culture as a tool for downtown economic
development.
10 5.2
M
Using the arts and culture to attract more visitors to Culver City. 9 6.1
N
Building stronger partnership among regional arts and cultural groups. 9 6.2 67
Table 3. Please enter the following information as completely as possible
regarding the number of events and people served through your organization.
Please use “other” categories as necessary to describe.|1010|
Frequency
n=7
Average
audience
A
Total paid admissions 5 800
B
Total free admissions 7 1314
C K-12 students in residencies 2 175
D
K-12 students at your facility 1 50
E K-12 students at school performances/exhibits 4 645
F
K-12 students in after-school programs 1 50
G Teacher professional development - -
Table 4. Please rate the following statements about the Cultural Affairs
Commission as a Municipal agency on a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the
highest and 1 being the lowest.
About Cultural Affairs Commission
n
Average
rating
A
My level of familiarity. 10 5.4
B
My level of satisfaction with communications. 10 4.9
C
My level of satisfaction with programs and services. 10 4.5
|1010| The audience numbers vary per organizations. They range from 30 for K-12 at students school performances to 5,000 for the free
admissions.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council and the Cultural Affairs Commission (“CAC”) review the
updates to the adopted Community Cultural Plan, the list of accomplishments for
calendar year 2007, and the updates to the Cultural Affairs work program for Fiscal
Year 2007 – 08.
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION:
In November 2003, the City Council adopted a Community Cultural Plan (“Plan”) for
Culver City that included six goals and a list of short- (achievable within a five-year
time period) and long-term (achievable within a ten year time period) outcomes.
Each outcome corresponds with one or more of the six goals. Since adoption of the
Plan in 2003, the staff and the CAC review the list of outcomes and update the list of
corresponding accomplishments for the prior year. These updates are then
presented to the City Council for review.
A copy of the Community Cultural Plan is attached and is also available via the
City’s website at www.culvercity.org. Below are the six goals as included in the
adopted plan, a list of accomplishments for calendar year 2007, and a brief overview
of staff’s work program priorities for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007 - 08.
Meeting Date: November 19, 2007 Item Number: J-1
AGENDA ITEM: A joint meeting of the City Council and the Cultural Affairs
Commission to review the Culver City Cultural Plan and the Accomplishments related
thereto, discussion of other topics related to the Cultural Affairs Commission, and
potential referral of items to the Cultural Affairs Commission and/or the City Council.
Contact Person/Dept.: Christine Byers &
Susan Obrow / Cultural Affairs
Phone Number: (310) 253-5776 /
(310) 253-5762
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Cultural Affairs Master Notification List (11/15/2007); City Council
Master Notification List (11/16/2007)
Department Approval:
Sol Blumenfeld (11/14/07)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Iker) (11/15/07)
Fiscal Impact Approval:
Marlee Chang (by N. Kimball)(11/16/07)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (11/15/07) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
Adopted Goals as Included in the Community Cultural Plan:
1. NURTURE AND PROMOTE CULVER CITY’S RESOURCES FOR LIFELONG
LEARNING IN AND THROUGH ARTS AND CULTURE.
2. STRENGTHEN CULVER CITY’S ARTS AND CREATIVITY IMAGE,
CAPITALIZING ON AND STRENGTHENING ITS LEGACY OF FILM
HISTORY, CULTURAL HISTORY, PUBLIC ART AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION.
3. FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIVERSE ARTS AND CULTURAL
FACILITIES.
4. DEVELOP A NETWORK OF CULTURAL RESOURCES THROUGHOUT
CULVER CITY.
5. SUPPORT CULVER CITY’S ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS AND
ARTISTS.
6. ESTABLISH THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUNDING TO SUPPORT
ONGOING CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CULVER CITY.
For calendar year 2007, accomplishments include (in approximate
chronological order):
Implemented the 2007 Performing Arts Grant Program; working closely with
grant recipients by offering marketing advice and creating first pocket calendar
promoting performances by grant recipients. Thirteen performing arts
organizations served the Culver City community with presentations of music,
theatre and dance:
2007 RECIPIENTS
About Productions Theatre
Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Multi-Discipline
Benita Bike DanceArt Dance
contra-tiempo Dance
Culver City Chamber Orchestra Music
Culver City Public Theatre Theatre
Culver City Symphony Orchestra Music City of Culver City, California
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Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
The Definiens Project Music
Keith Glassman Dance/Performance Dance
Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Music
Three Chairs Theatre Company Theatre
Vox Femina Music
We Tell Stories Theatre
Completed the 6
th
Music in the Chambers classical music series in winter 2007,
which garnered the attention of KUSC Classical Radio;
2007 PERFORMERS
Suzanna Guzman, opera singer – Los Angeles Opera
Hubert Laws, Grammy Award-nominated jazz flutist
Ben Hong, assistant principal cellist – Los Angeles Philharmonic;
Continued implementation of City’s public art program including a project for the
City’s west end entitled, HERE NOW THERE THEN. The first phase of a two
phase public art project was unveiled in March 2007 along Washington Blvd.,
west of Sepulveda Blvd. Comprised of 90+ individually unique banners, themes
included Culver City history, Native American culture, poetry, California ranchero
culture, and nature. Images of each of the banners and more about the project
can be accessed from the public art home page on the City’s web site.
Presented All Strings Considered in April 2007, an interactive children’s music
event featuring The String Family Players headed by David Young who is the
principal bassist for the Los Angeles Opera. The event was presented at The
Help Group on the west end of Washington Boulevard and featured in the
Calendar section of the Los Angeles Times.
Completed second annual ARTWALK Culver City in June 2007 with 42
professional galleries in and adjacent to Culver City participating. Estimated
attendance of 10,000 due to marketing partnerships with the Los Angeles County
Museum of Art’s MUSE program and KCRW Radio.
Completed banner program for the easterly portion of west Washington
Boulevard (Culver City Art District). Staff’s promotion of the area resulted in
items in the Los Angeles Times, City Beat, Art LTD, Yahoo Travel and Condé
Nast Traveler.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
Continued summer intern program participation (in collaboration with the Getty
Foundation and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission) and continued
partnerships with the USC Theatre and Public Art Studies Programs for interns
during the fall, winter and spring months.
Completed 13
th
Annual Culver City Music Festival in July and August 2007
presenting authentic American and World Music. Approximately 900 people
attended each concert and there were repeated listings in the Los Angeles Times
as well as a marketing sponsorship with KCRW. Gary Mandell of Boulevard
Music was the Music Producer.
Developed and presented Made in Culver City in honor of the City’s 90
th
Anniversary in September 2007. Made in Culver City paid homage to the City’s
unique film history and featured Laurel and Hardy shorts as well as Tom and
Jerry’s The Cat Concerto in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers during the
afternoon and an evening screening of MGM’s An American in Paris in City Hall
Courtyard. The event was presented in association with the UCLA Film &
Television Archive with permission granted by Warner Bros.
Continued to develop a stronger relationship with Culver City resident performing
arts companies and provide better communication and assistance with
marketing, fundraising, and facility code and maintenance requirements;
encouraged organizations to apply for grants and nurtured connections to Culver
City Unified School District (“CCUSD”).
Continued development of the Cultural Affairs Foundation. The Articles of
Incorporation were filed with the California Secretary of State at the end of 2006.
The IRS Form 1023 was completed in 2007 and a designation determination is
pending from the IRS. Cultural Affairs Foundation is intended for government
and private foundation grants for existing Cultural Affairs programs.
At the first meeting of the Foundation Board on July 25, 2007 (a meeting held
jointly with the Cultural Affairs Commission), the bylaws of the Foundation were
adopted by the Foundation Board and the Officers elected.
The current Foundation Board members are:
Jerry Fulwood, City Manager, City of Culver City
Christine Hardin, Interior Designer
Luther L. Henderson, III, Chair, Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission
Sofia Klatzker, Policy and Planning Manager, LA County Arts Commission City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
Rick Noguchi, Program Officer, California Community Foundation
Gayle Smashey, Vice-Chair, Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission
Renae Williams Niles, Director of Dance Presentation, The Music Center
Mercedes Paz, Member, President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities
The current Officers of the Foundation Board are:
Jerry Fulwood, Chief Executive Officer
Mercedes Paz, Chair
Christine Hardin, Vice-Chair
Sofia Klatzker, Secretary
Renae Williams Niles, Treasurer
The Foundation Board will meet with the City Manager’s Office, the City
Treasurer, and the City Attorney’s office on December 13, 2007, to review the
Bylaws in detail and better understand the role of the Foundation and its Board
within the larger context of the City. The next regularly scheduled semi-annual
meeting of the Board will be January 2008.
Continued to assist The Actors’ Gang with searching for a second venue in
Culver City and facilitated premiere of family version of Titus Andronicus titled
Titus and Clownicus in Media Park during summer.
Continued improving outreach for public art. To complement the existing
inventory of public art available via the City’s web site, staff created an interactive
map of the City, highlighting specific regions and identifying the locations of all
public art located in Culver City. Staff will explore the options of adding a sound
component and a downloadable Podcast tour to help reach wider audiences.
The Cultural Affairs Commission considered concepts for a web-based walking
tour guide for public art and a printed brochure about the City’s public art
program during their August 2007 meeting. Staff is developing the concept for
the walking tour (designed to be downloaded and printed) and anticipates
completion of this by the end of November. A printed brochure is also in
production that will provide information about the program both for the developer
and the general public.
The Getty Foundation sponsored a summer intern in 2007 who completed
preliminary condition inspections of all public art on private property. Property
owners were notified of the general condition of their art work and the
requirement for maintenance. City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
Continued maintenance of public art. Staff implemented an administrative
contract in 2006 with Sculpture Conservation Studio for routine maintenance of
the following City owned art works: Path of Life, Filmstrip, Cougar I & II, and The
Lion’s Fountain. All pieces have received their annual treatment (the lion has
already been cleaned and waxed twice under this contract).
A contract for a complete overhaul of Nobuho Nagasawa Truth of Fiction has
been executed. This piece has had some minor maintenance/repair since its
installation in 1995, but this will be the first comprehensive work performed on it
in 12 years. Staff has also received two bids for repair/replacement of the
supporting framework for Ed Carpenter’s Hanging Garden and is expecting a
third proposal shortly. This item will be brought forward to City Council together
with other maintenance related items no later than early January.
Continued implementation of historic preservation program. Cultural Affairs
staff worked with Gensler architects to find an appropriate solution for
incorporating the two historical scripted “Culver” signs from the former Culver
Theater marquee into the design of the new mixed-use structure on Parcel B in
downtown. An approach was devised that would accommodate the design of the
new building as well as comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
Rehabilitation.
42 designation plaques for “Landmark” and “Significant” designated sites in
Culver City’s historic preservation program were installed in 2004 – 05. Eight
additional plaques were installed this year. Two plaques are on order for the
former King’s Tropical Inn site and the former filling station at 11333 Washington
Boulevard, which will be ready for installation in December 2007. (These plaques
which are more elaborate than the standard oval bronze plaques include an
etched image and require more design and fabrication time. A similar plaque
was installed at the Culver Theater.) The plaque for 4121 Wade Street (Louis
Armstrong Residence) is ready but the property owner has asked that she be
allowed to complete some renovation work, including repainting of the wooden
siding, prior to installation of the plaque. She anticipates this will be in December
2007. With the installation of the three plaques mentioned above, all plaques for
currently designated sites as required per the Culver City Municipal Code will
have been installed.
Continued to assist Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
Developed Kirk Douglas Theatre Community Access Program, as per lease
agreement, to offer dates at the Kirk Douglas Theatre for Culver City-based City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
cultural and community organizations. The Actors’ Gang held a benefit at the
theatre in August and Culver City High School’s Academy of Visual and
Performing Arts will hold a benefit in December.
Continued to search for new permanent performing arts spaces for use by the
recipients of the City’s performing arts grants as well as for use by theatre
companies choosing to serve the Culver City community.
Fiscal Year 2007 – 08 Work Program Updates:
2008 Performing Arts Grant Program. The City Council will consider approving
grants for fourteen performing arts organizations; a pocket calendar as well as
additional materials to market performances in a series will be created;
PROPOSED 2008 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Benita Bike’s DanceArt Dance
Collage Dance Theatre Dance
Culver City Chamber Orchestra Music
Culver City High School’s
Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Multi-Discipline
Culver City Public Theatre Theatre
Culver City Symphony Orchestra Music
The Definiens Project Music
Los Angeles Area Veterans’ Artists Alliance Theatre
L.A. Contemporary Dance Company Dance
Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra Music
Three Chairs Theatre Company Theatre
Vox Femina Los Angeles Music
WCB Arts Foundation Dance
We Tell Stories Theatre
Culver City has been selected, by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, as
one of six municipalities to participate in the California Cultural Data Project,
which will streamline grants writing starting in 2008; Cultural Affairs hosted a
workshop on the new process at the Ivy Substation in November.
Music in the Chambers. Negotiations with musical artists are underway for the
series which will occur in winter 2008; public announcement and marketing
campaign commences in December 2007. City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
Children’s Event. Negotiations underway for event which will occur in April
2008; public announcement and marketing campaign commences in January
2008.
ARTWALK Culver City. The Museum of Contemporary Art’s MOCA
Contemporaries group is slated to participate as a marketing partner. Galleries
will meet in January to discuss date which will occur in late spring 2008;
Culver City Music Festival. Planning is underway for next series which will
occur in July and August 2008.
New performing space. Continue to identify possible sites to serve performing
arts grant recipients.
New jazz series. Continue to explore possibility of developing series with
distinguished artists.
Annual Film Program. Continue to explore possibility of developing an annual
film program in Culver City to fulfill goals within the Cultural Plan of establishing a
film festival and celebrating the City’s film legacy. Future program may be similar
to Made in Culver City, which was produced in honor of the City’s 90
th
Anniversary.
Kirk Douglas Theatre Community Access Program. Continue to nurture local
performing arts organizations by encouraging grant requests to support their
participation in the program.
Public Art for Fire Station No. 3. Approximately $33,768 is available for public
art for the new Fire Station No. 3. Staff has worked with the architect and project
managers to identify placeholders for the art work within the larger design and
are completing a request for proposal that will be forwarded to a short-list of pre-
qualified artists vetted by the design team and the CAC. The proposals
submitted will be reviewed by the CAC and the City Council.
Art in Public Places Ordinance Update. Staff has completed the research
necessary to make language change recommendations to the existing Art in
Public Places Ordinance (Section 15.06 et seq. of the Culver City Municipal
Code). Areas to be addressed include: expanding the definitions of what
constitutes art work, incorporating specific language regarding ADA accessibility,
specific criteria on the selection of artists for projects, and allowances for City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
incorporating art consultants into a project. Next steps include drafting revised
Ordinance language, CAC Public Art sub-committee review, City Attorney review
and consideration by the Cultural Affairs Commission and the City Council.
Updates are necessary in order to keep our program progressive and compliant
with regional, national and professional standards.
City Wide Historic Structures Survey. In order to remain compliant with the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) requirements, an updated City-
wide historic structures survey is necessary. Staff has completed research on
current survey standards and practices. Next steps include creation of an
advisory committee who will provide input through the process, drafting of a
Request for Proposal (“RFP) for a preservation consultant to perform the survey,
compilation of results, certification, and recommendations on nominations (at the
local, state and federal levels). It is anticipated that this process will take
approximately 18 months to complete.
Children’s Art Program. This is conceived of as a temporary art program to
beautify City and Redevelopment Agency construction sites. Next steps include
drafting of an RFP for an art coordinator (this is a less than $10,000 contract)
who will work with the CCUSD and Cultural Affairs staff to implement the project.
Staff met with representatives of the CCUSD earlier in 2007 and the idea
received an enthusiastic response.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Funding for all of the 2007-08 work programs was adopted in the fiscal 2007-08 City
and Redevelopment Agency budgets with the exception of funding for a potential
Jazz series and an annual Film Program. Staff is still exploring the feasibility of
these two programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Community Cultural Plan with Updated Outcomes for 2006.
MOTION:
That the City Council and Cultural Affairs Commission: City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Cultural Affairs Commission Agenda Item Report
1. Receive and file the information provided by staff herein and the updates to
the adopted Community Cultural Plan and.
2. Discuss other topics related to the Cultural Affairs Commission and refer
items to the Commission or the City Council as may be deemed appropriate.