Commission hears Gilroy Center annual report; discusses fundraising and staffing changes

The Gilroy Arts & Culture Commission reviewed the Gilroy Center for the Arts annual report at its Jan. 13 meeting and heard a series of community updates and internal staffing changes.

Staff asked that future reports be presented in person quarterly to confirm center activities and compliance with lease conditions. The commission was told the center’s lease is nominal ("a dollar a year") and the operation is volunteer‑run. Commissioner Porter said several events attracted substantial visitor interest, which the commission noted as useful context for fundraising conversations.

Under community updates, commissioners reported that a local high school choir has been invited to perform at Disneyland’s California Adventure in March and that a mural approved by the commission will be installed and unveiled Feb. 7 at a Santa Clara County facility. Commissioners also discussed fundraising options: small local promotions and a longer‑term policy idea modeled on Morgan Hill’s 1% construction fee for public art were raised; staff said that policy discussions would be appropriate for a future agenda item.

Staff announced the resignation of Camisha Taylor, who relocated and is no longer eligible to serve; staff also noted Kylie has returned and will replace a departing staff role. The commission was told incoming City Administrator Matt Morley will start Feb. 9 and staff liaisons will coordinate transition and priorities.

Commissioners flagged that the commission’s discretionary fund balance is limited (staff cited a small existing fund with roughly $110 available) and encouraged additional fundraising work and agenda items to discuss potential policy tools to support public art.