Bell Gardens formalizes Arts and Culture Division to expand classes, hire local artists

The Bell Gardens City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 8 to formalize an Arts and Culture Division intended to broaden access to dance, music, visual arts and other cultural programs.

Recreation and Community Services Director Liz Nava told the council the proposed division would act as a liaison across departments, expand existing classes and events, develop a utility art box program and explore creating an arts district. “The purpose of the ACD would be to increase access to art and cultural opportunities, participation and to provide the community with information on existing programs,” Nava said during the staff presentation.

Councilmembers praised the move as a step toward preserving culture and increasing opportunities for residents. “This is one of those elements that we’re going to be focusing on,” Mayor Marco Barca said, announcing the council would vote on the resolution that evening.

Councilmember Chavez encouraged staff to consider an arts-dedicated position to lead programming. Nava told the council the resolution includes designated staff liaisons in departments and that staff has been “thinking ahead several steps” about implementation. The presentation said there is no immediate fiscal impact from formalizing the division.

The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call vote. The council’s action follows recognitions earlier in the meeting for Ballet Folklorico Bell Gardens and a community arts group, both of which asked the council for continued support and more resources for youth programming.

What happens next: staff will implement the administrative steps authorized by the resolution and coordinate with department liaisons to expand programming. Councilmembers said they expect to discuss staffing and budget implications during the next budget season.