Encinitas Arts Commission forwards 2026–27 work plan and draft arts element to City Council

The Encinitas Commission for the Arts voted April 6 to submit its proposed 2026–27 work plan to City Council and to forward a draft arts element containing recommended goals and policies for the Encinitas General Plan.

Commission Chair explained the work plan is intended to be concise, aligned with city priorities and adaptable: "the work plan helps shape our year and our efforts," commissioners said while reviewing items that include ongoing engagement with the Pacific View Arts Center, public art policy updates and research into a percent-for-art funding model.

Commissioners discussed specific priorities, including assigning liaisons to the city’s Cultural Tourism Committee and participating in a subcommittee to develop a proposed Encinitas cultural loop. The draft work plan also lists performing-arts research, a sculpture-loan program rollout and marketing and wayfinding strategies for Pacific View.

On the arts element, commissioners reviewed a policy-level draft intended for the general plan and heard that consultant Gail Goldman had reviewed the document. One commissioner described the arts element as a "long-range general framework for how arts and culture will be supported and integrated and sustained in Encinitas." Commissioners voted to forward the draft goals and policies to City Council for review and the city attorney’s consideration.

Both motions passed with six yes votes and Commissioner Campbell absent. The chair said staff will deliver the work plan and the arts element recommendations to council; ad hoc groups and assignments will be set once the council has the commission’s finalized work plan.

Next steps: staff will submit the materials to City Council for review and return to the commission with any direction; commissioners said they expect some items (for example, ad hoc assignments and a public-art policy recommendation) to return for follow-up during the 2026–27 year.