Sonoma Municipal Code Ch. 2.56 Cultural and Fine Arts Commission

The purpose of the cultural and fine arts commission is to develop and establish a balanced arts and cultural program that promotes, enriches and advances the cultural and fine arts community. (Ord. 96-3 § 1, 1996).

The cultural and fine arts commission shall consist of seven voting members who are at least 18 years of age. All members shall be appointed and hold office in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 2.40 SMC and rules and procedures established by city council resolution. Each council member will directly appoint one voting member who shall be a resident of the city. The remaining voting members will be referred to as at-large members and at least one shall be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the council commission and committee appointment policy. (Ord. 01-2024 § 5, 2024; Ord. 10-2022 § 4, 2022; Ord. 02-2018 § 3, 2018; Ord. 05-2017 § 5, 2017; Ord. 96-3 § 1, 1996).

The cultural and fine arts commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

A. Assist existing community arts and cultural organizations by encouraging and promoting cooperation among them, and by acting as liaison and coordinating body between them and the city. The commission shall also establish communication and act as city liaison with regional and state arts and cultural organizations;

B. Advise the city on all matters affecting the arts, culture and aesthetics of the city to include reviewing and recommending arts acquisitions and beautification activities, and reviewing related arts and cultural matters that may come before other city commissions;

C. Establish and maintain a current inventory of city-owned art, statuary and cultural acquisitions, noting their present condition and whereabouts with annual recommendations to the council on any care, maintenance or improvements that may be necessary;

D. When requested by council or the appropriate commission, offer advice on arts, cultural or aesthetic matters relating to schools, quasi-public buildings, cultural facilities and site developments in the community;

E. Organize advisory and resource subcommittees from among its membership, or in conjunction with other interested individuals or organizations, deemed appropriate to advise the commission concerning all matters within the commission’s functions;

F. Receive and review the city’s draft annual budget, and make recommendations as they pertain to the commission’s functions, during the time specified;

G. Initiate, request and solicit grants, donations and gifts to help support the commission’s approved activities. (Ord. 96-3 § 1, 1996).

The city council shall review the duties, responsibilities and effectiveness of the cultural and fine arts commission on an annual basis commencing one year from the effective date of this section. (Ord. 96-3 § 1, 1996).