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...
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