Public Arts Commission votes to recommend $5,000 for Perez Art District celebration

The Cathedral City Public Arts Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the city council authorize the commission to spend its remaining FY25/26 budget — about $5,000 — to support a two‑day Perez Art District celebration, a staff presentation and motion showed.

Commissioner Stouder moved the recommendation, saying, “I move that we recommend to the city council that we spend the remainder of our budget, $5,000 to support the Perez Art District,” and Vice Chair Travis seconded. The clerk called the roll and the motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Staff described the proposal as a two‑day event intended to “elevate the Downtown Art District” by showcasing more than 60 artists through open studios, live music (acoustic acts and a few bands), dance performances, interactive studio activities and a printed “passport” brochure for visitors. Anne Bendrick told commissioners the commission has roughly $5,000 remaining from the festival budget and that a Perez District property owner offered a $5,000 advertising commitment to promote the event, effectively doubling the outreach funds.

Commissioners discussed logistics that remain to be finalized — precise artist/studio locations, music and performance staging, food‑truck placement and a printed map — and staff said communications needs final content soon to meet print and advertising deadlines. Staff indicated the commission's recommendation will be advanced to the city council for approval.

Next steps: staff will finalize event maps, schedules and advertising materials and forward the commission's recommendation to the city council for formal approval and any required contracting or permit work.