Meeting Information

Executive_Committee

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
4:30 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commission President P.J. Johnston called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.

1. Roll Call
   Commissioners Present
   P.J. Johnston
   Blanche Brown
   Maya Draisin
   Janice Mirikitani
   
   Commissioners Absent
   Ethel Pitts Walker
   
   Staff Present
   Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth
   Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar
   Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie
   
   
2. Discussion: Staff-initiated agency-wide goals.
   This item was postponed to a future meeting.
   
   
3. Discussion: Ideas and strategies for improving the visibility of the Arts Commission and its role in the life of San Francisco.
   Commission President Johnston explained that this question arose during the discussions last year of the possible merger with Grants for the Arts, bringing into focus the need for better communication with the public and government officials about the role, identity and activities of the Arts Commission. This was pursued in two meetings of the full Commission facilitated by consultant Nancy Feinstein.
   
   Commissioners discussed several possible tools of a marketing strategy, as well as how to hone the message the Commission communicates, emphasizing the Commission’s role in bringing the arts to the community and community to the arts.
   
   Commissioners discussed possibilities for funding any such initiatives, obtaining donated or pro bono services, partnering with other organizations, or working with interns on certain projects, as there is no longer any staff dedicated to public or media relations.
   
   One idea discussed was to publish a monthly calendar in some format which would list all of the current events made possible by the Commission, including Gallery shows, performances funded by Cultural Equity Grants, festivals funded by Community Arts and Education, WritersCorps readings, etc.
   
   Staff discussed some of the resources already in place, including mailing lists and press contact lists maintained by staff in various Arts Commission programs. Commissioners discussed ideas for leveraging existing relationships with artists, audiences and arts presenters to increase the Commission’s visibility, including perhaps an award or a public event. Commissioners agreed to continue the discussion at the next meeting.
   
   Finally, Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar and Commissioner Maya Draisin gave a brief update on the status of the online survey.
   
   

4. Adjournment
   There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

spr March 30, 2005

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/