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CAC ACTION ITEM - (1) Dissolution and Creation of Subcommittees to Reflect the FY 2026 - 2027 Cultural Affairs Work Plan; and (2) Assignment of Commissioners to Standing and Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Outside Association.
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Meeting Date: August 18, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Sally Unsworth / City Manager - Office of Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-6003
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Meetings and Agendas - Cultural Affairs Commission (8/13/2026)
Department Approval: N/A
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC): (1) dissolve and create subcommittees to reflect the FY 2026 - 2027 Cultural Affairs work plan which includes dissolution of any Ad Hoc Subcommittees that have completed their specific task; creation of a Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee; creation of other Ad Hoc Subcommittee as needed; and (2) Assign Commissioners to Standing Subcommittees and Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Outside Association for the fiscal year.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The Cultural Affairs Commission typically reviews its subcommittees at the start of each fiscal year and considers the City Council adopted budget and work plan for Cultural Affairs for the coming year. Two Commissioners are typically assigned to the CAC’s subcommittees as needed.
Staff recommend that Standing Subcommittee meetings should be scheduled on a regular basis (every two months). Ad Hoc subcommittee meetings will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. The frequency and agendas of subcommittee meetings are primarily staff driven. The requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act) include important differences between a “Standing Committee” and “Ad Hoc Subcommittee.”
“Standing Subcommittees” have a continuing subject matter jurisdiction, are considered to be a legislative body; and are required to comply with the provisions of the Brown Act, including public notification and public participation.
In general, “Ad Hoc Subcommittees” do not constitute a legislative body, serve only a limited or single purpose, are not perpetual, are dissolved when their specific task is completed, and are not subject to the Brown Act.
All Subcommittees will report and make recommendations to the full Cultural Affairs Commission. All recommendations that are forwarded to City Council must be approved at a full meeting of the Cultural Affairs Commission.
See attached powers and duties of the Cultural Affairs Commission for reference (Attachment 1).
As of June 30, 2026, the CAC had the following Subcommittees and assigned members:
Standing:
• Public Art (Gupta / Mesghali)
Ad Hoc:
• Artist Laureate (Gupta / Moses)
• Creative Economy & Cultural Plan (Fleischer / Mesghali)
• FY 2025-26 Culver City Arts Foundation (Gupta / Mesghali)
• 2026 Fiesta La Ballona Entertainment (Fleischer / Moses)
• 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program (Fleischer / Moses)
• 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games/Cultural Olympiad (Mesghali / Moses)
• Communications and Outreach Plan (VACANT)
• Historic Preservation (VACANT)
Proposed Action 1 - Creation of Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee
In recent years, the necessity for a Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee has become evident. In addition to the ongoing annual Performing Arts Grant Program, there has been increased need for input on additional tasks and ongoing programs that are focused primarily on performing arts programs or live performances.
Staff recommends that a new Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee have regularly scheduled meetings and incorporate the following tasks and programs:
• Performing Arts Grant Program - annual application, awards recommendation
• Music in the Chambers - performer recommendations
• Fiesta La Ballona, Summer Concerts, and other live entertainment
• Other performing arts programs or tasks as needed
Scheduled meetings of the Performing Arts Subcommittee during FY 26-27 are as follows. Appointed members must be available for in-person meetings at City Hall or other locations. Time will be determined based on the appointed members’ availability.
• First Wednesday of every other month (two weeks prior to Regular CAC meetings)
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026
• Wednesday, December 2, 2026
• Wednesday, February 3, 2027
• Wednesday, April 7, 2027
• Wednesday, June 2, 2027
Proposed Action 2 - Confirm Ongoing Tasks and Regular Meeting Schedule of Standing Public Art Subcommittee
Staff recommends that the existing Standing Public Art Subcommittee have regularly scheduled meetings and continue the following tasks and programs:
• Public Art Proposals from staff, developers and art consultants
• Colorful Communities Poster Program
• Temporary Art
• “From the Ground Up” Sculpture Program
• Public Art Master Plan
• Assignments from City Council regarding public art
Scheduled meetings of the Public Art Subcommittee during FY 26-27 are as follows. Appointed members must be available for in-person meetings at City Hall or other locations. Time will be determined based on the appointed members’ availability.
• First Wednesday of every other month (two weeks prior to Regular CAC meetings)
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026
• Wednesday, November 4, 2026
• Wednesday, January 6, 2027
• Wednesday, March 3, 2027
• Wednesday, May 5, 2027
Additional meetings could be scheduled as needed for timely agenda items.
Proposed Action 3 -Appoint Member as Liaison to an Outside Association
Staff recommend that CAC appoint one member to liaison with Culver City Arts Foundation, rather than utilize a subcommittee for that ongoing task. This recommendation is consistent with the practice of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (PRCS). PRCS currently assigns one delegate, and an alternate, as liaison with various outside associations, including the Culver City Arts Foundation.
Staff recommend that CAC appoint one member as delegate and another as alternate to liaison with the Culver City Arts Foundation Board of Directors. They will not be voting members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The delegate or alternate (but not both) will attend meetings and events as appropriate. Since there is already a PRCS member appointed, this structure will also avoid any potential Brown Act violations.
Proposed Action 4 - Dissolution of Ad Hoc Subcommittees
The following FY 2025-26 Ad Hoc Subcommittees have completed their tasks, postponed their tasks, or delegated their tasks to an appointed liaison, or their tasks have been assigned to another Standing Subcommittee.
CAC should now dissolve these subcommittees: FY 2025-26 Culver City Arts Foundation, 2026 Fiesta La Ballona Entertainment, 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program, Communications and Outreach Plan, Historic Preservation.
Proposed Action 5 - Appointments to Serve on Subcommittees and Liaison with Outside Association
After the FY 2026-27 subcommittees are established and named, the CAC may appoint new members or reappoint existing members to serve on its Standing Subcommittees, its Ad Hoc Subcommittees, and to an outside association.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is no direct fiscal impact. However, convening and preparing for subcommittee meetings requires allocation of staff time and resources.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. ATT_Powers and Duties of the Cultural Affairs Commission
MOTION:
That the Cultural Affairs Commission:
1. Create Standing Performing Arts Subcommittee and Meeting Schedule.
2. Confirm Tasks and Meeting Schedule of Standing Public Art Subcommittee.
3. Appoint Member as Delegate to an Outside Organization.
4. Dissolve Ad Hoc Subcommittees; and
5. Make Subcommittee Assignments for Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 and Appoint Delegates as follows:
Standing Subcommittees
Performing Arts ______ /______
Public Art ______ /______
Ad Hoc Subcommittees
2026-2027 Artist Laureate ______ /______
2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games/Cultural Olympiad ______ /______
Creative Economy & Cultural Plan ______ /______
Appointment to an Outside Association
Culver City Arts Foundation (Culver Arts) ______ /______
Delegate / Alternate