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Meeting Information



Community_Arts_and_Education_Committee

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 

COMMUNITY ARTS, EDUCATION, and GRANTS COMMITTEE
December 9, 2008
4:30 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
San Francisco


Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m.

Commissioners Present: Maya Draisin, Sherri Young, John Calloway, Ninive Calegari

Staff Present: Director of Cultural Affairs Luis R. Cancel, Community Arts and Education Program Director Judy Nemzoff, Cultural Equity Grants Program Director San San Wong, Cultural Equity Grants Program Associate Ebony McKinney, Cultural Equity Grants Program Associate Lucy K. Lin, Cultural Equity Grants Program Associate Weston Teruya, Cultural Equity Program Intern Corinne Matesich

 

  1. Cultural Equity Grants Program Director's Report
    Mr. Cancel reported that the City's budget was highly fluid and has gone from bad to worse. The Mayor's original budget gap was about $90 million, and at the time of the meeting, it had increased to $125 million. Unfortunately, the agency's portion of the cut was $85,000. Arts Commission staff has had extensive conversations with the Mayor's Office about how to meet that objective. Originally, the agency was going to take the full cut from the grants program, but the Mayor pushed to address the budget cut through non-grant areas. The agency assessed the cut and has been able to meet the target without having to take it completely from the Cultural Equity Grants ("CEG") Program funding. The resolution is good news for this round of grantees. Mr. Cancel described the budget deficit as a moving target, and he expects another mid-year cut, probably announced in January. For the time being, the goal is to not take further cuts out of CEG funding.

    Ms Wong asked whether, although the amount of additional cuts in January 2009 is not known at this point, the agency should be making plans for potential cuts in the future.

    Mr. Cancel said that if we take one thing off the table we have to get it from somewhere else. For this cut that particular target has been satisfied, but that may not be the case in the future.

    Commissioner Draisin asked if planning for future cuts with the proposed reductions will help.

    Mr. Cancel answered yes, it helps, but to a degree it is also a pessimistic approach.

    Ms. Wong explained that CEG was asked in a full Commission meeting to report on the impact of the proposed cuts given the rolling grant deadlines. She will need to plan for those grants categories remaining in the 2008-2009 grant cycle in case more cuts come up in the future. For instance, she said, the Native American Arts & Cultural Traditions Grant should not shoulder the entirety of the cuts.

    Mr. Cancel said the agency has gone through what is there, and have gone deep. He directed a question to the audience, posing a future situation of immediate staff reductions or grant funding cuts.

    Commissioner Draisin reminded Mr. Cancel that some audience members were not at the previous full Commission meeting and therefore do not have the full context. She requested Mr. Cancel to give an overview of the agency's funding sources.

    In response, Mr. Cancel spoke to the diversity of funding sources-including bond issues and percent-for-art, especially with Public Art Program. The funding from the percent-for-art is immune. The portion of Hotel Tax funding the Arts Commission receives is targeted and earmarked and therefore very little is discretionary. By law the City has to have a balanced budget. Only about 1.2-1.4% of the City's budget is discretionary and the rest is mandated. The cuts have to take place within that small percentage. So any positions or grants funded by the General Fund are vulnerable.

    Commissioner Draisin recalled at the last Commission meeting, the decision was made to move forward with cuts because the Commission wanted to plan ahead and the three larger grants could take the cut. Since there has been a reassessment, she expressed the desire to continue with the currently proposed cuts to grants in order to prevent cuts at a later date from grants that would suffer more from cumulative cuts.

    Ms. Wong distributed a document that detailed the originally proposed cuts to CEG. She explained that the strategy was to make small cuts across several grants to spread out the financial impact rather than reducing the number of grantees. The largest cut in grant amounts was in the Cultural Equity Initiative-Level 2 ("CEI-L2") grants which are for multi-year initiatives. Ms. Wong reduced each of the CEI-L2 grants by $7,000 for a total of $21,000. In the Creative Space ("CRSP") grant category, there was no proposed cut because Ms. Wong felt that the proposed projects were primarily concerned with safety and fire code compliance. Additionally, it was felt that as the country moves deeper into a recession, the need for spaces available at low and affordable rates becomes even more important. It was proposed that no cuts be taken from the Individual Artist Commissions ("IAC") category. The grant amounts are already fairly small and individual artists have very little room in their project-based budgets to cut. The Arts & Communities: Innovative Partnerships ("ACIP") grants are funded from General Fund monies. The Realization grants are the second largest grants CEG makes and it was determined that projects could be carried out even with a slight cut. Ms. Wong explained that cuts would be made in both the Exploration and the Realization grants.

    Upcoming grant deadlines which were potentially vulnerable to late budget cuts included Cultural Equity Initiative-Level 1 ("CEI-L1") grants, for which Ms. Wong determined that $20,000 could be cut. Organization Project Grants ("OPG") is the biggest grant category, with a proposed cut of $21,000. The last category in the grant cycle is the Native American Arts & Cultural Traditions grants. There is no cut proposed for this category because it is a new initiative and a partnership with the Community Arts & Education program. Additionally, she argued that these should not be cut because they already represent smaller grant amounts than the corresponding grant categories in the "mainstream" grant programs. This is a category for which staff and Commissioners have already had strong community feedback. In summary, this proposal means that there are four grant categories potentially impacted by cuts: CEI-L2, CEI-L1, ACIP and OPG.

    The Commissioners and CEG staff had a brief discussion about the number of grantees and average grant amounts in each of the various grant categories.

    Ms. Wong reminded Commissioners that more information about the City's budget may be available at the Executive Committee meeting on December 22nd.

    Mr. Cancel reminded Commissioners that the next year's budget gap was currently projected at $575 million. The discussion at the Executive Committee will center on major organizational restructuring and staff reductions; the question is how to give the same level of service with a smaller staff. Staff currently has no idea what the specific cut to the agency will be, but it will be significant. It is also possible that the deficit may grow to $600-650 million by May, 2009. Mr. Cancel said that will be devastating for the City.

    Commissioner Young noted that the feedback from the Mayor suggests that grants should not be cut. But from the Committee's current discussion, it seems that if cuts are not made now, there may be a greater impact in the future. Commissioner Young asked if the Mayor had advised how to plan for those future cuts.

    Mr. Cancel said that the Mayor's Office advised not to cut grants. But this round of cuts only runs a few more weeks, after which another round of cuts may be required with its own set of rules. The Commission was able to meet budget targets by taking funds from non-grant categories this time. He thought that by the next Commission meeting, there may be more clarification or more money could be put back in the budget. But the agency may also have a new round of cuts.

    There was a brief discussion led by Commissioner Calegari about whether cuts made now could be restored if further reductions are not needed. Mr. Cancel said that the grant amounts could be modified.

    Ms. Wong noted that the course is not fully clear, but that staff will do their best to provide Commissioners on this Committee with the necessary information because the full Commission turns to this Committee for direction on these matters. Ms. Wong expressed concern that if the Committee does not plan for cuts now, it will impact grants at the end of the cycle.

    Commissioner Calegari agreed that the impact of any cuts would be devastating to the Native American Arts & Cultural Traditions grant because the awards are for such a small amount.

    Mr. Cancel reminded the Committee that financial indicators have continued to go down and have not leveled off. He thought it would be prudent to take a conservative approach and plan for there not being a turnaround any time soon.

    Commissioner Draisin noted that this approach allows the Arts Commission to create a strategy rather than reacting moment-by-moment.

    Ms. Wong agreed, adding that this allows the Commission to make sure there is a rationale for where the cuts will be made. Ms. Wong reminded the Committee that there is a motion on the table, but with more information that motion can be modified.

    Commissioner Draisin added that, similar to the previous month's meeting, the Committee can vote at this point and make any necessary adjustments at the full Commission meeting.

    Commissioner Calegari asked for clarification on where the $85,000 came from to restore the cuts.

    Mr. Cancel answered that it came from various sources.

    Ms. Wong introduced the motion with recommendations for the Arts & Communities: Innovative Partnerships grants, and noted that some of the artists and organizations were in attendance for presentations.

    Ms. McKinney introduced the presenters by noting that CEG and the Commission believe in an active role in the community for the arts. The presenters show examples of projects whose impact will be sustained and have an authentic community voice.

    Rupa Marya introduced herself as a physician at the University of California, San Francisco, and a musician with a group called the April Fishes. She explained that she proposed a multidisciplinary arts project that helps physicians, lawyers and advocates to get the word out about free and safe health care for undocumented immigrants and how they can access it safely with legal support. The project includes a performance of music based on the experiences of undocumented immigrants presented through the San Francisco International Arts Festival and the dissemination of bilingual information on health services.

    Raymond Romprey and Ana Maria Murillo spoke for H.O.M.E.Y. Mr. Romprey explained that he is an ex-gang member but is now a youth advocate because of H.O.M.E.Y.'s work. He explained that they work with youth impacted by violence in the community and through this project want to bring consciousness about the green movement to their community. They look at the lowrider as a symbol of peace, so want to bring both sides in gang territorial battles together to work on a project that will create jobs and help them prepare for employment in green industries. They look at cars as moving pieces of art that can help put a stop to the violence plaguing the community. He noted that if an opportunity like this had been there earlier he probably could have avoided going to prison.

    Ms. Murillo thanked the Committee. She explained that H.O.M.E.Y. is a ten-year-old grassroots organization. She also noted that having a planning grant is unheard of. The process behind designing the lowriders will be similar to the process for the mural at 24th and Capp Streets. Youth will have workshops to develop designs and will also do research into biodiesel conversion. H.O.M.E.Y. already has a partnership with an auto mechanic and garage which will help with that work.

    Ross Cunningham spoke for Seventh Native American Generation ("SNAG"), which produces SNAG magazine. Mr. Cunningham explained that they were one of the organizations who came in through the last round of Native American Arts & Cultural Traditions grants. This project partners SNAG with PODER, an organizing group in the Mission District with whom they have worked with in the past. The youth from the two programs will teach one another. SNAG youth have learned layout, audio production and silkscreening and will teach those skills to the PODER youth. PODER's youth will in turn teach SNAG youth community organizing skills. In response to questions, Mr. Cunningham also mentioned the SNAG website and the mobile media lab which works with youth on reservations.

    Kathryn Reuter presented for Chinatown Community Development Center ("CDC"). Ms. Reuter started with some samples of mural work by the muralist selected for their project, Johanna Poethig. Chinatown CDC and their partner, the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, have been involved in the history of activism around the original International Hotel and its rebuilding. She explained that this project is a perfect opportunity to not only provide housing but also to remember that history. Chinatown CDC received a planning grant which allowed them to move to the next phase. Bilingual focus groups talked about what images they'd like to see passed to newer generations, particularly since gentrification and housing issues continue to be so pressing. Ms. Reuter described Johanna Poethig as a strong local artist, who is Filipina, speaks Tagalog and can translate the community voice into the mural. In August, Chinatown CDC will unveil the mural at the anniversary of the original evictions.

    Commissioner Calloway made the following motion:
    Motion to approve recommendations to award fifteen grants totaling $327,515 in the 2008-2009 cycle of Arts & Communities: Innovative Partnerships grants to the following organizations and individual artists, and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with each for the amounts listed:

    Brava Theater Center/Brava! For Women in the Arts, $31,000
    Chinatown Community Development Center, $27,000
    Croatian American Cultural Center, $27,000
    Eth-Noh-Tec, $8,510
    Flyaway Productions, $32,100
    Galería de la Raza, $31,000
    Genryu Arts, $8,050
    H.O.M.E.Y., $8,145
    Imagine Bus Project, $8,510
    Kularts, $9,450
    Mary Jean Robertson, $9,450
    OutLook Theater Project, $32,100
    Paul Flores, $32,100
    Rupa Marya, $31,000
    Seventh Native American Generation, $32,100
    The motion passed unanimously.

  2. Community Arts & Education Director's Report
    Ms. Nemzoff reported that Bayview Opera House's director, who was scheduled to appear to present their final report for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, was unavailable due to a required court appearance today. The report has been rescheduled for the Committee's January, 2009 meeting. At that time, Commissioners will be able to meet the new managing director, Ms. Kristi Black. Ms. Nemzoff explained that Ms. Black comes to her new position with a strong background in finance, administration, and programming. Her most recent position has been program manager at the African American Art and Culture Complex.

    Ms. Nemzoff introduced Pam Wu and Vinay Patel with Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center ("APICC") to discuss the 2007-2008 final report and review goals and benchmarks for progress reports regarding organizational plans that had been discussed in previous Committee meetings.

    Ms. Nemzoff summarized key goals that APICC articulated for 2007-2008, which included building community, producing the annual festival, offering technical assistance, expanding on non-festival programs, and creating a long-range plan. Ms. Nemzoff said she wanted more details, as she has from all the Centers, and has been asking for the reports to accurately reflect what the organization has achieved and what the challenges are. For APICC, Ms. Nemzoff reported that key information was missing regarding identifying specific people and organizations mentored through the technical assistance program, what the organization's plan for leadership transition and board development was, and what were examples of year-round programming.

    Mr. Patel said he served on APICC's board for ten years and that beginning January 1, 2009, he will serve as the interim executive director. He said he sees this as an opportunity to reposition the organization and recruit new board members.

    Mr. Cancel asked how many active board members the organization had. Mr. Patel said there are four active members; the bylaws require three. Mr. Cancel offered to have a discussion with Mr. Patel about board recruitment.

    Commissioner Young asked about Mr. Patel's qualifications for the position. Mr. Patel said he was selected because of his experience running another Asian American arts organization and because of his involvement in the arts community. He sat on the Arts Task Force and helped organize a state-wide API artist network. In his new role he wants to address needs other Asian Pacific American ("APA") arts organizations have expressed.

    Commissioner Young asked for more information. Ms. Wu said that APA arts organizations are restructuring and APICC wants to serve a leadership role to them and help with marketing.

    Ms. Nemzoff explained that APICC formed as a coalition of APA arts organization and a core group of APA arts organizations present work in APICC's annual festival.

    Ms. Nemozoff referred to the long-range plan and noted that Ms. Wu has been transitioning out of the organization for a year and a half. Ms. Wu said she will be around this year to help with the festival, but she wants to move into another role. Mr. Cancel asked if she would stay on the board. Ms. Wu said yes.

    Mr. Cancel acknowledged the strong exhibitions that APICC presented in the 2007-2008 fiscal year as part of their programming.

    Ms. Wu said that in 2007-2008 APICC presented its first Middle Eastern/West Asian show, which included a successful panel in conjunction with the SFAC Gallery. She added that APICC did some non-festival programming, which included a Mongolian art show at SomArts.

    Ms. Wu highlighted the catalogue produced for Flo Oy Wong's show, which received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. She said APICC has received national attention and has been doing advocacy work in Sacramento. She said Mr. Patel's experience with statewide networking and his involvement in local arts politics makes him a good candidate for APICC's leadership.

    Mr. Cancel asked for clarification of APICC's profit and loss statement. Ms. Wu said that APICC receives funds from Grants for the Arts and occasionally receives funds from the Cultural Equity Grant program. Ms. Nemzoff reminded Commissioners that APICC receives funding as a sub-grantee of SomArts, which helps explain the organizational budget. She also said that APICC has good financial oversight.

    Mr. Patel said that he will have two jobs: one at APICC and one at Asian Improv Arts, where he is working on building the administrative systems so that he can transition out of that role.

    Ms. Wu said that APICC has talked about merging, melding, and marrying other arts organizations for seven years, but needs support from funders and the Commission to explore the option more fully. Mr. Patel said other organizations have turned to APICC to lead these explorations and there have been a series of meetings, but he wants to proceed with caution. Ms. Wu said that because many of the APA arts organizations have been around for over 30 years, mergers can be complicated.

    Ms. Nemzoff said she'd like the 2009-2010 management and programming plan to include discussion of mergers, board development, and more details about the technical assistance and mentorship program.

    Mr. Cancel and Ms. Nemzoff made themselves available to support APICC through their leadership transition and board development. Commissioner Young and Calegari also offered some advice.

  3. Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Report
    There was no report.

  4. New Business
    Ms. Wong reviewed the upcoming schedule of deadlines and panels. There was a discussion about whether compressing the review and recommendation schedule would help reduce the risk of later-scheduled grant programs being cut in the next round of budget cuts. Mr. Cancel and the Commissioners did not believe that compressing the schedule would save the grants from being cut.

    Ms. Wong announced the soft launch of the Creative Capacity Fund, a new technical assistance program that is a first-time public partnership between the Arts Commission and Grants for the Arts, and is overseen by the Center for Cultural Innovation ("CCI"). The initiative has been under discussion since Ms. Wong's arrival in 2006, and in the last fiscal year, the Arts Commission made the grant to CCI. The first component is a scholarship program for professional development. Ms. Wong cited the timeliness of the initiative given the current fiscal crisis. She also discussed a meeting in which eighteen service providers were brought together to discuss the scholarship program. At the meeting, the participants discussed the potential to deepen thinking about knowledge sharing and to expand the kinds of classes being offered which could be built upon feedback from artists and arts organizations. In calendar year 2009, the initiative is structured as a pilot and targets the grantees of Cultural Equity Grants and GFTA: individual artists and organizations with budgets under $250,000. Ms. Wong also mentioned that another funder has already expressed interest in participating in the Fund.

    Mr. Cancel said that he applauded Ms. Wong for creating this great program.

    Ms. Nemzoff said that it is important that we push all Cultural Centers to have goals of excellence.

  5. Adjournment
    As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

1/2/09 RT