Agenda

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INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Meeting Date:	11/21/2022
Subject: Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee Formation
Submitted For:	Monica Nino, County Administrator
Department:	County Administrator
Referral No.:	IOC 22/12
Referral Name:	Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee Formation
Presenter:	Lara DeLaney, Sr. Deputy CAO	Contact:	Lara DeLaney 925-655-2057

Information

Referral History:

On August 2, 2022, the Board of Supervisors referred to the Internal Operations Committee the establishment of an Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee to guide an arts and cultural planning public engagement process and the procurement or establishment of an Arts Council for the county. On September 12, 2022, the Internal Operations Committee supported the establishment of a seven-member Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee and directed staff to commence an
application period for applicants to the Committee.

On September 20, 2022, the Board of Supervisors voted to establish the Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee and approved its mission and committee composition. The mission of the Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee is to guide the County's arts and cultural planning efforts through an inclusive community engagement process; provide input and collaboration with County staff and the consultant on the Arts Council procurement or establishment process; ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the process and outcomes; and listen to the community.

The Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee will consist of up to seven members, who will represent the geographic and demographic diversity of the county and include representatives from the following:

Former Contra Costa Arts & Culture Commissioners and/or Managing Directors
Representatives of County departments with interest in arts and culture
Members of local arts and culture commissions/committees/foundations
Artists and representatives of local arts and culture organizations
Municipalities and Chambers of Commerce leaders
School District Representatives and leaders of education
Members of the LGBTQ+ community
Black, Indigenous and People of Color

Referral Update:

On September 20, 2022, staff issued a Press Release (in English and Spanish) and distributed it along with a recruitment flyer (in English and Spanish) to recruit for the seven (7) seats on the Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee. The Press Release and recruitment flyer were sent to local artists and arts and cultural organizations, through the communication networks and social media platforms maintained by the County Office of Communication and Media, via Board of Supervisors’ newsletters, and other relevant outreach mailing lists and social media platforms maintained by County staff. 13 applications were received in the County Administrator’s Office by initial deadline of October 11; one additional application had been submitted by not received in the CAO’s office. However, no applications were received from District III residents.

At the Internal Operations Committee meeting on October 17, 2022, the Committee directed staff to re-open the application period and conduct additional outreach, with particular emphasis on District III. The new deadline was established as November 11, 2022. Given the new deadline and outreach efforts, a total of 22 applications have been received. All applications received by the new deadline are included in Attachment A with redactions for emails, phone numbers, and original signatures.

A summary of the information provided by the applicants is included in Attachment B.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

1. CONSIDER applications received for the Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee as listed below, provided in Attachment A, and summarized in Attachment B.

District 1:
Najari Smith, Richmond

District 2:
Janet Berckefeldt, Lafayette
Marija Bleier, Danville
Leonardo Ding, Orinda
Christy Mack, Lafayette
Terri Tobey, Walnut Creek

District 3:
Germaine McCoy, Brentwood
Sharon Mossman, Oakley

District 4:
Joan D’Onofrio, Concord
Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, Clayton
Tari Loring, Walnut Creek
Wyatt Mathews, Pleasant Hill
Alison McKee, Concord
John Nakanishi, Pleasant Hill

District 5:
Kristen Cumings, Pittsburg
John Meehan, Martinez
Ben Miyaji, Pittsburg
Charles Phalen, Martinez
Joel Roster, Martinez
Randall Wight, Martinez

Out of County:
Nilofar Gardezi
Margot Melcon, San Francisco

2. CONSIDER recommendations of the County's consultant Arts Orange County, as follows:

District 1 – Najari Smith
District 2 -- Terri Tobey (senior/LGBTQQ) and Leonardo Ding (youth)
District 3 – Germaine McCoy
District 4 – Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen
District 5 – Ben Miyaji and Joel Roster

Arts Orange County also commented that County Librarian Alison McKee and out-of-County applicants Nilofar Gardezi and Margot Melcon are also favorably considered but are anticipated to be engaged in the process even if not appointed.

3. DETERMINE recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for appointment to the Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

No fiscal impact from the nomination of individuals to serve on the Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee. Service on the committee is uncompensated.

Attachments
Attachment A – Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee Applications
Attachment B – Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee Applications Summary