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CC - (1) Authorization of Award of $83,670 for the 2020 Performing Arts Grant Program for 16 Organizations, 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 9, 2019
Contact Person/Dept: Susan Obrow/Nancy Lawlor - Cultural Affairs/Administrative Services
Phone Number: Susan Obrow (310) 253-6628
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (12/03/19); Cultural Affairs Commission (11/20/19); Sony Pictures Entertainment (11/20/19), Culver City Arts Foundation (11/20/19), 2020 Performing Arts Grants Program Candidates (11/20/19).
Department Approval: Serena Wright-Black, Assistant City Manager (11/20/19)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council: (1) authorize the award of $83,670 for the 2020 Performing Arts Grant Program for 16 organizations, and designate related performances as City-sponsored, as recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC); and (2) approve the related grantee contracts.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Culver City’s Performing Arts Grant Program (Program) was established in 1994. Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 15.06.160 provides that no more than 25% of the money deposited into the Cultural Trust Fund in the prior fiscal year may be allocated for performing arts in the subsequent year. $100,000 has been allocated in Fiscal Year 2019/2020. Additionally, contributions have been made in support of the 2020 Program by Sony Pictures Entertainment ($25,000) and Culver City Arts Foundation ($25,000). Accordingly, the total amount available for the 2020 Program is $150,000.
Staff issued the 2020 notice of funding availability to the public during the week of July 26, 2019. The application was posted on the City’s website, and notices were distributed electronically to Culver City-based performing arts organizations, current grantees, and through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture’s arts listserv. On August 8, 2019 staff held a workshop at Veterans Memorial Building during which the grant guidelines, the application, the electronic submittal process, and possible performance venues were reviewed in detail.
Eighteen performing arts organizations submitted applications electronically by the deadline on September 12, 2019. On October 24, 2019 the applications were evaluated by a peer review panel. CAC Chair Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin and Commissioner Tania Fleischer, who sit on the CAC Ad Hoc 2020 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Subcommittee (Subcommittee), observed the panel process. On November 4, 2019, the Subcommittee convened and reviewed the total panel scores and the requested grant amounts for all 18 applications and recommended funding for 16 organizations. On November 19, 2019, the CAC confirmed the proposed grant awards and made a recommendation that they be approved by City Council.
Sixteen music, dance and theatre applicants are recommended for grants. Two companies were not recommended for awards. Staff provided these organizations with the panel comments and offered them assistance for the next grant cycle. The total amount recommended for all grant awards is $83,670. Should the City Council award the grants, staff will work closely with the grant recipients on the promotional plans for their performances as well as any changes to their grant proposals.
The November 19, 2019 staff report for the Cultural Affairs Commission is attached, as well as an overview of the applicants’ scores and recommended grant amounts. Binders of completed Performing Arts Grant applications are available to review in the City Clerk’s Office during regular City Hall business hours.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Cultural Affairs Commission recommends a total amount of $83,670 to be allocated for the 2020 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program. The funding includes monies from the Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Art in Public Places Program (Cultural Trust Fund - 41322400.619800 PZ614) budget in the amount of $33,670, as allocated pursuant to the CCMC; and $25,000 from the 2019 contribution by Sony Pictures Entertainment (42080000.619800.PZ614); and $25,000 from the 2019 contribution by Culver City Arts Foundation (deposited to Fund 413 and expended from account 41322400.619800 PZ614).
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2019-12-09_ATT - Overview of 2020 PAG Request Amounts
2. 2019-12-09_ATT - CAC PAG Staff Report
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the award of $83,670 for the 2020 Performing Arts Grant Program for 16 organizations, 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 contracts on behalf of the City.