Arts Commission selects spoken‑word open mic for National Arts and Humanities Month

The Sunnyvale Arts Commission voted unanimously on March 19 to designate a spoken‑word open‑mic event at the amphitheater as its 2025 project for National Arts and Humanities Month.

Commissioners picked the spoken‑word option after ranking three staff proposals — a community sign project, banners and a literary/spoken‑word event — and directed staff to develop a flexible format that can include poetry, reader’s theater or other short spoken performances. "We want to make sure that we have a little bit of wiggle room" so the program can include different spoken‑word formats, Michelle Pereira, director of library and recreation services, told the commission.

Kristen, an arts staff member leading the National Arts and Humanities Month planning, told commissioners the event would be free to the public, likely scheduled in October, and could involve Sunnyvale schools. "It would be free to the public," Kristen said when discussing venue and cost. Commissioners discussed whether to limit participation to high school students or to open the program to K–12; staff said those details would be determined as the project plan is developed and that the designated project manager would work with staff and schools on outreach and program structure.

During discussion, commissioners emphasized the need for event guardrails and scheduling rather than a fully uncontrolled open‑mic format. "I am concerned about just doing open mic and not knowing who's going to come and say what," one commissioner said, and staff confirmed the project manager and city staff would establish content and scheduling criteria.

The motion to adopt the spoken‑word open‑mic project passed with three affirmative votes and two excused absences. The meeting record shows Vice Chair Filley, Chair Veith and Commissioner Eskridge voting "yes." The commission did not name a project manager at the meeting; staff said they will follow up by email and return to the commission with a more detailed scope so a volunteer lead can decide whether to accept the role.

Staff estimates the commission will spend roughly 5–15 hours per commissioner on planning, depending on the final scope, and that materials, staging and banners (if needed) would be paid from city funds when applicable. The commission instructed staff to plan the event in coordination with Sunnyvale schools and library staff and to present a fleshed‑out event plan at a future meeting.