MEETING OF THE FULL ARTS COMMISSION

Monday, June 7, 2021
2 p.m.
Remote Meeting via video and teleconferencing

Minutes 

Vice President Shiota called the meeting to order at 2:09 p.m.

1. Roll Call
   (0:32)
   
   Commissioners Present
   Janine Shiota, Vice President
   Yakuh Askew
   JD Beltran
   Charles Collins
   Suzanne Ferras
   Yiying Lu
   Linda Parker Pennington
   Abby Sadin Schnair
   Kimberlee Stryker
   Debra Walker
   Joel Koppel, ex officio
   
   Commissioners Absent:
   Roberto Ordeñana, President
   Nabiel Musleh (joined the meeting at 2:27 p.m.)
   Marcus Shelby (joined the meeting at 2:44 p.m.)
   Paul Woolford
   
   Staff Present:
   Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs
   Joanne Lee, Deputy Director of Programs
   Susan Pontious, Director of Public Art and Collections
   Alyssa Ventre, Commission Secretary
   
   Vice President Shiota announced the virtual meeting instructions.
   
   Commission Secretary Alyssa Ventre announced public comment instructions.
   
    
2. Approval of Minutes
   (6:27)
   Commissioner Beltran, seconded by Commissioner Parker Pennington moved to approve the May 3, 2021 minutes.
   
   Commissioner Beltran left the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
   
   Public Comment:
   Geoffrey Grier said that it’s critical that the city, state, nation and community rally behind the black arts movement and make sure it’s fully represented. He gave props to the Dream Keeper Initiative for getting this started since it’s absolutely critical since there is no history. He said it’s essential that these funds be distributed on annual basis since black history is world history.
   
   Patrick Simms, Executive Director of People in Plazas, which is a noon concert series. He explained that they provide free, live music concerns in downtown plazas and they are currently celebrating their 48^th year of the organization. He said the main objective to activate public space. He said he’s disappointed that they were not involved in Mayor’s revitalization of Downtown. He said that they’re available and would like to be a part of what’s going on. He said he’s speaking today to bring this to the Commission’s attention and provided his contact information.
   
   The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
   Ayes: Shiota, Askew, Collins, Ferras, Lu, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Stryker, Walker, Woolford
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-124: Motion to approve the May 3, 2021 minutes.
    
    
3. General Public Comment 
   (15:04)
   
   Commissioner Musleh joined the meeting at 2:27 p.m.
   
   Public Comment:
   Alma Robinson, Executive Director of California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA), thanked the commissioners and staff for their service. She explained CLA’s background and mission and said they are grateful to be a Special Grants grantee. She noted that they have been unsuccessful in seeking funding from the Cultural Equity Initiatives (CEI) program. She described the CEI grant process which includes the practice of allocating 100% of the requested funds to a relatively small number of applicants. She said that this is different from the ways funds are allocated in other local arts agencies where award funds are calculated as a percentage of the requested amount based on ranked scores. She said that CLA is requesting that the Arts Commission review their allocation procedure in order to see if a wider distribution can be designed to benefit more organizations that serve our diverse communities in a variety of ways. She continued to explain details relating to the Commission’s CEI funding procedures and suggested other funding strategies such as considering scaling awards based on the panel scores in order to distribute the funds more broadly.
    
4. Director’s Report
   (20:30)
   Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington reported the Mayor’s upcoming Downtown Activation efforts, gave an update on the Mayor’s budget proposal and the Arts Commission’s budget presentation.
   
   He also shared information on various events and appearances. He reported on Monumental Reckoning debuting on June 18. He shared that he participated in a City Parks Alliance panel called Rethinking Monuments and the Historic Narratives that Define Our Public Spaces broadcasting on June 17. He also said that on June 1, he took part in the Grand Lighting procession of the Pink Triangle. He recognized new public artwork at SFO Airport by Emily Fromm.
   
   Director Remington bid a fond and heartfelt farewell to Director of Public Art and Collection Susan Pontious upon her upcoming retirement at the end of June. He shared some of Ms. Pontious’ accomplishments in her time at the Arts Commission.
   
   Commissioners shared their thanks and well wishes to Ms. Pontious.
   
   Commissioner Shelby joined the meeting at 2:44 p.m.
   
   Ms. Pontious thanked Director Remington and commissioners for their kind words.
   
   Director Remington provided an update on the Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot Program which included a brief status update, an overview of the demographics of the artists served, an update about the program’s funding and shared the concerns the community has had about the process.
   
   Commissioners discussed details regarding the Guaranteed Income program.
   
   There was no public comment.
    
5. Committee Reports and Committee Matters
   (52:43)
   1. Executive Committee
      (52:48)
      
      Vice President Shiota briefly shared updates heard from Director Remington. She also noted that there were a number of action items relating to the Community Investments Program and an item regarding the agency’s racial equity work.
      
      There was no public comment.
       
   2. Civic Design Review Committee
      (54:54)
      
      Commissioner Stryker shared information about recent projects including the Treasure Island MTA Restroom project.
      
      There was no public comment.
       
   3. Community Investments Committee
      (1:01:00)
       
      1. The Dream Keeper Initiative
         
         Deputy Director Lee provided a brief overview relating to the proposed action items.
         
         Commissioners and staff discussed details of the initiative.
         
         Commissioner Parker Pennington, seconded by Commissioner Walker moved to approve the motions as presented.
         
         Public Comment:
         Geoffrey Grier said that he will hopefully be a Dream Keeper’s recipient. He said he’s concerned the Commission doesn’t understand the gravity of the ask. He said he hopes the Commission reviews the individual participants in the initiative and that the Commission look at the history to understand the critical nature of ask. He said he agreed with Commissioner Collins’ previous comment. He said that if he comes before Arts Commission and other funders, he needs to make a loud noise to be seen and heard. He said that in order to look at equity for all San Franciscans, that we must understand our history through stories of art. He suggested funding as quickly and efficiently as possible. He said that we’re in a crisis situation and people have been waiting a year to make something happen. He asked the Commission to act expeditiously.
         
         The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
         Ayes: Shiota, Askew, Collins, Ferras, Lu, Musleh, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Shelby, Stryker, Walker
         
         RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-125: Motion to approve the recommendation to award the Dream Keeper Initiative Theater Companies grant to the following organizations; and, to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements with each organization for amounts not to exceed the following at this time:
         
         Idris Ackamoor and Cultural Odyssey, $400,000
         San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company, $100,000
         African-American Shakespeare Company, $100,000
         
         RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-126: Motion to approve the recommendation to award the Dream Keeper Initiative Artists and Creatives Collaborative grant to the African American Art and Culture Complex; and, to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $500,000 at this time.  
         
         RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-127: Motion to approve the recommendation to award the Dream Keeper Initiative Mini-Grants to Artists and Arts Organizations grant to the African American Art and Culture Complex; and, to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $1,000,000 at this time.

 

2. Artistic Legacy Grant 
   
   Program Officer Debbie Ng provided a brief overview relating to the proposed action.
   
   Commissioner Walker shared thoughts regarding this award.
   
   Commissioner Stryker, seconded by Commissioner Parker Pennington moved to approve the motions as presented.
   
   There was no public comment.
   
   The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
   Ayes: Shiota, Askew, Collins, Ferras, Lu, Musleh, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Shelby, Stryker, Walker
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-128: Motion to approve the recommendation to award an Artistic Legacy Grant (ALG) to Anne Bluethenthal & Dancers; and, to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement for an amount not to exceed $40,000 at this time.
    
3. San Francisco Artist Grant 
   
   Deputy Director Lee provided a brief overview relating to the proposed action item.
   
   Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Shiota moved to approve the motions as presented.
   
   There was no public comment.
   
   The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
   Ayes: Shiota, Askew, Collins, Ferras, Lu, Musleh, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Shelby, Stryker, Walker
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-129: Motion to amend the San Francisco Artist Grants (SFA) to the following individual (authorized by Resolution No. 0503-21-100) and approve the revised legal name; and, to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreement for an amount not to exceed $20,000 at this time:
   
   John Thomas (DBA Pashofa Designs), $20,000
    
4. Cultural Center FY22 Grant Allocations 
   
   Deputy Director Lee provided a brief overview relating to the proposed action items.
   
   Commissioner Shelby, seconded by Commissioner Stryker moved to approve the motions as presented.
   
   There was no public comment.
   
   The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
   Ayes: Shiota, Askew, Collins, Ferras, Lu, Musleh, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Shelby, Stryker, Walker
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-130: Motion to rescind and reissue the increase and extension to the grant amount to the African American Art and Culture Complex (authorized by Resolution No. 0503-21-093) by $898,091 from $916,591; a total of $1,280,446 for the cultural center ($635,223 plus $645,223); a total of $286,500 to support activities at the cultural center from the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) (actual amount from DCYF in FY21 was $147,000 plus $139,500); a total of $247,736 to sub-grantee Queer Cultural Center (QCC) ($123,868 plus $123,868); and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a Grant Agreement not to exceed $1,814,682 ($916,591 plus $898,091) for fiscal year 2021-2022 at this time.
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-131: Motion to rescind and reissue the increase and extension to the grant amount to the Bayview Opera House Inc. (authorized by Resolution No 0503-21-094) by $398,452 from $388,452 and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $786,904 for fiscal year 2021-2022 at this time.
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-132: Motion to rescind and reissue the increase and extension to the grant amount to the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (authorized by Resolution No. 0503-21-095) and increase the grant amount by $637,408 from $627,408 and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $1,264,816 for fiscal year 2021-2022 at this time.
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-133: Motion to rescind and reissue the increase and extension to the grant amount to SOMArts (authorized by Resolution No. 0503-21-096) by $848,597 from $838,597; a total of $1,439,458 for the cultural center ($714,729 plus $724,729); a total of $247,736 to sub-grantee Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC) ($123,868 plus $123,868); and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $1,687,194 for fiscal year 2021-2022 at this time.
    
5. Special Project Grant

Deputy Director Lee provided a brief overview relating to the proposed action item.

Commissioner Schnair, seconded by Commissioner Stryker moved to approve the motion as presented.

There was no public comment.

The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Shiota, Askew, Collins, Ferras, Lu, Musleh, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Shelby, Stryker, Walker

RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-134: Motion to rescind and reissue the increase and extension to the grant amount to the American Indian Cultural Center (Fiscal Sponsor: Intersection for the Arts) (authorized by Resolution No. 0503-21-097) of $123,868 by $123,868 and to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into a grant agreement not to exceed $247,736 for fiscal year 2021-2022 at this time.
 

4. Visual Arts Committee
   (1:57:15)
   
   Commissioner Ferras highlighted projects reviewed at the May Visual Arts Committee including Walter Kitundus' work from the Alameda Creek Watershed project.
   
   Ms. Pontious provided additional details regarding the project.
   
   Public Comment:
   Patrick Simms stated that he has worked with grantees such as Anne Bluethenthal and Walter Kitundu. He said he is pleased to see his colleagues getting grants and public commissions and hopes to see more moving forward.
   
    

6. Consent Calendar
   (2:05:15)
   
   Vice President Shiota introduced the consent calendar items.
   
   Commissioner Ferras, seconded by Commissioner Stryker moved to approve the consent calendar items, as presented. 
   
   There was no public comment.
   
   The motion carried unanimously by the following vote:
   Ayes: Shiota, Askew, Collins, Ferras, Lu, Musleh, Parker Pennington, Schnair, Shelby, Stryker, Walker
   
   RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-135:
   Approval: RESOLVED, that this Commission does hereby adopt the following items on the Consent Calendar and their related Resolutions:

1. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-136: Motion to approve the Civic Design Committee Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2021
2. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-137: Motion to approve the Community Investments Committee Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2021 
3. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-138: Motion to approve the Executive Committee Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2021
4. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-139: Motion to approve the Visual Arts Committee Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2021
   
   Civic Design Committee Recommendations (May 17, 2021)
5. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-140: Motion to approve Phase 2 of the Herz Playground Recreation Center Project with the following contingency: to have lighting at the building signage which will also include the street address.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-141: Motion to approve Phase 3 of the Treasure Island MTA Restrooms Project: Stage 2 as presented.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-142: Motion to approve Phases 1 & 2 of the Sandy Tatum Learning Center Project with the following contingency: that the materials be the same or similar to that of the clubhouse for continuity.
   
   Executive Committee Recommendations (May 17, 2021)
8. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-143: Motion, pursuant to Charter Section 16.106(1), to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with the San Francisco Symphony to support free virtual programs, outdoor concerts, and live performances in Davies Symphony Hall when permitted under state and local public health orders during the Symphony’s 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons for an amount equal to the Controller’s calculation of the ad valorem tax for FY 2021-2022 and FY 2022-2023, currently estimated to be $7,539,346.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-144: Motion to amend the San Francisco Artist Grants (SFA) to the following individuals (authorized by Resolution No. 0503-21-100) and approve the revised legal names; and, to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into grant agreements for an amount not to exceed $20,000 at this time:

Éamon McGivern, $20,000
Kelly Falzone Inouye, $20,000
Joanne Kreiter, $20,000
Monica Magtoto, $20,000
Vanessa Sanchez, $20,000
Virginia Zolala-Tovar, $20,000

Visual Arts Committee Recommendations (May 19, 2021)

10. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-145: Motion to approve the temporary display of the Scattered Home banner project by artist Vida Kuang on the exterior fencing and windows of the Willie Woo Recreation Center in Chinatown from early June, 2021 through August 31, 2021, pending approval from the Recreation and Park Commission. The display consists of a single audio portrait banner sized 82” x 58” of an intergenerational single room occupancy tenant in Chinatown and includes a voicemail number with bi-lingual audio vignette of the person depicted.
11. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-146: Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into contract with ARG Conservation Services in the amount of $200,000 to perform as-needed fine art conservation maintenance services for miscellaneous artworks in the Civic Art Collection.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-147: Motion to approve Triple Dream Comics (Mel Hilario, Katie Longua, Lauren Davis), A.C. Esguerra, Vida Kuang and Kayan Cheung-Miaw, Deborah Lee, Frederick Noland, Tanna Tucker, and Gaia Weiss as finalists for the 2022 Art on Market Street Kiosk Posters Series, as recommended by the Artist Review Panel. 
13. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-148: Motion to approve the Construction Document Phase deliverables (Artwork Mock-up and Structural Engineering Drawings) by Paul Madonna for the SFO C3C Secure Connector Wall.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 0607-21-149: Motion to approve the Construction Document Phase deliverables (material sample) by Walter Kitundu (Kitundu Studio, LLC) for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center.
     

7. New Business and Announcements
   (2:08:20)
   
   Commissioner Shelby announced that the Healdsburg Jazz is holding its 23^rd summer festival June 17 – 20.
   
   Commissioner Shiota shared that she participated in a group photo project for the Bolinas Museum and an art book was recently published.
   
   Public Comment:
   Patrick Simms shared that he was glad he participated in the meeting. He shared information regarding People in Plazas beginning in July.
    
8. In Memoriam
   
   Vice President Shiota recognized individuals, artists, cultural leaders and philanthropists who have passed away this past year: Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Anna Halprin, Gregory Edward Jacobs, Lenn Keller, Susan Landauer, Dixie Lewis, Gertrud Parker, Anthony Veasna So, Helen Devore Waukazoo, William T. Wiley, Al Young.
   
   Commissioner Shelby asked to include Jeff Chambers, musician and bass player.
   
   There was no public comment.
    
9. Adjournment
   
   There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:32 p.m.
    

Posted 6/20/2021, 4p, adv
Approved 7/12/2021

Archives Available
A recording of this meeting will be available online after the meeting at the following address: https://sfgov.org/arts/audio-archive-8.

Language Accessibility

Translated written materials and interpretation services are available to you at no cost. For assistance, please notify Commission Secretary Alyssa Ventre, 415-252-2255, Alyssa.ventre@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 Alyssa Ventre, 415-252-2255, Alyssa.ventre@sfgov.org

Materiales traducidos y servicios de interpretación están disponibles para usted de manera gratuita. Para asistencia, notifique a Commission Secretary Alyssa Ventre, 415-252-2255, Alyssa.ventre@sfgov.org