Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Request from Vice Chair Dennis to Review Next Steps for Creating Arts Districts in the City of Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
Discuss Vice Chair Dennis’s request to review next steps for creating arts districts in the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only. Should the Commission want to take further action a separate agenda item will be prepared for consideration and possible action.
Body
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2022-23 Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification
DISCUSSION
Discuss Vice Chair Dennis’s request to review next steps for creating arts districts in the city of Merced.
In July 2023, The Merced Arts District Subcommittee provided a presentation to share prospects and proposals for Arts Districts in the City of Merced. The subcommittee highlighted that under the provisions of AB 189, the purpose of arts districts must serve to address the city’s need for sustainable development that is responsive to residents’ needs.
Link to the presentation: <https://storymaps.arcigis.com/stories/285b59774f7e4f9180a8c826a27e2862>
The Subcommittee proposed the following:
- L-shaped district that incorporates the historic Courthouse museum to the intersection of Main and G Street with O Street, M Street, 16th Street, and 18th Street to mark the area’s geographical extent. This region comprises a variety of buildings and spaces with significant cultural spaces and historical value. AN Arts District designation simply makes use of what makes downtown unique.
- McNamara Park / South Merced. This vicinity of McNamara Park features extraordinary mural art, some of which was commission by local community groups. The proposed district stretches from McNamara Park to Gilbert Macias Park and includes the county Fairgrounds.
Future Considerations
- The subcommittee advised of two potential districts, and suggested, that although parts of Merced may not have dedicated infrastructure, there should also be an opportunity for future discussions about the investment for expanding and growing our capacities as well as reaching out to other community groups for feedback and partnerships.
- The subcommittee suggested considering an approach that explores Merced’s natural beauty and its indigenous past.
- A third potential district is one connecting the trails and bike paths to Fahrens Park and Rahilly Parks with a nature theme.
City staff continues to review opportunities to support the development and recognition of cultural districts across the state. However, recent state budget constraints have led to reductions in arts funding, with a $5 million decrease in grant allocations for the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Consequently, some programs may be on hold or operating with limited resources.
City staff will continue to consult the California Arts Council (CAC) official communications to report on the most current information on the availability of funding and support for arts districts initiatives.
<https://arts.ca.gov/grants>
Attachment
None.