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CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Authorization to Award $244,960 to 30 Organizations for the 2024 Performing Arts Grant Program, and Designation of Related Performances as City-Sponsored, as Recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission; and (2) Approval of Related Grant Contracts.
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Meeting Date: December 11, 2023
Contact Person/Dept.: Lee Lawlor / City Manager - Office of Economic and Cultural Development
B. Christine Byers / City Manager - Office of Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5772
(310) 253-6003
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: November 21, 2023
Commission Name: Cultural Affairs Commission
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (12/05/2023); (E-Mail) Cultural Affairs Commission (12/01/2023); (E-Mail) 2024 Performing Arts Grant Program Applicants (11/13/23)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (12/04/23)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) authorize the award of $244,960 to 30 organizations for the 2024 Performing Arts Grant Program, and designate related performances as City-sponsored, as recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC); and (2) approve the related grant contracts.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Local arts agencies provide a range of programs and services throughout the United States, and cultural grants play a central role within an ecosystem of creative workers, residents, visitors, arts and cultural organizations, local municipalities, and other partners. Municipal arts agencies enable relevant and accessible programs, subsidize free or reduced ticket prices, encourage public cultural participation, and are an investment in the overall well-being of a community.
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 year. $135,500 has been appropriated from the CTF for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and is supplemented with carryover money from prior fiscal year CTF allocations. In addition, Sony Pictures Entertainment made a donation of $25,000 in support of the 2024 Program.
Staff issued the 2024 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to the public during the week of August 7, 2023. A copy of the NOFA and application guidelines is attached to this staff report. The electronic application and instructions were posted on the City’s website, and notices were distributed by email, social media, relevant cultural message groups, and other appropriate third-party sites, including the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture. A list of potential performance venues in Culver City was also posted on the City’s website, and staff provided workshops and consultations with potential applicants.
Thirty-one (31) performing arts organizations submitted signed applications electronically via the City’s website by the published deadline of September 15, 2023 (one additional application was submitted late). Six of the applicants were applying for the first time. On October 25, 2023 all incoming applications were evaluated by a Peer Review Panel (Panel) of five independent individuals with professional performing arts expertise and non-profit arts experience. The Panel determined total scores for each application based on four scoring criteria. Commissioner Tania Fleischer and Commissioner Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin, who sit on the CAC Ad Hoc 2024 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Subcommittee (Subcommittee), observed the Panel process. Details of the Panel members and the scoring criteria are included in the attached November 21, 2023, staff report for the Cultural Affairs Commission.
On November 8, 2023, the Subcommittee convened and reviewed the total panel scores, eligibility, qualifications, and requested grant amounts for all applicants and recommended funding for thirty (30) organizations. At its regular meeting on November 21, 2023, the CAC supported the proposed grant awards and recommended that they be approved by City Council. The CAC recommends a total of $244,960 in total grant awards for music, theater, and dance events during 2024 at various locations in Culver City.
These proposed events meet the criteria for City sponsorship. To be categorized as “City-sponsored,” an event or activity must meet the criteria set forth in Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 17.330.040.B.7.b.ii 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. City Council Policy requires that in order for an event to be considered City-sponsored, the City Council determine, by specific action, that the above criteria have been met.
As a requirement of the grant contract, the performing arts organizations must identify the City of Culver City as a sponsor of the event in all promotional materials. The City will promote the sponsored performances throughout 2023 via its website, email, and social media.
Attached is a chart of the submitted applications, with Panel scores, recommended grant awards and a brief description of each proposed performance. The November 21, 2023 staff report for the Cultural Affairs Commission is also attached and contains additional details regarding the application, evaluation, and recommendation process.
The completed Performing Arts Grant Program electronic applications are available for public review by sending a written request by email to cultural.affairs@culvercity.org <mailto:cultural.affairs@culvercity.org>.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Cultural Affairs Commission recommends a total amount of $244,960 be awarded for the 2024 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program. The funding includes monies included in the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in Art in Public Places Program (Cultural Trust Fund - 41310400.619800 PZ614) as allocated pursuant to the CCMC. It is supplemented with CTF carryover money from prior fiscal year allocations. An additional $25,000 contribution from Sony Pictures Entertainment has also been designated towards these grants.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 23-12-11_ATT No. 1_2024 Performing Arts Grant Program Guidelines and Notice of Funding Availability
2. 23-12-11_ATT No. 2_Overview of 2024 Performing Arts Grant Program Applications and Scores
3. 23-12-11_ATT No. 3_Cultural Affairs Commission Staff Report
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the award of $244,960 to 30 organizations for the 2024 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 grant 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.