Arts Commission

Arts Commission Information Commissioners (Members) Agendas & Minutes Ordinance which establishes the Arts Commission

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The general objectives of the Arts Commission shall be to ensure that art, culture, and creative experiences are woven into the fabric of the community, and to encourage, foster, facilitate, establish, and maintain art and programs for all matters of artistic and cultural significance in the City.

COMPOSITION; QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS

The term of office of each member of the Arts Commission shall be four (4) years, expiring on May 31 of the fourth year; provided, however, that appointments to the Arts Commission shall be made such that terms shall expire in even-numbered years. Members shall continue to serve until their respective successors are appointed and qualified.

1. The Arts Commission shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council. All such members shall be persons who have demonstrated a deep interest in and appreciation of artistic and cultural matters. At least four (4) such members shall be persons active in and representative of one (1) or more of the following fields: architecture, art, design, video/film, literary arts, marketing/advertising, music, public relations, theater, or visual arts. 
2. At least five (5) members will be residents of the City of Redwood City. No more than two (2) members may reside in unincorporated Redwood City at one time. Continuously during their tenure, each member must be a resident of the City of Redwood City, or a resident in unincorporated Redwood City. A member appointed as a Redwood City resident may remain on the Arts Commission after they are no longer a resident, provided that they live in unincorporated Redwood City and further provided that the maximum of two such members has not been reached.
3. Members must be at least 16 years of age.

POWERS AND DUTIES

To achieve the general objectives of the Arts Commission, its powers and duties shall be as follows:

1. To review and make recommendations to the Council or Manager concerning the acquisition by the City of any work of art, or item of cultural significance, and the proposed location thereof.
2. To review and make recommendations to the Council or Manager for the establishment or termination of visual and performing art programs in the City.
3. To review and make recommendations to the Council or Manager for the allocation of City funds for arts and culture in the City.
4. To review and make recommendations to the Council or Manager for the establishment or termination of programs memorializing or giving recognition to matters of cultural significance in the City.
5. To review and make recommendations to the Council or Manager concerning the removal, relocation, maintenance, or alteration of existing works of art or items of cultural significance in the possession of the City.
6. Upon request, to advise the Council and other City boards or commissions regarding any matter affecting the beauty and culture of the City.
7. To review and make recommendations to the Council or Manager concerning Public Art in accordance with the duties established in City Code Chapter 45 (Public Art).

DEFINITIONS

PROGRAMS: “Programs” shall mean comprehensive and planned activities or functions including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: concerts, plays, festivals, art shows and exhibits, contests, seminars, lectures, workshops and classes, whether conducted individually or in a series; the construction and maintenance of museums, galleries, theaters, and other buildings or structures generally associated with works of art, the performing and visual arts, or matters of cultural significance; and the making of awards or otherwise giving recognition to achievements of participants in such programs. 

WORKS OF ART: “Works of Art” shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all murals, paintings, inscriptions, reliefs, statues, sculptures, monuments, installations, or other structures intended for commemorative, artistic, or aesthetic purposes.

REFERRAL OF CULTURAL MATTERS, ETC. TO COMMISSION FOR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION

All matters pertaining to works of art or programs regarding the performing and visual arts and matters of cultural significance, and similar matters coming before the Council or Manager shall be referred by them to the Arts Commission for its review and recommendations.

SERVICES OF DEPARTMENT HEADS

The Arts Commission may require the services of the City Manager, Planning Director, City Attorney, and such other department heads as the Commission deems necessary to furnish technical or professional advice and services, subject to the prior engagement of such officers in other public duties.

OFFICERS—ENUMERATED; ELECTION

The officers of the Arts Commission shall be a Chair and a Vice Chair, each of whom shall serve for a period of one year. Yearly elections shall be held by the Commission to elect such officers.

OFFICERS—DUTIES

The duties of the officers of the Arts Commission shall be as follows:

1. Chair. The Chair shall help City staff prepare the agenda, preside at all meetings, ensure that all commissioners’ voices are heard, be the public voice of the Commission, and in general do all things ordinarily required of a commission chair.
2. Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair shall assume and perform the duties of the Chair in the Chair’s absence.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES; FUNCTION, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

From time to time the Arts Commission may appoint committees, the membership of which shall be composed of a commissioner, as chairman, and such other persons, either members of the Commission or otherwise, who may be selected by the Commission. Such committees shall function in investigations and in providing information and data necessary for the establishment of programs to be recommended by the Commission. After the completion of the work of such a committee, it shall submit a written report including recommendations to the Commission relating to its work.

APPROPRIATIONS, USES OF CITY PROPERTY

The Council shall make such annual appropriations, and allow the use of such City property, real and personal, as the Council may deem necessary for the purpose of carrying on the activities of the Arts Commission.

Arts Commission Documents

• Public Arts Master Vision

*NEW* Grant Information 

• Grant Funding Guidelines
• Grant Application

Timeline for Large Grants

Other Cultural Resources for Redwood City

• Redwood City - Events Information | City Calendar
• San Mateo County Visitors Center - Calendar
• Public Art
• Art Tour App