Community_Arts_and_Education_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 COMMUNITY ARTS, EDUCATION, and GRANTS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
4:30 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m.
Commissioners Present: José Cuellar, Maya Draisin, Sherene Melania, Sherri Young
Staff Present: Nancy Gonchar, Judy Nemzoff, San San Wong, Catherine Direen, Ebony McKinney, Lucy Lin, Dia Penning, Robynn Takayama
- Cultural Equity Grants Program Director Report
Cultural Equity Grants Program Director San San Wong explained the two grant programs with motions on the agenda, Cultural Equity Initiatives Grant-Level Two and Creative Space Grants.
Commissioner Cuellar asked for information about each organization recommended for funding. He questioned why the Queer Cultural Center (“QCC”) was eligible to apply for Cultural Equity Initiatives-Level Two as they are one of the Cultural Centers receiving funding from Community Arts and Education.
Starting with Cultural Equity Initiatives-Level Two recommendations, Ms. Wong briefly described each proposed project and its significance:
Aunt Lute Books' project seeks to take back control of their distribution by bringing it in-house. They have a two-year plan which looks economically feasible. This is significant because of the decline of independent bookstores and the limited amount of distribution streams of all independent media; there has been a conglomeration. This decline will result in less diversity of voices, particularly of women and people of color. Aunt Lute's distribution plan includes employing freelance agents to market to colleges and universities, and to look at online distribution and publicity.
First Voice is the organization of Brenda Wong Aoki, a storyteller/solo theater performer, and Mark Izu, composer/musician and co-founder of the Asian American Jazz Festival. They propose to develop an archive to preserve the work they've created over the past 25+ years, and to build more staff capacity. This project represents a significant issue facing many organizations of color which are 25 to 35 years old, which is about legacy and succession. It also raises the issues of who contributes to the history of art making, and how do artists of color become creators, contributors and power brokers.
Queer Cultural Center seeks funding for a strategic planning process to cultivate that next generation of leadership, as well as to strengthen the services provided in their incubator program. QCC has had incredible impact to nurturing LGBT artists and growing LGBT arts organizations. They currently have 10-12 fiscally sponsored groups, such as Queer Women of Color Media Project, Fresh Meat, and Radar Productions, which has partnered with WritersCorps.
In regards to QCC's eligibility, Community Arts and Education Program Director Judy Nemzoff commented that through an agreement with the previous CEG Program Director, the virtual centers have been able to apply to Cultural Equity Grants, as long as funding from different programs is not for the same project. These Centers are also participating grantees of Grants for the Arts. The challenge for the Arts Commission is to recognize the Centers' position and to try to be fair about their receiving of funds by reflecting that in future grant guidelines.
Commissioner Cuellar asked if the grantees are private nonprofits. Ms. Wong confirmed that they are all nonprofits.
Commissioner Young made the following motion:
Motion to approve recommendations to award three grants totaling $300,000 in the 2007-2008 cycle of Cultural Equity Initiatives-Level Two grants to the following organizations:
Aunt Lute Books, $100,000
First Voice, $100,000
Queer Cultural Center, $100,000
Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Wong gave a brief description of the Creative Space Grants. She reviewed the recommendations for 2007-2008 Creative Space Grants, stating the names of the organizations and what each is applying for. The proposed projects run the gamut on safety, comfort of the audience (like ventilation), and creating presentation or exhibition spaces.
Commissioner Young inquired about San Francisco Performing Arts Library and Museum's (“SFPALM”) request. Ms. Wong replied that last year they requested funding for an elevated stage. This year their proposal is for movable walls to create an exhibition space. Commissioner Young asked about their location at the War Memorial building and the duration there. Ms. Wong replied that SFPALM has a five-year lease, so would like to increase the multi-functionality of the space, visibility and audience numbers through programming.
Commissioner Melania made the following motion:
Motion to approve recommendations to award eight grants totaling $139,369 in the 2007-2008 cycle of Creative Space Grants to the following organizations:
ArtHouse/California Lawyers for the Arts, $20,000
EXIT Theatre, $20,000
Kulintang Arts, Inc., $20,000
New Langton Arts, $20,000
Ruby's Clay Studio and Gallery, $16,025
San Francisco Mime Troupe, $18,344
San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum, $10,000
SEW Productions Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, $15,000
The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Wong explained that Cultural Equity Grants is building the grant panelists pool for the Arts and Communities initiative and further out. She provided some background information for each individual under consideration. Commission Young asked if potential panelists must live in San Francisco. Ms. Wong responded that they do not, and that nonresidents are particularly helpful in situations where there might be conflict of interest with applicants. In general, panels are balanced with San Francisco-based panelists who have knowledge of the City, and non-San Francisco residents, but all have experience and expertise.
Commissioner Melania made the following motion:
Motion to approve the following individuals as grants application review panelists for Cultural Equity Grants:
Jeff Chang-Writer, Journalist; Author of Can't Stop Won't Stop and Total Chaos: The Art & Aesthetics of Hip-Hip
Dana Curran-Co-Founder and Executive Director, World Savvy
Jakada Imani-Executive Director, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights; Campaign Director, Books Not Bars
Sylvia Sherman-Development Director, La Peña Cultural Center
Judith Smith-Artistic Director, AXIS Dance Company
Maria Su-Deputy Director, Department of Children, Youth and Their Families; formerly, Executive Director, Vietnamese Youth Development Center
The motion passed unanimously.
- Community Arts and Education Program Director Report
Ms. Nemzoff provided an overview of the supplemental information distributed to the Commissioners. She said that the November meeting is calendared for a Commission review of the cultural centers' final reports with an opportunity for recommendation on changes or new guidelines. The December meeting discussion will be about next steps for the Native American Cultural Center funding allocation. The public will be invited to share their thoughts.
The Arts Commission has been working with The M-Line, a design and marketing firm, to support expanded outreach and marketing for the Arts Commission. The M-Line provided design work and press relations for the October 1 Mayor's Art Award event. Ms. Nemzoff explained that the following motion is to extend the contract with The M-Line which includes a public relations component through remainder of the fiscal year.
Commissioner Draisin made the following motion:
Motion to increase the contract to The M-Line from $49,000 to $89,000 to expand marketing and public relations scope of work.
The motion passed unanimously.
- WritersCorps
Ms. Nemzoff said the WritersCorps season starts October 10, with five new teachers and two returning teachers. Commissioners will meet the new staff at the November full Commission meeting. Two new sites joined WritersCorps this year: Sanchez Elementary and Malcolm X Academy.
- Arts Education Report
Ms. Nemzoff said in place of the Americans for the Arts education posters reviewed at last month's meeting the Decaux kiosks will be filled with a newly designed poster celebrating Ruth Asawa, the Mayor's Art Award, and National Humanities Month. They are expected to be on the street on October 16, 2007.
- Cultural Center Report
Ms. Nemzoff provided background information prior to the presentation by representatives of the Bayview Opera House (“BVOH”). She reminded Commissioners that BVOH was granted a percentage of their funding for only 120 days because the Commission and staff were concerned with the organizational capacity after a difficult year with lots of transition. In these 120 days, BVOH was to address leadership transition on the staff and board, review their current budget and finances, and provide a plan for next steps within the organization. Specifically, BVOH had to address executive leadership, financial oversight, and increased programming.
Mr. Vernon Grigg III, the interim executive director at BVOH and president of the board of directors, made a presentation.
Mr. Grigg introduced members of the Board: Mr. Felipe Paris, Ms.Willie Kennedy, Mr. Ranon Ross, and Mr. Patrick Goggin; and members of the community: Mr. Scott Madison, Ms. Heidi Hardin, and Ms. Antoinette Mobley.
Mr. Grigg stated that redirecting the organization to health was a challenge as there was no real transition. He brought board and staff together to insure the mandate of being open and engaged with the community. He believes that through this transition they have maintained successful programs at BVOH but plan on holding community meetings to hear what kind of programming the community wants and needs.
He said the board members present reflected an ongoing commitment to the organization. They recognize that their first priority is to put an organizational infrastructure in place that can deliver programming. They also want to build credibility in the streets and demonstrate that exciting things are happening at BVOH.
The board will work with consultant Omowale Satterwhite for strategic planning. They said BVOH has an image problem. The wall around BVOH, the door on the east side, and the closed windows say BVOH is neither open nor available. Painting the building, landscaping with SWA, opening up the gates on Third Street, adding a message board, and switching the entrance door to the Newcomb Street side will all help send a new message.
Staff has received complaints about the state of the physical building and has worked hard to clean the site and make it more welcoming.
Mr. Grigg said that everything in last 100 days has happened under a severe cash flow crunch with many liabilities to address. The board made a commitment to make payroll, maintain insurance coverage, and continue core operations and classes. Mr. Grigg believes more people have walked through the doors in the past 100 days than in the past four years, largely due to the addition of the Brown Bombers program that brings in 60 girls and five instructors three times a week.
Mr. Grigg said that the heartbeat of BVOH is strong, and that staff and the board are committed. He said BVOH needs SFAC funding to move the organization to the next level. A financial audit will make the financial status clear and transparent, a critical part of moving forward.
Commissioner Cuellar invited members of the audience to comment.
Ms. Willie B. Kennedy stated that at first it seemed unfair to fund the organization for only 120 days, but she said there is now a rejuvenated board. She said there is a great need for positive programs for young people in the Bayview and the board wants to fill that need. She thanked staff for the new determination to make BVOH an organization that the community can be proud of.
Ms. Antoinette Mobley said she attended all three weekends of the African Market Place and believes good things are about to happen. She asked the Commission to extend funding and support change. She said she sees the transformation beginning.
Mr. Patrick Goggin said he is the longest-standing board member. His term was supposed to end on June 30, 2007, but he wanted to see this transition through. He said Mr. Grigg has led the charge, calling on the board to roll up their sleeves. He hasn't seen as much energy at the organization as there is today. He urged granting the additional funds to continue the progress they've made as they search for a permanent director.
Mr. Felipe Paris said the process of transition began a year ago in October when the board went through a board training, and they realized they were out of touch with the community. The board leadership has completely changed and new board members are joining. He believes the rejuvenated board will make the organization more responsive to the Commission and the community.
Mr. Ranon Ross, chair of the program committee, said the character of the board and staff is unprecedented. There will soon be three lawyers on the board. He is committed to make sure BVOH becomes a viable and safe place for the youth of the community.
Scott Madison was a founding member of original board at BVOH. He commended those who stayed on the board. He made the following recommendations to SFAC. He said SFAC should require the BVOH board to become more transparent, to form an advisory committee, to acknowledge and disclose the condition of the organization and to explain past management and board oversight that led to the state of the organization, to require a financial audit and to publish the results. He hoped SFAC would impress on the board the importance of working with the community. He also said there has been a lack of programming for a long time.
Ms. Heidi Hardin said she taught at BVOH for 15 years and served twice as the interim director. She talked about the importance of the Children's Mural Program, which has served over 5,000 young people. Currently, her program only has a verbal commitment for six months in 2008. She said she is still owed over $5,000 for last year's programs. She urged the Commission to fund the board contingent upon written commitment to the Children's Mural Program.
Commissioner Melania said that it is wonderful that work on the facility is happening, but wondered what is happening internally and how many people are served.
Mr. Grigg provided the following information on participants: Junior Acting has seven-up from two, Brown Bombers Dance has 67 children, 11 student demonstrators, and 19 staff, and acting has 12.
Commissioner Cuellar said that projects like the landscaping, global films, and other rentals are funded externally, with the exception of the classes. He wondered what else is going on and how are funds being allocated.
Commissioner Young said she appreciated that the board took the time to come today and understands the challenges of communities of color. She asked for next steps. She worried that if the remaining funding is provided without benchmarks, the organization will try to run to run before learning to walk.
Mr. Grigg responded that there is that tension between producing results within 120 days and doing the job right, and that's why they're asking for a vote of confidence. Otherwise, he said, they're chasing crumbs.
Commissioner Young said the Commission doesn't want them to fall into more pitfalls.
Mr. Grigg stated that the midyear report will be a benchmark and he would agree to a routine check-in with the Commission.
Commissioner Melania asked to continue this discussion at a special meeting. Commissioner Young agreed. She wanted to know the plan for programming and organizational structure.
Commissioner Cuellar said as a resident of the 94124 Zip code, he sees how little programming BVOH has generated for the community, especially for youth. The 2006-2007 final report states that only 105 people were served, which was repeated year after year. He didn't see or hear anything today that gives him confidence.
Mr. Grigg stated that the final report was based on programming before the transition, and that day has passed. He asked what could prove meaningful change is occurring, saying change doesn't happen overnight.
Commission Cuellar said he would like to see a fiscal audit. He thought that was the primary goal for the 120 days for which the Center had been funded and he reminded the board that they are responsible for the previous debt. He said he still didn't see a plan. He added that the cornerstone of the change is based on work accomplished by SFAC and DPW staff. He asked what else is happening and said he sees this as an emergency situation.
Mr. Grigg explained the challenge of cash flow. He said the organization couldn't pay for an audit and pay insurance because of the reimbursement process. He added that it has been a badge of pride that they kept the programs going.
Mr. Ross asked that if their presentation is not indicative of positive change, what would prove it? He added that the Commission could have ended it 120 days ago.
Nancy Gonchar, Interim Director of Cultural Affairs, stated that the Commissioners had to determine whether this is the organization they want to go forward with. She asked the Commission to either craft a motion with stipulations that they felt comfortable with or deny funding and consider what organization would keep the building operating.
Ms. Nemzoff said that no specific benchmarks or expected outcomes were explained with the initial resolution for funding except that BVOH was to address leadership, organizational and board restructuring, and provide financial clarity and oversight. Some of this had been addressed in today's presentation.
Commissioner Melania said that her experience working at Bret Harte Middle School, where a number of youth participated, convinces her that BVOH isn't adequately reaching the community.
Mr. Grigg said that schools are perceived to be more physically secure, and that BVOH has a security problem to address in order to attract programs and audience.
Due to the time constraints of the meeting and the need for ongoing discussion, Ms. Nemzoff suggested extending the motion for another 30 days to allow the BVOH board time to work with staff to reach benchmarks that would warrant funding through the remainder of the fiscal year.
The recommendation was stated as a motion by Commissioner Cuellar and moved by Commissioner Melania.
Motion to provide Bayview Opera House, Inc. with a 30-day extension to work with staff to reach benchmarks that would warrant funding through the remainder of the fiscal year.
The motion passed unanimously.
- Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Report
In the interest of time, this report was postponed until next month's meeting.
- New Business
There was no new business.
- Adjournment
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
11/6/07 RT
