Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Staff to Provide an Update on Arts Districts
REPORT IN BRIEF
City staff to provide an update on arts districts.
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
Body
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-24 Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification
DISCUSSION
At the May 18, 2023, Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Meeting, per City Council direction, formed a subcommittee to identify and recommend potential areas for up to three Arts Districts within the City of Merced.
At the Thursday, July 20,2023 Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Meeting, the subcommittee discussed its recommendation for proposed Arts Districts in the City of Merced. The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission adopted a motion recommending the potential arts districts to Council.
At the September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting, the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission subcommittee presented its findings. Council agreed to start establishing an Arts District in Downtown Merced and South Merced and to explore all trails in Merced to create a trail Arts District.
City staff is coordinating with Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and Community Services to identify and add to the inventory of city-owned properties and rights of way in the Commission's recommended districts, and throughout Merced, for art project consideration in future Request for Proposals.
Areas of focus include:
* Downtown - In the identified 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.
* McNamara Park/South Merced- from McNamara Park to Gilbert Macias Park, including areas around the county fairgrounds.
* Fahrens Park to Rahilly Park bike and walking path to consider art projects along our city's extensive paths.
Staff is also working with Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and Communit...
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