DATE: October 13, 2016
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION APPROVING PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF OCTOBER 2016 AS “CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS MONTH” IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
National Arts and Humanities Month was launched by Americans for the Arts 30 years ago as National Arts Week in honor of the twentieth anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1993, it was reestablished by Americans for the Arts and national art partners as a month-long celebration with the goal of focusing on the arts at local, state, and national levels. Dedication to those goals has translated into large-scale celebrations across the country, reflecting the rich diversity of culture in America through art, music, cultural programming, and education, and making National Arts and Humanities Month the largest annual celebration for the arts and humanities in the nation today.
Celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month raises public awareness about the role of the arts in communities and people’s lives; it encourages individuals and organizations to participate in the arts and humanities, and allows governments and businesses to show their support of the arts. The District started its public art initiatives in the 1980s as a means of activating the waterfront’s parks and public spaces with innovative artworks. The proposed proclamation would be an acknowledgement of the District’s long-standing role in supporting and promoting the arts on tidelands for the enrichment of residents of San Diego and visitors to the region.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution approving a proclamation in recognition of October 2016 as “Celebration of the Arts Month” in support of National Arts and Humanities Month.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
“Celebration of the Arts Month” activities will be funded by the District’s Office of Arts and Culture from its FY17 NPE budget.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A vibrant waterfront destination where residents and visitors converge.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
• A Port with an innovative and motivated workforce.
• A financially sustainable Port that drives job creation and regional economic vitality.
DISCUSSION:
In 2015, President Obama proclaimed October as National Arts and Humanities Month and called upon the citizens of the United States to observe this month with ceremonies, activities, and special programs to celebrate the arts and humanities in America. Locally, arts and cultural programming strengthens the San Diego economy, as indicated by data reporting that the total spending by the nonprofit arts and culture industry-including both nonprofit organizations and their audiences-in San Diego County exceeds $665 million annually (Attachment A).
For FY17, one of the goals of the Office of Arts & Culture is to broaden its offerings to include a variety of cultural programming for the District and members of the public. In support of “Celebration of the Arts Month,” the Office of Arts & Culture has developed a month-long calendar with cultural events for Port employees and/or members of the public to enjoy or participate in throughout the month of October.
Below are some highlights from the events and exhibits planned during “Celebration of the Arts Month”.
• “Open Sessions” will be held at Woodbury School of Architecture in Barrio Logan on October 20, for the public to meet artists Margaret Noble and Jose Parral and learn about their upcoming projects commissioned by the District under the District’s 2012-2016 curatorial plan.
• “Time Strata” will be presented at Cesar Chavez Park Pier on October 22 and 29, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., by artist Margaret Noble. “Time Strata” is a temporary, site-specific, interactive sound-art experience that combines the visual and sonic aesthetics of sculpture, experimental musical instruments, and interactive multimedia technologies, as well as natural land- and seascapes. Margaret Noble is a San Diego-based artist who has received national and international attention for her innovative and interdisciplinary works.
• Self-guided walking tours will be highlighted throughout the month, through social media and brochures, to encourage the public to get involved and walk around the tidelands to experience the artworks commissioned by the District and its tenants.
• Five live musical performances will be scheduled throughout the month as part of the “Culture Corner” series at the Port’s Administration Building and General Services Building. Performances will include a steel drum band and individual instrumental performances.
• Additionally, a variety of employee-focused activities, such as a series of
one-hour “Lunch and Learn” events, trivia contests, and an open house are planned to encourage employees to learn about the Office of Arts and Culture and other regional arts and cultural happenings.
The proposed proclamation (Attachment B) recognizing October 2016 as “Celebration of the Arts Month” will reaffirm the District’s long-standing role in supporting and promoting the arts on tidelands for the enrichment of residents of San Diego and visitors to the region. Everyone at the District will be invited to join in “Celebration of the Arts Month” through flyers, event calendars, and other announcements which will be posted throughout the month, with the goal of providing more opportunities to gain an awareness and appreciation for how art influences and enriches peoples’ lives.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed the issues set forth in this agenda and found no legal concerns as presented.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it will not have a potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and is, therefore, not subject to CEQA. No further action under CEQA is required.
In addition, the proposed action allows for the District to implement its obligations under the Port Act and/or other laws. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed action is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Finally, the proposed Board action does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Yvonne Wise
Chief Curator, Arts & Culture
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: Arts & Economic Prosperity IV: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and their Audiences in San Diego County
Attachment B: Proclamation in Recognition of October 2016 as “Celebration of the Arts Month”