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CC - (1) Authorization to Award $170,015 to 23 Organizations for the 2022 Performing Arts Grant Program, and Designation of Related Performances as City-Sponsored, as Recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission; and (2) Approval of Related Grantee Contracts.
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Meeting Date: December 10, 2021
Contact Person/Dept: Lee Lawlor/Administrative Services
Phone Number: (310) 253-5772
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: 11/16/2021
Commission Name: Cultural Affairs Commission
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (12/07/2021); Cultural Affairs Commission (12/07/2021); Sony Pictures Entertainment (12/07/2021), Culver City Arts Foundation (12/07/2021), 2022 Performing Arts Grants Program Applicants (12/07/2021).
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (11/18/2021)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council: (1) authorize the award of $170,015 to 23 organizations for the 2022 Performing Arts Grant Program, and designate related performances as City-sponsored, as recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC); and (2) approve the related grantee contracts.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Arts grant programs are considered a central component to programs and services provided by local arts agencies throughout the United States and provide cultural services to communities. Arts grants help subsidize free or reduced ticket prices and encourage public cultural participation. Arts grants are an investment in the community and in the quality-of-life that residents and visitors can enjoy in Culver City.
The Cultural Affairs Commission and staff have implemented Culver City’s Performing Arts Grant Program (Program) since its inception in 1994. Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 15.06.160 stipulates that no more than 25% of the money deposited into the Cultural Trust Fund (CTF) in the prior fiscal year be allocated for performing arts in the subsequent fiscal year. $86,000 has been appropriated from the CTF for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and is supplemented with $49,015 in carryover money from prior fiscal year CTF allocations. Additionally, contributions have been made in support of the 2022 Program by Sony Pictures Entertainment ($25,000) and Culver City Arts Foundation ($10,000).
Staff issued the 2022 Application Guidelines and Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to the public during the week of August 9, 2021. A copy of the NOFA is attached to this staff report. The electronic application was posted on the City’s website, and notices were distributed by email, social media, email message groups, and other appropriate third-party sites, including the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture. A current list of potential performance venues in Culver City was also posted on the City’s website. Staff scheduled two WebEx grant workshops to discuss the application and requirements with potential applicants.
Twenty-four (24) performing arts organizations submitted signed applications electronically via the City’s website by the published deadline of September 17, 2021. This is consistent with the number of applications received in prior years. On October 13, 2021 the applications were evaluated by a Peer Review Panel (Panel) of four individuals with professional performing arts and grant experience. The Panel determined total scores for each application and made general recommendations for full and partial funding allocations based on total scores. The panel did not recommend funding for applications that scored below 70. CAC Chair Tania Fleischer and Commissioner Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin, who sit on the CAC Ad Hoc 2022 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Subcommittee (Subcommittee), observed the panel process.
On October 22, 2021, the Subcommittee convened and reviewed the total Panel scores and the requested grant amounts for all 24 applications and recommended funding for 23 organizations. At its regular meeting on November 16, 2021, the CAC supported the proposed grant awards and recommended that they be approved by City Council.
Twenty-three (23) music, dance and theatre applicants are recommended for grants. One company was not recommended for an award. The Subcommittee supported a recommendation that staff review the application process with the organization that was not recommended for an award this year. The review would better prepare the organization for the next grant application cycle.
The total amount recommended for all grant awards is $170,015. Should the City Council award the grants, staff will work closely with the grant recipients on the public outreach and promotional plans for their performances and post information about City-sponsored events on the City website.
The November 16, 2021 staff report for the Cultural Affairs Commission is attached, as well as chart of the 24 submitted applications, panel scores, recommended grant awards and a brief description of each proposed performance.
The completed Performing Arts Grant electronic applications are available for public review by sending a written request by email to cultural.affairs@culvercity.org
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Cultural Affairs Commission recommends a total amount of $170,015 be awarded for the 2022 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program. The funding includes monies from the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Art in Public Places Program (Cultural Trust Fund - 41322400.619800 PZ614) budget in the amount of $130,015, as allocated pursuant to the CCMC; $25,000 from the 2021 contribution from Sony Pictures Entertainment; and $10,000 from the 2021 contribution by Culver City Arts Foundation.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 21-12-10_ATT 1_CC_2022 Performing Arts Grant Program Guidelines and Notice of Funding Availability
2. 21-12-10_ATT 2_Cultural Affairs Commission Staff Report
3. 21-12-10_ATT 3_CC_Overview of 2022 Performing Arts Grant Program Applications with Scores
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the award of $170,015 to 23 organizations for the 2022 Performing Arts Grant Program, and designate related performances as City-sponsored, as recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission, and as outlined in the staff report; and
2. Approve the related Grantee contracts; and
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.