Executive_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
4:30 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commission President P.J. Johnston called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m.
- Roll Call
Commissioners Present
P.J. Johnston
Blanche Brown
Maya Draisin
Ethel Pitts Walker
Commissioners Absent
Alexander Lloyd
Staff Present
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth
Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar
Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie
- Discussion: Review and continuation of discussion of agency identity, communications strategy and branding.
President Johnston reported that he had met with Commissioner Lloyd to acquaint him with the Committee’s past discussions.
Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth reported that staff has been meeting to discuss the City’s plans commemorating the centennial of the 1906 earthquake and fire, and that the Arts Commission is already involved in several of these events, through the Public Art program, Cultural Equity Grants and WritersCorps. He asked the Committee to discuss developing a public relations project specifically focused on the centennial.
President Johnston and Mr. Newirth reported on their meetings with the various committees working on the centennial. The Commissioners discussed what opportunities the publicity for these events might offer to the Arts Commission, and how all programs could be involved. One idea was a comprehensive calendar of events. Commissioners emphasized that it will be important to continue to clarify the agency’s image. President Johnston reiterated that if the Arts Commission can get materials produced, they can certainly be placed.
- Discussion: Discussion of web survey.
Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar reported that she and Commissioner Draisin have reviewed a draft of the survey questionnaire. While they had hoped to get it out earlier, they suggested that now it may be appropriate to wait until the Arts Task Force finishes its survey to avoid possible duplication of effort.
- Discussion: Update on and discussion of Arts Commission Gallery site.
Mr. Newirth reported that the status of the Grove Street space is still under discussion, and that meetings are continuing. He and Ms. Gonchar are also involved in discussions with the Real Estate Department about space that may become available at 25 Van Ness, as well as about moving Arts Commission offices so that all staff are on one floor, in a shared space at or above ground level.
Mr. Newirth suggested that having the new Gallery Director, Meg Shiffler, on the job will help create the necessary impetus to find a new space for the Gallery. President Johnston agreed that she has lots of good ideas and lots of energy.
- Discussion: Update on and discussion of Arts Task Force.
President Johnston and Mr. Newirth reported on recent Arts Task Force meetings, and gave an overview of some of the issues discussed. They agreed that Arts Commission presence has been helpful in informing the Task Force’s discussions of how the City is involved in the arts. Ms. Gonchar and Cultural Equity Grants Program Director Jewelle Gomez will be attending some of the upcoming meetings on behalf of the Arts Commission.
- Discussion: Discussion of items for future consideration by the Executive Committee.
Ms. Gonchar suggested that the Committee consider holding a retreat, and that senior staff come to address the Committee. Mr. Newirth suggested that staff bring to the Committee the policy issues facing each program. President Johnston endorsed the importance of staff and Commission interaction on a more regular basis.
- Discussion: New Business
Commissioner Pitts Walker requested an update on the First5 initiative. Mr. Newirth and Ms. Gonchar explained that implementation of the initiative is now in the planning stage, which is expected to continue for six months. This topic is to be added to the next Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee meeting agenda.
Arts Education Officer Rachelle Axel appeared before the Committee and distributed information about the Arts Education Resource Fair for San Francisco Public Schools, scheduled for Wednesday, August 24. She invited the Commissioners to attend the public address at 4:30 that afternoon.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
spr 9/7/05
Notices
Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Ave, Suite 240, San Francisco CA 94102 during regular business hours. Info: Sharon Page Ritchie 415/252-2591
Public comment in regard to specific items will be taken before or during consideration of the item.
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices.
Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance (San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code sections 2.100 - 2.160) to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 30 Van Ness, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone 415/581-2300, fax 415/581-2317 and website.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE
Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact Adele Destro by mail to Interim Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco CA 94102-4689; by phone at 415/554-7724; by fax at 415/554-7854; or by email at sotf@sfgov.org.
Citizens interested in obtaining a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance can request a copy from Ms. Destro or by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, http://www.sfgov.org/sunshine/
