October 7, 2013

MEETING OF THE FULL ARTS COMMISSION
Monday, October 7, 2013
3:00 p.m.
City Hall Room 416
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

Minutes
 

Commission President JD Beltran called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
 

1. Roll Call
   Commissioners Present
   JD Beltran, President
   Sherene Melania, Vice President
   Gregory Chew
   Charles Collins
   Simon Frankel
   Roberto Ordeñana
   Abby Sadin Schnair
   Marcus Shelby
   Janine Shiota
   Barbara Sklar
   Kimberlee Stryker

   Commissioners Absent
   Leo Chow
   Dorka Keehn
   Jessica Silverman
   Cass Calder Smith
   Gwyneth Borden, ex officio
    

2. Approval of Minutes
   This item was withdrawn.

   Public Comment:
   Paula Datesh said that she was getting better at public speaking. She referred to her comments at a prior meeting on the minutes of the Street Artists Committee of March, 2013. She said that a hearing was held and she was not notified, and her response did not appear in the minutes. She said that she spoke at the July meeting of the full Arts Commission and that minutes were not posted timely. She said that she was not there to lecture the Commission on Sunshine.
    

3. President’s Report
   President Beltran reported that strategic planning has been continuing, in meetings with the steering committee and with the work groups, and she has continued to meet with Mr. DeCaigny and Deputy Director Rebekah Krell. She reported that a survey of the general public will be sent out soon.

   Mr. DeCaigny added that questions for the survey are still being developed, and it will be translated into both Chinese and Spanish. The survey will be administered electronically and at four kiosks that will be set up at a variety of locations and events around the city over a period of several weeks. He added that staff is working with the Board of Supervisors to help insure broad distribution, with a target of 2,000 completed surveys. He promised to continue to update the Commission.

   President Beltran asked Commissioners to submit any community partners they thought should be included. She added that final results were expected in December, and Mr. DeCaigny added that he expected to bring the final draft to the full Commission for its approval in January.

   In response to questions, Mr. DeCaigny explained that there will be a strategic plan portal on the Arts Commission’s website, and the link to that site will be distributed to partner organizations so they can forward it directly to their mailing lists. He added that the Cultural Centers will also be involved in distributing the survey to the widest possible audience.

   President Beltran explained the nominations process and timeline, referring to the Commission’s bylaws. Commissioner Ordeñana thanked all of the Commissioners who had previously given feedback on the nominating process, and requested that any further nominations be submitted in advance of the Nominating Committee meeting.

   President Beltran introduced Civic Design Review Extern Matt Pearson, a design student at California College of the Arts.

   There was no public comment.
    

4. Director’s Report
   Mr. DeCaigny wished everyone a happy National Arts and Humanities Month, adding that the Americans for the Arts website hosts a portal linking to many national and local events for the month.

   Reminding the Commission about public comment in September on evictions of artists and other residents under the Ellis Act, he distributed a “frequently asked questions” document prepared by Public Information Officer Kate Patterson that identifies rights and City support for tenants, which will be made widely available. He pointed out that artists are not a protected class under the law, and he reviewed efforts undertaken with City partner agencies to identify resources and information for tenants and nonprofits.

   He and Commissioners discussed the efforts of the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors to address the issue of illegal Ellis Act evictions and rental affordability, including an upcoming hearing at the Board.

   In response to Commissioners’ questions, Mr. DeCaigny reported that the FAQ document will be posted on the Commission’s website and distributed through Cultural Centers and at grantee workshops. He added that the agency is working with the Actors’ Fund to publicize Covered California to help artists understand how to access affordable health care.

   Ms. Patterson encouraged Commissioners to subscribe to the Arts Commission’s e-newsletter and to follow the Commission’s Facebook page; both include links to the information above. She encouraged Commissioners to share the links with their own networks. She also answered questions about the Arts Commission’s mailing lists, and added that people generally need to hear a message many times before they act on it.

   Turning to Central Market, Mr. DeCaigny announced the issuance of a joint Request for Proposals with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (“OEWD”), with a deadline of Thursday, October 10. He explained that $200,000 from the Arts Commission was matched by OEWD; the goal is to help stabilize nonprofits in the Central Market area with capital investment.

   President Beltran added that the strategic planning process included conversation on affordability and how the Commission’s policies might address the issue. Mr. DeCaigny added that the matter would be discussed at the upcoming Community Arts, Education and Grants Committee meeting; one idea might be multi-year grantmaking.

   Mr. DeCaigny announced the Arts Providers Alliance annual resource fair on Wednesday, October 9, at the Asian Art Museum; this is an opportunity for teachers, principals and site coordinators to meet with arts providers to plan activities for the school year. He added that this is one of the agency’s most successful arts education programs.

   He showed slides from the recent 3rd on Third event, which had a packed audience. KALW recorded audio portraits which they are broadcasting; broadcast episodes are also available on the Arts Commission’s website. He added that the photo exhibit at Bayview Opera House is up through October 28.

   Finally, Mr. DeCaigny announced the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Coit Tower on October 8, with descendants of Lillie Coit’s family and the artists, among other dignitaries. He reported that full conservation work on the murals will begin in the spring after the necessary work on the building itself, and he thanked the Department of Recreation and Parks for help with the funding.
    

5. Consent Calendar
   Public Comment:
   Paula Datesh contested the minutes of the Street Artists Committee, and said she had sent an e-mail comment. She said that despite the City Attorney’s advice, she believed that if a person speaks for less than three minutes, the supporting documents are required to be posted, or a statement of 150 words or less. She said that the rules should remain consistent, and if one e-mail was posted and another was not, that was a problem.

   She reported that she had gone to the Arts Commission’s office, and the elevator was broken. She said she walked downstairs and saw a meeting on the lottery which she said was not posted and not available to the public, and this was a violation of the Sunshine Ordinance and the California Public Records Act.

   She said that she was not in the Street Artists Program, that Street Artists Program Director Howard Lazar filed a civil case on March 13, claiming that she was stalking him. She said that the case was closed for lack of service, and she appeared in court and explained there was no evidence. She said this was recorded on SFGTV in July, and there was no basis for the claim.

   She said that John Tunui has only been in the program for three months, and he is still harassing her, jumping out at her. She said that she is not near the street artists, and she is doing her own work and selling it illegally as many other artists are. She said that she is diabetic, and this is causing her blood sugar to spike. She said that his actions are malicious, she doesn’t know him, and he has sent her to the emergency room. She said that she has filed a police report. She said that he submitted a 108-page response, and she doesn’t know what he can say. She said that she has not retaliated, and wants to be left in peace to make a living.

   There was no further public comment.

   President Beltran called for a vote on the Consent Calendar, and it was approved as follows.

   RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-225:
   Approval: RESOLVED, that this Commission does hereby adopt the following items on the Consent Calendar and their related Resolutions:

   Approval of Committee Minutes

   1. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-226: Motion to approve the Street Artists Committee Meeting Minutes of September 11, 2013.
       
   2. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-227: Motion to approve the Visual Arts Committee Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2013.
       
      Street Artists Committee Recommendations (September 11, 2013)
   3. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-228: Motion to approve authorization of Program Director to request Board of Supervisors to re-designate for six (6) months two (2) street artist temporary selling spaces on Post Street, northwest corner, at Stockton Street for street artists certified by the Arts Commission, City and County of San Francisco.
       
   4. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-229: Motion to request Board of Supervisors to approve authorization of Program Director to re-designate one (1) selling space (“L-2”) on Leavenworth Street, west side, at Jefferson Street, for six (6) months for street artists certified by the Arts Commission, City and County of San Francisco; exempting said space from the regulations of Police Code Section 2405(c)(6) and (11) prohibiting selling within ten (10) feet from the outer edge of any entrance to any building and prohibiting selling within five (5) feet of the display of any other street artist.
       
   5. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-230: Motion to approve the above Lottery Committee recommendation of August 12, 2013 Lottery Committee meeting.
       
   6. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-231: Motion, as amended, to amend Arts Commission Resolution No. 0606-94-322 of June 4, 1996, which established a 15 work day time limit for issuance of a Street Artists Certificate following examination of wares (also known as a “screening”), in order to authorize the Street Artists Program Director, on behalf of the Executive Director of the Arts Commission (the “Director of Cultural Affairs”), to waive and extend the 15 work day time limit for up to 60 days from the date of the screening, upon an applicant’s written extension request based on an applicant’s illness, disability, financial hardship, or other circumstances unanticipated at the time of the screening that would interfere with the applicant’s ability to pay for, or use, the Street Artists Certificate within the standard time limit.

      Civic Design Review Committee Recommendations (September 16, 2013)

   7. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-232: Motion to approve Phase 1 of the Alameda Creek Watershed Center of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
       
   8. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-233: Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Moccasin Control and Server Building of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

      Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (September 18, 2013)

   9. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-234: Motion to approve the Conceptual Design Phase deliverables by Colette Crutcher and Aileen Barr for artwork for the Arelious Walker Stair Replacement Project.
       
   10. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-235: Motion to approve the revised Final Design deliverables, which include a brick-red color for the arch of the bell, for the artwork by Paul Kos for the Public Safety Building: Community Plaza.
        
   11. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-236: Motion to approve the selected finalists Kipp Kobayashi, John Pugh, Ron Moultrie Saunders, and T.W. Five, for the Southeast Community Facility Public Art Project.
        
   12. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-237: Motion to approve the revised Final Design deliverables, which includes a revision of the order and color of icons, for the artwork, Handsignals, by Rebar Art and Design Studio for the SOMA West McCoppin Hub Project.
        
   13. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-238: Motion to approve the Central Subway: Pagoda Theater Construction Barricade Temporary Art Project Outline for a program of temporary artwork on the construction barricade at the Pagoda Theater site associated with the construction of the Central Subway from approximately mid-2014 through 2017.
        
   14. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-239: Motion to approve the Conceptual Design Phase deliverables (rendering) by Kota Ezawa for the Central Subway: Chinatown Station Construction Barricade Temporary Art Project along Stockton Street to be on display for one year beginning in late 2013 or early 2014 (exact date to be determined).
        
   15. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-240: Motion to approve the Construction Document Phase deliverables (final design drawings) for an artwork by Eric Staller for the San Francisco International Airport: Boarding Area E, Children’s Area.
        
   16. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-241: Motion to approve the San Francisco International Airport: Terminal 3, East Project Outline.
        
   17. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-242: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Robert Minervini for the 2014-15 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist to develop and complete six unique poster designs for an amount not to exceed $8,000.
        
   18. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-243: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Ranu Mukherjee for the 2014-15 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist to develop and complete six unique poster designs for an amount not to exceed $8,000.
        
   19. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-244: Motion to approve the conceptual proposal by Anthony Discenza for the 2014-15 Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with the artist to develop and complete six (or more) unique poster designs for an amount not to exceed $8,000.

       Executive Committee Recommendations (September 23, 2013)

   20. RESOLUTION NO. 1007-13-245: Motion to approve the following individuals as grants application review panelists for Cultural Equity Grants:
       Sara Kraft, interdisciplinary artist, Founding Artistic Director, KraftyWork
       Joe Landini, Executive Director, SAFEhouse for the Performing Arts
       John-Carlos Perea, composer, musician, Assistant Professor, Department of American Indian Studies in College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University
       Sarah Wilson, composer, trumpeter and singer-songwriter
       Anne Taupier, Project Manager, Office of Economic and Workforce Development
        
6. Committee Reports and Committee Matters
   1. Executive Committee—JD Beltran, Chair
      1. President Beltran reported that the Committee conducted its performance review of the Director of Cultural Affairs, having solicited and received input from almost all of the Commissioners and almost all of the staff, through an anonymous online survey. She explained that the performance review, as a personnel matter, was held in closed session and would not be discussed in public. She added that his goals would be announced. Mr. DeCaigny explained the timeline, with performance goals and measures to be finalized in November. He thanked the Commission for their input and called it a wonderful honor to serve in his role.
          
   2. Civic Design Review Committee—Cass Calder Smith, Chair
      1. In the absence of Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Stryker reported that the Committee reviewed two projects: a Public Utilities Commission exhibition center in Sunol, a beautiful contemporary building with a landscape exemplifying the variety of biomes in the Alameda Creek watershed; and an upgrade to an existing power station, providing more efficiency and power, and higher security.

         In response to questions, Commissioner Stryker described the Sunol site, which includes an educational component. Mr. DeCaigny agreed that it made for a great day trip.
          

   3. Street Artists Committee—Gregory Chew, Chair
      1. Commissioner Chew reported that the Committee met on September 11. He gave an update on temporary selling spaces at Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Commissioner Shiota added that the Committee discussed what is a craft, and the question of curatorial oversight in the program. Mr. DeCaigny added that staff was consulting with the City Attorney on this question, and explained that program staff are making studio visits to confirm that the items are really handmade. He noted that there was a tension between the exercise of curatorial oversight and the artists’ right to freedom of expression, and that the community wants quality work.
          
   4. Visual Arts Committee—Barbara Sklar, Chair
      1. Commissioner Sklar reported that the Committee reviewed some very creative Market Street posters, and artwork for the Vermont Street stairs. She reported that the Committee requested better coordination on the mural approval process. She reported that Public Art Program Director Susan Pontious presented a year-end review of Public Art and Collections projects; Commissioner Sklar applauded the incredible staff doing incredible work on a huge number of projects, adding that it was a pleasure to serve on the Committee.

         Mr. DeCaigny suggested that Ms. Pontious present that review to the full Commission at its next meeting. In response to a question, he added that the agency’s annual report, in the form of fact sheets by supervisorial district, is in the final stages of proofing and would be available soon.
          

7. Review of Performance Goals for Director of Cultural Affairs
   Mr. DeCaigny reported that the Executive Committee assessed his performance last year and articulated goals for him, and the agency; he met with President Beltran and Commissioner Chow to discuss both the review and the goals. His first goal focused on streamlining accounting and financial functions and improving reporting; Commissioners commented that this area was enormously improved, with clear and transparent reports. Mr. DeCaigny acknowledged the efforts of Finance and Accounting Manager Kevin Quan and the accounting staff, and Ms. Krell.

   Other goals included strategic planning, strengthening communications and interdepartmental partnerships, establishing formal orientations for new Commissioners, streamlining and strengthening external communications, time management, and emergency preparedness.
    

8. Public Comment
   Ms. Datesh said that the Street Artists Program was extremely disorganized, that there was no enforcement, and that she has become a target. She said that Mr. Tunui was harassing her because of a personal vendetta. She said that raising the bar on screening is a good thing, but a waste of time without enforcement.

   There was no further public comment.

   President Beltran noted that she was glad to hear Commissioner Shiota’s comment on art and craft, adding that Committee discussions affect policy, and the strategic planning process is helping to clarify overall goals, vision and mission to guide the use of resources.
    

9. New Business and Announcements
   Mr. DeCaigny noted that the two new Commissioners were not part of the May Commission visioning discussion and he offered to sit down with them to discuss its results.

   President Beltran reported that Commissioner Shelby had participated in an exciting performance at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (“YBCA”), featuring an original score and dancers performing in the loading dock. She noted that Deborah Cullinan, YBCA’s new director, had previously served as director at Intersection for the Arts, an important resource for local arts and artists, and President Beltran was looking forward to her contributions in this new role.

   Commissioners announced the Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art (“SECA”) show mounted by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, featuring site-specific works by four emerging artists; four new galleries in the Potrero Flats district, including the Fused Space gallery curated by Commissioner Silverman; the groundbreaking for the renovation of the Strand Theater on Market Street, scheduled for completion in 2015; and the Bulgari show at the de Young Museum.
    

10. Adjournment
    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
     

    11/27/13 spr

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    Language Accessibility

    Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost. For assistance, please notify Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.

    我們將為閣下提供免費的書面翻譯資料和口譯服務。如需協助，Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.

    Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie, 415-252-2591, sharon.page_ritchie@sfgov.org.