Costa Mesa Arts Commission approves scope for arts and culture master plan update

The Costa Mesa Arts Commission on Thursday approved a scope of work that staff will use to solicit a consultant to update the city—s arts and culture master plan and begin a public engagement process.

The vote was 4-0 after commissioners discussed clarifying language and priorities to ensure the update examines the economic impact of arts activity and broadly represents neighborhoods across the city. "Once we approve this scope of work, we will release it for an RFP, get somebody on board as quick as possible, and start this public engagement with both the commission and the public about what we want to see for the future of arts in this city," said Ms. Villasenor, arts staff, during the presentation.

Why it matters: Commissioners said an updated master plan could help the city better support nonprofit arts organizations and public art while strengthening the creative economy. Commissioner Ford cited figures from the previous plan showing large economic contributions from arts organizations, noting the city spends about 91 cents per capita on arts and culture.

What happened: Ms. Villasenor presented the scope of work as an "old business" item, describing it as the document that will define what a consultant will deliver and the public-engagement process that will follow. Commissioners asked for clearer language about the master plan—s economic-development role and how the plan will involve other city departments and stakeholders.

Vice Chair Duderian asked whether the economic-development language meant measuring how institutions such as the Segerstrom Center or the Orange County Museum of Art affect city economic activity or whether it meant developing programs to support the creative economy. Ms. Villasenor said the language was intended to capture both types of impacts and could be clarified in the final RFP.

Commissioner Ford encouraged that the plan reflect the full geographic diversity of Costa Mesa and cited figures from the prior master plan (page 28) noting large revenue and tax impacts tied to the creative sector. "Costa Mesa's nonprofit arts organizations generate a $110,000,000 in revenue," Ford said in reference to the earlier document, adding the report lists a roughly $521,000,000 total economic impact and about $15,100,000 in state and local tax revenue. He also noted the city spends about 91 cents per capita on arts and culture (page 29 of the prior plan).

Several commissioners asked that city departments such as public works and planning be included in the engagement process so the master plan is not developed in a silo. Commissioners also discussed preparing a separate presentation to the City Council on the creative-economy data to help secure broader support for funding when the plan is underway; Ms. Villasenor said a council presentation could be scheduled as a separate agenda item.

Action taken: Chair Ochoa moved to approve the scope of work with a friendly amendment clarifying section 4; Vice Chair Duderian seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote, recorded as 4-0 in favor.

Other notes: At the start of the meeting Chair Ochoa acknowledged the recent relocation of a sculpture by the late local artist James McDermott and promoted a city Hispanic Heritage Month celebration set for Sept. 27 at Lions Park. The commission noted staff, including Ms. Gardner, have been coordinating outreach and volunteer opportunities tied to upcoming events.

Next steps: With the scope approved, staff will release the document as an RFP to select a consultant and then convene the planned public and individual meetings outlined in the scope. The commission—s next regular meeting was announced for Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.