HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-8-2020 HCAC Regular MeetingOctober 8, 2020 Dublin Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission Agenda Page 1 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, October 8, 2020, 7:00 PM
Zoom Communications
DUBLIN HERITAGE &
CULTURAL ARTS
COMMISSION
A G E N D A
• Agendas and Staff Reports are posted on the City’s Internet Website (www.dublin.ca.gov)
• A complete packet of information containing Staff Reports and exhibits relate to each item is available of public
review at least 72 hours prior to a Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission Meeting or, in the event that it is
delivered to Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission members less than 72 hours prior to a Heritage & Cultural
Arts Commission Meeting, as soon as it is so delivered.
Meeting Procedure During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak:
In keeping with the guidelines provided by the State of California and Alameda County
Department of Public Health regarding gatherings during the coronavirus (COVID-19)
outbreak, and recommendations to follow social distancing procedures, the City of
Dublin will adopt the following practices during upcoming commission meetings:
• The Dublin Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will hold the meetings remotely
via Zoom Video Communications.
• The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.
• Online speaker slips will be available at www.dublin.ca.gov, and the public will be
able to call in using a computer/or smart phone via a link which will be provided
following submission of a speaker slip. A telephonic option will also be available.
• Once connected, the public speaker will be placed in an on-line waiting room. While
in the waiting room, the public speaker will hear the meeting while they are
connected and waiting to speak.
• When the agenda item upon which the individual would like to comment is
addressed, the speaker will be announced in the meeting when it is his/her time to
speak to the commission. The speaker will then be moved to the meeting for
comment.
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
2.1. Public Comment
At this time, the public is permitted to address the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission on non-agendized
items. Please step to the podium and clearly state your name for the record. COMMENTS SHOULD NOT
EXCEED THREE (3) MINUTES. In accordance with State Law, no action or discussion may take place on
any item not appearing on the posted agenda. The Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission may respond to
statements made or questions asked or may request Staff to report back at a future meeting concerning the
matter. Any member of the public may contact the Recording Secretary’s Office related to the proper procedure
to place an item on a future Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission agenda. The exceptions under which the
Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission MAY discuss and/or take action on items not appearing on the agenda
are contained in Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(1)(2)(3).
October 8, 2020 Dublin Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission Agenda Page 2 of 3
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are typically non-controversial in nature and are considered for approval by the
Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission with one single action. Members of the audience, Staff or the Heritage &
Cultural Arts Commission who would like an item removed from the Consent Calendar for purposes of public
input may request the Chair to remove the item.
3.1. Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2020
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will consider approval of the minutes of
the September 10, 2020 meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the September 10, 2020 meeting.
3.2. September 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Division Monthly Report
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will receive a report on Cultural Arts and
Heritage Division activities conducted in September 2020.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report.
4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - NONE
5. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1. City of Dublin Poet Laureate and City Historian
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will consider recommending to the City
Council updated policies governing the selection of Poet Laureate and City Historian.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend to the City Council updated policies governing the Poet Laureate and
City Historian.
7.2. Cultural Arts Center - Gallery Operations
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will receive a report discussing potential
gallery operations for the future Cultural Arts Center.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report and provide feedback.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Brief information only reports from the commission and/or Staff, including committee reports and reports by
the commission related to meetings attended at City expense (AB1234).
9. ADJOURNMENT
This AGENDA is posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a)
If requested, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.2, this agenda shall be made a vailable in appropriate
alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. To make
a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (925) 833-
6650 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Mission
October 8, 2020 Dublin Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission Agenda Page 3 of 3
The City of Dublin promotes and supports a high quality of life, ensures a safe and secure environment, and fosters
new opportunities.
Vision
Dublin is a vibrant city committed to its citizens, natural resources and cultural heritage. As Dublin grows, it will
balance history with progress, to sustain an enlightened, economically balanced and diverse community.
Dublin is unified in its belief that an engaged and informed community encourages innovation in all aspects of City
life, including programs to strengthen our economic vitality, and preserve our natural surroundings through
environmental stewardship and sustainability. Dublin is dedicated to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle
through the creation of first-class recreational opportunities, facilities and programs.
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STAFF REPORT
HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
DATE: October 8, 2020
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM:
La Shawn Butler, Parks & Community Services Director
SUBJECT:
Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of September 10,
2020
Prepared by: Jennifer Li Marzi, Senior Office Assistant
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will consider approval of the minutes of the
September 10, 2020 meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the September 10, 2020 meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
DESCRIPTION:
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will consider approval of the minutes of the
September 10, 2020 meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Minutes from the September 10, 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission
Meeting
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HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission September 10, 2020
Regular Meeting P a g e | 1
A Regular Meeting of the Dublin Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission was held on
Thursday, September 10, 2020, remotely via Zoom Video Communications. The
meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM., by Vice Chair Sawsan Wolski.
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Attendee Name Title Status
Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold Commission Chair Arrived at 7:25pm
Sawsan Wolski Commission Vice Chair Present
Robert Bennett Commission Member Present
Gina Gabriell Commission Member Present
Timea Iharosi Commission Member Present
Steve Minniear Commission Member Present
Kathy Blackburn Commission Member Present
Shweta Agrawal Alternate Commissioner Present
Staff Shaun Chilkotowsky requested Item 7.1 be moved forward in agenda. By vote,
the Commission agreed to move New Business Item 7.1 ahead of Un-Finished
Business.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVED BY: Kathy Blackburn, Commissioner
SECOND: Steve Minniear, Commissioner
AYES: Bennett, Gabriell, Wolski, Iharosi, Agrawal
ABSENT: Vonheeder-Leopold
2. Oral Communications
2.1. Public Comment
None.
3. Consent Calendar
3.1. August 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Division Monthly Report
3.2. Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of June 11, 2020
The Commission voted to approve the Consent Calendar.
3.1.a
Packet Pg. 5 Attachment: 1. Minutes from the September 10, 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting (9-10-20 HCA Meeting Minutes)
Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission September 10, 2020
Regular Meeting P a g e | 2
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVED BY: Steve Minniear, Commissioner
SECOND: Timea Iharosi, Commissioner
AYES: Blackburn, Bennett, Gabriell, Wolski
ABSENT: Vonheeder-Leopold
4. Written Communication
None.
5. Public Hearing
None.
7. New Business
7.1. Dublin Heritage Park Cemetery Improvements - Concept Design
This item was moved forward in the agenda.
Shaun Chilkotowsky, Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager introduced Rosemary
Alex from the Public Works Department to give a brief introduction and
background on the item. Rosemary then introduced Karen Krolewski and Cathy
Garrett from PGA Design to present the specifics of the item as outli ned in the
Staff Report and then invited Commissioners’ questions.
CM Vonheeder-Leopold joined the meeting during the presentation.
Once the presentation was completed Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold opened the floor
for clarifying questions.
The Commissioners asked about the design, signage, use of the sp ace, parking,
and other items.
The Commissioners voted on seven different items as outlined in the presented
conceptual designs. These items will be used to develop the final recommended
conceptual design and include overall design, benches, boulders, memorial tree
plaques, pavers, and pergola shape and material.
The Commission voted to approve the design and forward a recommendation to
the City Council.
3.1.a
Packet Pg. 6 Attachment: 1. Minutes from the September 10, 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting (9-10-20 HCA Meeting Minutes)
Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission September 10, 2020
Regular Meeting P a g e | 3
Overall Design: Option B
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVED BY: Kathy Blackburn, Commissioner
SECOND: Gina Gabriell, Commissioner
AYES: Vonheeder-Leopold, Bennett, Iharosi, Minniear, Wolski
Benches: Option A
RESULT: APPROVED [5 TO 2]
MOVED BY: Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, Commissioner
SECOND: Kathy Blackburn, Commissioner
AYES: Bennett, Iharosi, Minniear,
NAYS: Gabriell, Wolski
Boulders: Option A
RESULT: APPROVED [6 TO 1]
MOVED BY: Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, Commissioner
SECOND: Robert Bennett, Commissioner
AYES: Iharosi, Minniear, Blackburn, Wolski
NAYS: Gabriell
Memorial Tree Plaques: Option A (Black Basalt Stone Oval)
RESULT: APPROVED [5 TO 2]
MOVED BY: Steve Minniear, Commissioner
SECOND: Gina Gabriell, Commissioner
AYES: Iharosi, Wolski, Vonheeder-Leopold
NAYS: Bennett, Blackburn
3.1.a
Packet Pg. 7 Attachment: 1. Minutes from the September 10, 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting (9-10-20 HCA Meeting Minutes)
Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission September 10, 2020
Regular Meeting P a g e | 4
Pavers: Option A
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVED BY: Kathy Blackburn, Commissioner
SECOND: Timea Iharosi, Commissioner
AYES: Minniear, Wolski, Bennett, Gabriell, Vonheeder-Leopold
Pergola Shape: Option B (Square)
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVED BY: Sawsan Wolski, Commissioner
SECOND: Gina Gabriell, Commissioner
AYES: Iharosi, Minniear, Blackburn, Bennett, Vonheeder-Leopold
Pergola Material: Option B (Wood)
RESULT: APPROVED [5 TO 2]
MOVED BY: Steve Minniear, Commissioner
SECOND: Timea Iharosi, Commissioner
AYES: Wolski, Gabriell, Vonheeder-Leopold
NAYS: Blackburn, Bennett
6. Unfinished Business
6.1. Update on Adirondack Chair Temporary Art Display Program
Tyler Phillips, Recreation Coordinator presented the specifics of the item as
outlined in the Staff Report.
7. New Business
7.2. Public Art Maintenance Policy
Tyler Phillips, Recreation Coordinator presented the specifics of the item as
outlined in the Staff Report.
Commissioners were invited to ask questions and Staff provided input. By
unanimous vote, the Commission recommended the Public Art Maintenance
Policy.
3.1.a
Packet Pg. 8 Attachment: 1. Minutes from the September 10, 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting (9-10-20 HCA Meeting Minutes)
Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission September 10, 2020
Regular Meeting P a g e | 5
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVED BY: Steve Minniear, Commissioner
SECOND: Sawsan Wolski, Commissioner
AYES: Blackburn, Vonheeder-Leopold, Bennett, Gabriell, Iharosi
8. Other Business
Cm. Wolski provided an update on the Dublin Art Collective and their new website,
which is online and ready for people to donate.
Cm. Minniear spoke on his recommendations about content on the City website.
Shaun Chilkotowsky, Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager gave an update on art
projects in process.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Cm. Vonheeder-
Leopold at 9:17 PM.
3.1.a
Packet Pg. 9 Attachment: 1. Minutes from the September 10, 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting (9-10-20 HCA Meeting Minutes)
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STAFF REPORT
HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
DATE: October 8, 2020
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM:
La Shawn Butler, Parks & Community Services Director
SUBJECT:
September 2020 Heritage and Cultural Arts Division Monthly Report
Prepared by: Rich Jochner, Recreation Supervisor
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will receive a report on Cultural Arts and
Heritage Division activities conducted in September 2020.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
DESCRIPTION:
In accordance with guidance from County and State officials to prevent the spread of
COVID-19, the City closed most facilities and cancelled many programs and activities
from March 17 through September 30, 2020. Activities and programs scheduled after
September 30 are tentative as the City adapts to this fluid situation.
HERITAGE PARK ACTIVITIES
Museum Re-Opening
Indoor Museums have remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent
Shelter-in-Place Order in effect on March 17, 2020. Per the “Blueprint for a Safer
Economy” issued by the State of California, indoor museums can re -open when the
County risk level reaches Tier Two, or the Red Tier. As of September 22, 2020,
Alameda County has moved into the Red Tier, and pending further approval from the
Alameda County Health Officer, museums are tentatively scheduled to be allowed to re-
open in October. Staff is working on a re-opening plan that includes enhanced facility
cleanings and additional signage. Museums are limited to 25% of capacity while in the
current tier.
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Heritage Park and Museums Exhibits
The exhibit “Making Music, Making Memories” is tentatively scheduled to be on display
when the museum reopens. This exhibit explores how music surrounds our lives and
has always been part of the community.
Dublin Camp Parks Military Exhibits
The exhibit “75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day” will be on display until
March 2021 once the museum opens. It looks at the end of World War II through the
objects, photographs, and writings of those who participated in the war and spent time
at Fleet City (Camp Parks, Camp Shoemaker, Shoemaker Naval Hospital).
Classes and Camps
The Sunday School Barn continues to host the L.I.V.E. ’N’ Rec program for students
who need a space to participate in virtual learning. Session 2 of this three -week
program began on September 8, 2020 and had five participants at this location.
VIRTUAL RECREATION CENTER
On April 7, 2020, the department launched a Virtual Recreation Center. Heritage Park
and Museums contributed four short videos:
• Introduction of the park and description of it’s amenities.
• Tour of the Murray School House Museum and “The Journey” exhibit.
• Tour of the Kolb House and a brief description of the family history and
architecture of the house.
• Tour of St. Raymond’s Church with a brief introduction of the Dublin Cemetery.
These videos are a great way for the public to enjoy the site during the pandemic and
allow for those out of the area to tour these facilities. These four videos have been
viewed over 760 times combined through the end of September.
PUBLIC ART
Selected Utility box artists painted ten utility boxes around Dublin from July through
September 2020. These artists and their proposals were selected by the Heritage and
Cultural Arts Commission and approved by the City Council. All ten utility boxes have
been completed. Below are a few photos of the completed utility boxes.
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The temporary public art display “A Chair to Remember” was on display at the Civic
Center front courtyard from September 12 - 30, 2020. An online auction was conducted
and ended on September 30, 2020 with all 20 chairs auctioned off. More than $4,500
was generated from the auction and will be deposited back into the Public Art Fund for
future art projects.
The Public Art Passport Challenge ran from July 1 – September 20, 2020. The
challenge was to visit all pieces of City-owned Public Art, with the goal of bringing
awareness to the collection. Participants who visited at least 25 different pieces of the
City’s Public Art collection received a Public Art tote bag to memorialize their “Art
Passport”.
Tracking and verification of participation was done via the “GooseChase” application.
Participation was encouraged in accordance with social distancing requirements . 123
participant/participant families signed up, with 21 completing the challenge.
The Public Art piece, “Dogs of Dublin”, which consists of colorful dog silhouettes lining
the fence perimeter of Dougherty Hills Dog Park, has been completed . Staff created a
virtual presentation to highlight the silhouettes and formally unveil them. The video can
be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel.
Clover/Sunrise Park will feature the Public Art piece “Arachnicat” by artist Colin Selig.
The sculpture has been installed and will be officially unveiled when the park opens,
which is tentatively scheduled for the end of October.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
The Dublin Farmers’ Market held at Emerald Glen Park continued in September at its
regular time of 4:00-8:00 pm with the final market held on Thursday, September 24,
2020. There was a slight decrease in market counts the first two weeks in September
primarily due to poor air quality and high temperatures. The concerts that traditionally
accompany the Farmers’ Market were cancelled for the year due to COVID-19.
On Thursday, September 16, 2020 a small groundbreaking ceremony was held to
celebrate the start of construction on Butterfly Knoll Park located in the Tassajara Hills
housing development. Attendance was limited to the City Council, some City Staff, and
representatives from Toll Brothers, the developer constructing the park. The park will
feature two play structures, a butterfly garden, walking paths, stepped amphitheater ,
and a mural by local artist, Joey Rose.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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STAFF REPORT
HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
DATE: October 8, 2020
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM:
La Shawn Butler, Parks & Community Services Director
SUBJECT:
City of Dublin Poet Laureate and City Historian
Prepared by: Shaun Chilkotowsky, Heritage & Cultural Arts Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will consider recommending to the City
Council updated policies governing the selection of Poet Laureate and City Historian.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend to the City Council updated policies governing the Poet Laureate and City
Historian.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
DESCRIPTION:
On November 20, 2007, the City Council approved the creation of the honorary,
volunteer positions of Poet Laureate and City Historian.
The first Poet Laureate (Ronnie Holland) was appointed in 2008, and the second
(Jonnie McCoy Howell) in 2010. In 2012, there were no applicants and the program was
suspended by the City Council, with plans to develop a progra m to engage the public in
advancement of literary arts. Thereafter, several poetry contests and literary events
were offered by the City, but they did not generate much participation. No Poet Laureate
program currently exists.
The first City Historian (Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold) was appointed in 2008. In
2012, Georgean was re-appointed with the term ending June 30, 2014. Following this
term there was no formal process conducted.
Recently, the City has received requests from the community to re-initiate these
programs. Staff has made slight changes to the guiding policies for the Poet Laureate
and City Historian, described in this Staff Report. Upon recommendation by the
Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission and approval by the City Council, Staff will begin
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the process for new appointments to be made in January 2021.
Poet Laureate
Overview
The Poet Laureate serves as a public advocate for the appreciation and advancement
of the literary arts in the City of Dublin.
Duties
• Create and read poetry for civic events, public ceremonies, and dedications, as
coordinated through City Staff.
• Serve as a resource to Staff, the City Council, and the Commission; may act as a
liaison between the City and local schools, literary organizations, and bookstores.
• Assist with the development of classes and workshops devoted to poetry;
potentially coordinate and participate in staged poetry readings.
• On an annual basis, have at least one original poem displayed in a City facility.
Qualifications
• Be a Dublin resident; at least 18 years old.
• Be the author of published poetry or be willing to publish poetry during the term if
selected.
• Be ready to serve a two-year term with no compensation.
• Affiliation with literary organizations is preferred but not necessary for
appointment to the position.
Service Term
The selected Poet Laureate will serve a term of two years, beginning with City Council
appointment at a public meeting in January 2021. A term may be renewed upon
submittal of a new application, unless or until a new Poet Laureate applies and is
appointed. A Poet Laureate shall be limited to four two-year terms.
Application Process
Between October and December of the year prior to the formal appointment by the City
Council, applicants will submit the following to the Heritage and Cultural Arts
Commission:
• An application.
• A letter of interest, including what the applicant would like to accomplish if
selected as Dublin’s Poet Laureate.
• Two original poems.
• A resume including a list of published poetry or other evide nce of a body of
original work (published or unpublished).
• Attend a scheduled Commission meeting to read one original poem to
commission.
Selection Process
If more than two applications are received, a Selection Committee coordinated by the
Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager will review all applications and submit the top two
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choices to the Heritage Commission for final recommendation. The Selection
Committee will comprise:
• Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioner
• Las Positas English Department Representative
• Dublin High School English Department Representative
• Local creative writing professional or instructor
• City Staff person appointed by the City Manager’s Office (e.g., Heritage and
Cultural Arts Manager or Parks and Community Services Director)
The Commission will present their recommendation to the City Council at a meeting in
December and the Poet Laureate will formally begin the two-year term in January of
each year.
City Historian
Overview
The City Historian will assist researchers, students, librarians, and members of the
public and press in accessing resources for historical information.
Duties
• Maintain, add to, and facilitate access to City historical records.
• Respond to inquiries regarding the City’s past.
• Serve as a resource to Staff, the City Council, and the Heritage and Cultural Arts
Commission; may act as a liaison between the Commission and local schools,
genealogical groups, and members of the media and the public.
Qualifications
• A demonstrated interest in the history of the City of Dublin, including participation
in City Commissions, Committees, and other activities.
• A demonstrated ability to maintain records.
• Skilled in public speaking.
Service Term
The selected City Historian will serve a term of four years, beginning with City Co uncil
appointment at a public meeting in January 2021. A term may be renewed, upon
submittal of a new application, unless or until a new City Historian applies and is
appointed.
Application Process
Between October and December of the year prior to the fo rmal appointment by the City
Council, applicants will submit the following to the Heritage and Cultural Arts
Commission:
• An application.
• A letter of interest, including what the applicant would like to accomplish if
selected as Dublin’s City Historian.
• A resume of positions held and/or activities related to the position of City
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Historian.
Selection Process
Review of applicant applications and selection of the City Historian will be
recommended by the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission, who will put forward a
maximum of two applicants to the Mayor. The Mayor will recommend final appointment
for approval by the City Council in January, which will formally begin the four-year term
of the City Historian.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Upon City Council approval of these procedures, Staff will advertise the honorary
positions via the City website and other local media outlets.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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STAFF REPORT
HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
DATE: October 8, 2020
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM:
La Shawn Butler, Parks & Community Services Director
SUBJECT:
Cultural Arts Center - Gallery Operations
Prepared by: Rich Jochner, Recreation Supervisor
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will receive a report discussing potential
gallery operations for the future Cultural Arts Center.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report and provide feedback.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Cultural Arts Center Project (CIP No. GI0120) is budgeted in the approved 2020-
2025 Capital Improvement Program. There is no financial impact associated with this
report.
DESCRIPTION:
Background
In October 2019, the City Council approved an agreement with Group 4 Architecture
Research and Planning, Inc. (Group 4), to develop the Police Services wing , which
encompasses around 13,500 square feet, into a Cultural Arts Center that includes an art
gallery, black box theatre, and a variety of other program spaces. On May 19, 2020, the
City Council approved the schematic design of the proposed Cultural Arts Center
(Attachment 1).
Gallery Room and Additional Gallery Space
Group 4’s design incorporated many of the elements identified in a Needs Assessment
and previously conducted studies, including a 599-square-foot dedicated Gallery Room,
along with the potential for other areas, such as the lobby and hallway, to be used to
display artwork.
Gallery Operations
To understand best practices and strategies in operating a gallery, Staff reached out to
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curators at the Bedford Gallery (Walnut Creek), Bothwell Arts Center (Livermore),
Center for the Performing Arts (Mountain View), Grand Theatre Center for the Arts
(Tracy), Harrington Gallery (Pleasanton), and the Village Theatre and Arts Gallery
(Danville). Each curator that was interviewed provided detailed information on how their
gallery operates, what makes it successful, and insights into how to establish a
sustainable gallery. Based on the information received, Staff has formulated a core
approach to operating the Gallery Room and additional gallery space. The following is a
description of the key findings from Staff’s research.
Submissions - Most galleries accept artist submissions through their websites. This
process works well and gives the hosts organization time to recruit artists and plan
exhibits. Agencies surveyed indicated that the submission lead times vary, but
generally fall into following two timeframes:
Gallery Room - Exhibits are planned 12-18 months ahead of display and remain on
display a minimum of six weeks.
Additional Gallery Space (Lobby and Hallway) - Exhibits are planned 6-12 months
ahead of display and remain on display a minimum of one month.
Gallery Website - In addition to promoting gallery space and upcoming events, the
website should be the portal for collecting gallery submissions from artists and should
include details on load-in, load-out, artwork specifications and limitations, artist
insurance requirements, and other necessary details.
Exhibits/Shows - Attempts should be made to host a minimum of six gallery shows per
year in the Gallery Room and eight exhibits a year in the additional gallery space. This
allows for ample exhibition time, but also allows for transition time in between shows.
Consideration should be given to create at least one themed show incorporating “like”
artists (example: “The Montmartre Gala” could be a collection of artists inspired by
Paris) or by medium (example: oil paints).
Certain shows could be devoted to a certain artist, group of artists, international artists,
local artists, or an art collective.
A yearly juried show is also a possibility. A juried art show is one at which exhibiting
artists present their work to an individual, or panel of “jurors” or judges. These judges
should be knowledgeable members of the art community - such as museum curators
and gallery owners. These shows would provide emerging, mid-career, and established
talent with exposure to the Tri-Valley art community.
Additional gallery space in the lobby and hallway can be circulated among a variety of
sources including local artists, academic institution art classes, Cultural Arts Center art
classes, Senior Center art classes, and City social media art contests.
Selection - Many galleries establish a sub-committee to assist with reviewing
submissions, recommending potential artists to consider, and suggesting potential
themes to be utilized. This system promotes transparency and non-discrimination and
circumvents pressure from artist groups. A sub-committee comprising commission
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members, individuals with a professional background in art, and a staff liaison, could be
considered. It is also common for agencies that use selection committees to req uire
that a majority of the committee must be residents.
Volunteer Program - Universally agreed upon by the curators interviewed was that a
strong volunteer program is essential to a successful gallery. A targeted recruitment of
enthusiastic art-savvy volunteers will help promote the Gallery, answer patron
questions, and safeguard the art during hours of operation. Since most galleries seldom
charge admission, it is crucial to enlist volunteers rather than paid staff to help with the
Gallery Room.
Hours of Operation - Since the Cultural Arts Center will be open for daily activities
such as art, music, dance classes, and the black box theatre, it is conceivable that the
Gallery Room may be open for hours that coincide with existing facility hours.
Additional open hours will depend on staffing budgets and the depth of the volunteer
program to be obtainable.
Sale of Art - Art for sale is a component in most of the galleries surveyed, but sales are
inconsistent and highly unpredictable. None of the galle ries indicated they have any
budgetary expectations placed on them to generate any specific sales volume, nor do
they turn away artists who prefer their work not be for sale. A commission of 20 -30%
seems to be standard when applied.
Next Steps
At this juncture of planning to operate a Gallery, Staff deems the highest priorities to:
1) Create the administrative framework regarding Gallery submissions and
regulations.
2) Establish relationships with local artists, art collectives and art departments at
local academic universities and schools.
3) Explore the possibility of establishing a qualified sub -committee process to
review and recommend art for display.
4) Develop strategies to recruit knowledgeable volunteers and create a
volunteer program for the arts.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Schematic Design - First Floor - Cultural Arts Center
7.2
Packet Pg. 20
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