Agenda

Return

C. 48

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Monica Nino, County Administrator
Date:	August 2, 2022

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Referral to the Board of Supervisors’ Internal Operations Committee the Establishment of an Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 08/02/2022

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Lara DeLaney, (925) 655-2057

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: August 2, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

REFER 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.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact.

BACKGROUND:

On March 29, 2022, the County Board of Supervisors dissolved the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (also known as AC5) and directed County Administration staff to procure or establish a public-private partnership Arts Council for the county. (D.5)

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

The AC5 was established in 1994 to advise the Board of Supervisors in matters and issues relevant to arts and culture; to advance the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation, and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County; to preserve, celebrate, and share the arts and culture of the many diverse ethnic groups who live in Contra Costa County; to create partnerships with business and government; and to increase communications and understanding between all citizens through art. Most importantly, the mission of the Commission was to promote arts and culture as a vital element in the quality of life for all citizens of Contra Costa County.

While AC5’s work was instrumental in the development and support of numerous vital programs and initiatives over the years, the organizational structure was ultimately deemed not as constructive to the mission as a public-private partnership Arts Council could be.

County Administration staff is currently in the process of soliciting a consultant to assist with a robust and inclusive public engagement and arts/culture planning process. It is recommended that an Ad Hoc Arts Council Steering Committee be formed to help guide the public engagement process and provide input on efforts to procure or establish an Arts Council.

Specifically, the Ad Hoc Steering Committee’s role is to guide the arts and cultural planning process through an inclusive community engagement, provide input and collaboration with County staff and consultants on Arts Council procurement or establishment process; ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the process and outcomes, and listen to the community.

Staff recommends that the Ad Hoc Steering Committee be composed of up to 12 members who represent the geographic and demographic diversity of the county and include:

Former Contra Costa Arts & Culture Commissioners and Managing Directors
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
Black, Indigenous and People of Color

After its formation, the Ad Hoc Steering Committee will meet regularly with the consultant and County staff to receive reports on the public engagement and cultural planning progress and provide input and guidance. The Ad Hoc Steering Committee will be dissolved once an organization is established as the Arts Council for the county.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

The arts and cultural planning public engagement process and the procurement or establishment of an Arts Council for the County will not receive sufficient input and guidance from community arts leaders and stakeholders.