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CAC Subcommittee - ACTION ITEM (1) Discussion of Newly Formed Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee; and (2) Discussion of Performing Arts Grant Program Incoming Applications for 2027 and Eligibility Criteria.
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Meeting Date: October 7, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Lee Lawlor / City Manager - Cultural Affairs
Phone Number: (310) 253-5772
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: Meetings and Agendas - Cultural Affairs Commission (10/01/2026)
Department Approval: Sally Unsworth, Cultural Affairs Manager (09/30/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee (1) discuss the role of the new standing committee, and (2) consider the proposed annual calendar of meeting topics, and (3) consider the Performing Arts Grant Program criteria to determine eligibility of incoming applications for 2027.
BACKGROUND
At its Regular meeting on July 28, 2026, the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC) reviewed all its Subcommittees and considered the work plan for Cultural Affairs. In recent years, the necessity for a Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee has become evident. In addition to the established annual Performing Arts Grant Program, there has been increased need for CAC input on additional tasks and activities that are focused primarily on performing arts and live performances that are presented by, or sponsored by, the City of Culver City. The CAC unanimously voted to establish a Standing Subcommittee for Performing Arts and assigned Commissioners Tania Fleischer and Van Johnson to serve on the Subcommittee for the 2026-2027 fiscal year
DISCUSSION
The Subcommittee members will act in an advisory capacity to the full Cultural Affairs Commission and to the City Council. The Subcommittee will advocate for cultural activities and performing arts within the City and will promote equity, diversity and inclusion. The Subcommittee will regularly report to the Cultural Affairs Commission and make recommendations for grant awards and selection of performing artists for City programs. Members are encouraged to regularly attend City-sponsored performances and promote opportunities for community participation in Cultural Affairs programs.
The primary tasks of the Subcommittee will be the Performing Arts Grant Program (PAG); Music in the Chambers Concerts; Summer Sunset Concert Series (managed by Economic Development), and Fiesta La Ballona Entertainment (managed by Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department.)
The regular meeting schedule will be on the first Wednesday of every other month. Preliminary agenda topics are as follows:
August: Review of PAG guidelines and application; recommend Music in the Chambers concerts and artists
October: Review of incoming grant applications; discuss eligibility; discuss scoring criteria and potential independent panelists
December: Review of application scoring results from independent panelists and recommend grant awards to CAC
February: Recommendations for Summer Sunset Concert Series
April: Recommendations for Fiesta La Ballona Entertainment
June: Review PAG request limit based on the funding available in the Cultural Trust Fund; Review Music in the Chambers concerts and planning for next fiscal year programs
Attached is a list of all incoming Performing Arts Grant applications that were submitted (Attachment #1) and the eligibility criteria for the grant program (Attachment #2).
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Cultural Affairs programs, including performing arts events and grants, are funded primarily from the Cultural Trust Fund based upon budget approval from the City Council. Performing Arts grants receive additional support from Sony Pictures Entertainment and Culver City Arts Foundation. The Summer Sunset Concert Series and Fiesta La Ballona Entertainment are funded by their respective departments. There are no direct costs for the Performing Arts Subcommittee, except necessary staff time for planning and executing meetings.
ATTACHMENTS
1. ATT 1_Incoming Applications for 2027 Performing Arts Grant Program
2. ATT 2_Eligibility Criteria for Performing Arts Grant Program
RECOMMENDED MOTIONS
That the Cultural Affairs Commission Performing Arts Subcommittee:
Review and discuss the list of incoming grant applications and consider any questions of eligibility