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CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Award an In-Kind, Off-Cycle Special Events Grant in the Amount of $1,000 to the Artificial Intelligence Los Angeles for a Film School Day Event and Designate the Event as City-Sponsored.
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Meeting Date: September 28, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Edgar Varela/Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5752
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (09/24/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager (09/15/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council award an in-kind, off-cycle special events grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Artificial Intelligence Los Angeles for the Film School Day event and designate the event as City-sponsored.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On September 14, 2026, AI Los Angeles requested City Council agendize a request for an in-kind event sponsorship relative to their Film School Day event slated for October 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The request would include the use of the Town Plaza (Culver Steps) public space as well as use of the Culver City owned LED screen. The event is open to the public and is aimed at film students.
Film School Day is an industry job fair connecting film school students with local studios, creative agencies and production companies working with AI. Participating companies will showcase their latest AI-augmented projects on the Town Square’s LED screen and introduce attendees to their work, teams, and career opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence Los Angeles (AI LA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2016 to support Greater LA's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) communities. With 13,000+ members, AI LA delivers programs on contemporary AI topics and creates professional development opportunities - with a focus on humanity through education, conversation, and collaboration.
City Sponsorship
To be categorized as a “sponsored” event by the City, an event must meet the criteria set forth in City Council Policy No. 2502 (Special Event Grant Program), confirming that the City is (a) participating in an official capacity in the planning, preparation or promotion of the event or activity; and (b) contributing 25% of the total estimated costs of the civic event or activity or at least $1,000, whichever is less. This contribution may take the form of funds, labor, staff time, materials, a coverage of fees, or any combination thereof. The City may also consider approving an in-kind marketing sponsorship to help build awareness about the event. The Council Policy require both (a) and (b) conditions be satisfied.
The proposed event meets the criteria for City Sponsorship if the City Council approves a sponsorship of at least $1,000 as an in-kind marketing sponsorship. As a requirement of City sponsorship, the organizers must identify the City of Culver City as a sponsor in all promotional materials. In addition to the in-kind marketing, AI LA would like to use public space on Town Plaza and use of a Culver City owned screen in coordination with PRCS.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City. The request can be accommodated with current staffing resources relative to use of the screen and promotion of the event through the City’s marketing platforms and website.
ATTACHMENT
None.
recommended action
MOTION
That the City Council:
Award an in-kind, off-cycle special events grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Artificial Intelligence Los Angeles for the Film School Day event and designate the event as City-sponsored.