Arts & Culture update: Live at Juilliard, Film Santa Rosa and Asawa panels move forward; Earth Day activities planned

Staff provided a status update on several Arts & Culture programs during the April 6 meeting, including the summer concert series Live at Juilliard, the Film Santa Rosa initiative, progress on the Ruth Asawa panels and upcoming Earth Day events.

Staff said Live at Juilliard will run Sundays from July 12 through Aug. 16 and that bands have been chosen by a selection panel; vendor applications for food and nonprofit alcohol partners are open and staff are finalizing contracts. On Film Santa Rosa, staff said the initiative launched in February with a mixer that drew about 200 filmmakers and business representatives and that the city is fielding inquiries from filmmakers (including out-of-area requests) and assisting with locations and permits.

On the Ruth Asawa panels, staff reported that the foundry has cast several panels in bronze and that an amendment is needed for fabrication engineering of backings and any temporary-display infrastructure. Staff said the contract includes what they recalled as a $75,000 set-aside for pouring, and that materials cost volatility (notably copper/bronze pricing) and panel weight (several tons) are factors in installation and storage planning. A report to the economic development subcommittee was scheduled for April 13.

Staff also outlined Earth Day activities on April 25, including giant puppets and decorated bikes produced by the Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership and an art-in-public-places booth to distribute sustainability guides and art-walk maps; staff asked for volunteer support for event staffing and noted a community workshop at the Arlene Francis Center for building procession artwork.

Committee members asked about timelines and the plan for temporary display or storage of the Asawa panels; staff said decisions on permanent siting and temporary displays will continue to be developed with the family’s input and the foundry’s recommendations.