Executive_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 MEETING of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
3:30 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commission President P.J. Johnston called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m.
- Roll Call
Commissioners Present
P.J. Johnston
Maya Draisin
Sherri Young
Commissioners Absent
Jeannene Przyblyski
Staff Present
Director of Cultural Affairs Luis R. Cancel
Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar
Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie
- Director’s Report
Mr. Cancel reported that he had attended his first budget hearing, and that funds for the proposed Cultural Voucher Youth Program had been cut. He noted that the budget climate this year is quite difficult. He and President Johnston will continue to work with the Mayor’s Office and to reach out to the Supervisors. Mr. Cancel added that the Mayor’s Office will begin planning the budget for the next fiscal year by September.
Mr. Cancel reported that the Mayor’s Office is coordinating a multi-agency meeting to gather input on the Contemporary Art Museum in the Presidio (“CAMP”) proposal. President Johnston remarked on the difference between press accounts and the CAMP presentation.
- Deputy Director’s Report
Ms. Gonchar reported on the Mayor’s Art Award, and distributed a draft call for nominations. President Johnston thought that the inauguration of the award was a great initiative last year, and believes that this project is worth the resources.
Ms. Gonchar explained that this year, the selection process is more formal, and staff has consulted with other City agencies on their process for awarding honors. Commissioners and staff discussed ideas for the selection process and criteria.
- Grove Street Arts Center Feasibility Study Report
Although there was no report on this matter, the Committee noted that any agreement must have a benefit to the City commensurate with the value of the land, and they were hopeful about the outcome.
- Mexican Museum
Mr. Cancel distributed a final draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the Redevelopment Agency, the Mexican Museum and the Arts Commission. He recommended approval of the document, which would place the Arts Commission into a fiduciary and oversight role, as the best way to assist the Museum in fulfilling its role at the site. In response to a question, he explained that in the earlier drafts, the agreement was bilateral between the Arts Commission and Redevelopment. The Mexican Museum is a party to the latest version.
He explained that Redevelopment anticipates presenting the agreement to its Commission at their July 1, 2008 meeting. The agreement is for one year, with the potential to extend it through a second year. Mr. Cancel explained that as fiduciary, the Arts Commission would receive the funds from Redevelopment and disburse them to the Museum as it accomplishes each of the goals set for it. The agreement also includes administrative costs for the Arts Commission.
President Johnston supported the proposal as the last best chance for the Museum, and would not like to see the City back away from the Museum if it can be avoided. Mr. Cancel added that the Museum has a very significant collection of some fourteen thousand objects, that the partnership with Millennium Partners significantly reduces the cost of building, and that the opening of the Contemporary Jewish Museum has raised the visibility of the site.
Commissioner Young agreed with President Johnston, and expressed her concern that managing this project would unduly burden the Arts Commission staff. Mr. Cancel appreciated her concern, and said that he thought the most difficult period would be finished within the first six months.
The following motion was approved unanimously.
Motion: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs, or his designee, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, to proceed with and implement a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency (“SFRA”) to use SFRA funds to help support and encourage the operational and financial stability of the Mexican Museum, as well as the public programs and activities of the Mexican Museum as an important cultural and community resource, subject to the adoption of the MOU by the Redevelopment Agency Commission.
- Public Comment
President Johnston announced that the San Francisco Opera would simulcast a live performance at the Bayview Opera House on Friday, June 20. He also reported that the recent Gallery event was fun and interesting.
There was no further public comment.
- Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
spr 9/4/08
