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Commissioner Proposes 'Art in the Amphitheater' — A Low‑Fee, Artist‑Friendly Fair
Summary
Commissioner Stoddard outlined a plan for an affordable arts fair and performance series in the city amphitheater, proposing a one‑day, juried event with about 40–50 10x10 booths, a modest booth fee, and use of city tents to reduce costs; staff offered logistical support and a potential late‑March timing for 2026.
Commissioner Stoddard presented an initial proposal to create an "Art in the Amphitheater" event aimed at providing a low‑cost, artist‑friendly art fair and performance series at Cathedral City's amphitheater.
Stoddard described existing regional art fairs and said the proposal borrowed a model used by the Riverside Art Museum: a one‑day juried show limited to roughly 40–50 ten‑by‑ten booths with a small artist entry fee (he suggested about $100–$120) and no commissions on sales. He emphasized reducing barriers for artists by using the city's own tent inventory (staff said the city owns many tents) so artists would not need to rent display equipment, and by keeping the fee low to make participation affordable.
The proposal also contemplates programming beyond booths: the amphitheater's stage could host performing artists (with options to invite performers with modest stipends), children's activities, food trucks and community awards. Stoddard and Vice Chair Travis said they would form a committee (commissioners and staff) to develop logistics; staff offered communications and event support and suggested aiming for a late‑March date in 2026 to avoid conflicts with other valley art fairs and to follow the city's signature events season.
Commissioners discussed practical issues: security if a multi‑day event were considered, wind and weather risks for outdoor booths, whether the event should be juried to ensure quality, and whether to run the fair as a single day to minimize overnight security costs. Commissioners and staff agreed to arrange an amphitheater tour for commissioners to review equipment and staging resources. Stoddard said his goal was to make the first year budget‑neutral through modest artist fees, volunteer labor and use of city resources.
Ending: Staff and commissioners agreed to continue planning, form a small working group, and return with written materials and a proposed timeline for inclusion on a future agenda; staff noted deadlines for agenda materials and said the commission should deliver materials for the next meeting on a specified schedule.
