Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioner proposes "Art in the Amphitheater" festival to make local art affordable and accessible
Summary
Commissioner Stoddard proposed a juried, low-fee Art in the Amphitheater event for Cathedral City's amphitheater aimed at affordable participation for emerging artists. The concept calls for a one-day (first-year) festival in late March 2026 with about 40—50 ten-by-ten booths, a modest artist fee (proposed $120), no commission on sales, tents and
Commissioner Stoddard proposed creating an "Art in the Amphitheater" event designed to provide affordable, low-barrier exhibition and performance opportunities for local and regional artists.
Stoddard described a model similar to a program run by the Riverside Art Museum: a juried show limited to roughly 40—50 ten-by-ten booths in the amphitheater with a small application or participation fee (the proposal suggested about $120) and no commission on sales. The city owns a supply of event tents and could provide many of the tents for participating artists, reducing artists' startup costs. The first year would be a single-day event; future years could expand.
The proposal also envisions using the amphitheater's stage for performing arts (music, dance, community performances), a children's area and food trucks. Commissioner Stoddard suggested aiming for late March 2026 to avoid conflicts with other valley art fairs and to allow time for planning. He proposed forming a small planning committee (he offered himself and Commissioner Travis as initial leads) and using volunteers and existing city resources to keep the event budget-neutral.
Commissioners and staff discussed logistics: the city's existing tent inventory, possible volunteer staffing for set-up and breakdown, security and wind/weather considerations, and whether the event should be one or two days (security concerns make overnight events more costly). Staff offered to arrange a tour of the amphitheater and to bring communications staff back to a future meeting with an events update.
There was no formal vote in the transcript; commissioners supported further development of the idea and asked staff to return with logistics and scheduling details. Stoddard said he would gather more information and proposed next steps and timelines to bring back to the commission.
