Merced Municipal Code Ch. 2.54 Arts and Culture Advisory Commission

The purpose of the arts and culture advisory commission is to serve as an advisory body to the city council on matters having to do with public art, art projects, cultural programs and activities and the promotion of the arts within the city. In forming the arts and culture advisory commission, it is the intent of the city council to foster the arts in the city, and to help implement policy, programs, and standards for public art.

(Ord. No. 2489, § 1, 7-16-2018)

Pursuant to Section 700 of the Charter, there is hereby established an arts and culture advisory commission which shall consist of seven (7) voting members. Six (6) voting members of the commission shall be from the established city council voting districts and the seventh member shall be appointed at large. All seven (7) voting members must be qualified electors of the city.

A. Members shall have knowledge, expertise or experience in one (1) or more of the following areas:

1. Visual, performing, literary, music or other types of art;

2. Planning, historical, preservation, architectural background;

3. Economic development, business, marketing, public relations;

4. Member of artistic, cultural, community organization; or

5. Educational partner.

B. A majority of the voting members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

C. In accordance with Section 702 of the Charter, members shall be appointed by at least four (4) affirmative votes of the city council and subject to removal by motion of the city council adopted by at least five (5) affirmative votes.

D. The city council may appoint an additional four (4) members to sit on the commission as ex-officio, nonvoting members. Said ex-officio, nonvoting members may be non-city residents who live within the city's sphere of influence who demonstrate expertise in any number of art disciplines, or other areas of expertise or knowledge. One of the ex-officio members shall be a member of the city council.

E. The services of the city staff shall be made available to the commission.

(Ord. No. 2489, § 1, 7-16-2018)

A. In accordance with Section 702 of the Charter, the arts and culture advisory commission members shall serve for a term of four (4) years and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified.

B. Notwithstanding Subsection A of this section, the members of the arts and culture advisory commission shall, on the first meeting following the establishment of the commission, draw lots to determine the three (3) initial members that will serve for a term of two (2) years.

(Ord. No. 2489, § 1, 7-16-2018)

Regular arts and culture advisory commission meetings shall be held on the second Thursday of every odd-numbered month at three p.m. or as otherwise set by resolution of the city council. The meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Section 704 of the Charter.

(Ord. No. 2489, § 1, 7-16-2018)

A. In accordance with Section 704 of the Charter, the members of the arts and culture advisory commission shall, as soon as practical following the first day of July, organize by electing two (2) of the seven (7) voting members to serve as chair and vice-chair at the pleasure of the commission.

B. Notwithstanding Subsection A of this section, the members of the arts and culture advisory commission shall, on the first meeting held following the establishment of the commission, elect a chair and vice-chair to serve until their successor is elected following the first day of July.

(Ord. No. 2489, § 1, 7-16-2018)

The arts and culture advisory commission shall have the responsibilities as provided below:

A. Provide recommendations to the city council and other appointed bodies and city departments for the following:

1. Displays of art within a public facility, or any public art within the city, or exterior space for outdoor visual art, or promote the arts for city beautification and to enhance the quality of life;

2. Programs that promote art or enhance cultural development;

3. Act as a resource to the community and local arts and culture for mentorship, internships, facilitating process, marketing and advocating;

4. Coordinate and collaborate with the Merced County Arts Council, and other individuals and groups, both private and public, to support, promote, enhance and recognize artistic endeavors and cultural activities that are reflective of the community across all cultures, races and stages of life;

5. Recommend funding options that maximize opportunities for sustainable projects that incorporate preventative maintenance for public arts projects and cultural activities throughout the city;

6. Recommend the establishment of artistic standards across disciplines; and

7. Such other duties as the city council may prescribe.

(Ord. No. 2489, § 1, 7-16-2018)