HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 Performing Arts Discussion ;t
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY OF HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
DUBLIN MEETING DATE: August 8, 2013
SUBJECT: Performing Arts Discussion
Prepared by Ann Mottolo, Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide feedback on priorities for performing
arts programs for the next five years.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: On July 11th, the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission
participated in a brainstorm session regarding performing arts programming in the Dublin Community.
Staff provided several question to Commission as a catalyst for the discussion. These included:
• From a programmatic standpoint, what does a vibrant performing arts community look like?
• What is it that Dublin is doing well that can be expanded?
• What type of programs do not take place in Dublin that the Commission would like to see take
place in Dublin?
• What type of programs are not taking place anywhere in the region that could set Dublin apart in
the performing arts?
• What audiences are not engaged in the performing arts programs that might be engaged with a
different programmatic approach?
The following list is a summary of the suggestions made by the Commission in that brainstorm session:
• Broad and diverse performing and cultural arts offerings
• Showcase diverse performances for all ages, cultures, and levels of experience
• Balance a showcase of local and professional, and informal and formal performances
• Participatory performances
• A place for film and video creation, production, and showcases
• Large grassroots local arts group to provide social networks and partnership opportunities
• Programs that augment art programs in schools
• Cultural arts facility with flexible space for a variety of arts, such as films, theatre, and art
galleries
• Festival of arts that includes Dublin's history, films, music, etc.
• Performing arts contests
• Youth symphony or youth opera
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO: 8.2
G:\COMMISSIONS&COMMITTEES\HERITAGE COMM ISSI ON\AGN DSTMT\2013\08-08-13 Item 8.2 Performing Arts Discussion.doc
Based on Commission's suggestions, Staff has identified performing arts program areas to be prioritized
by Commission.The list also includes existing programs offered by the City:
• Comedy Performance
• Concerts in the Parks
• Contract/Enrichment Classes
• Dance Performance
• Festival or Event
• Film and Video Production Program
• Film and Video Showcases
• Formal Performing Arts Experiences
• Informal Performing Arts Experiences
• Instrumental Performance
• Interdisciplinary Arts
• Multicultural Performance/Showcase
• Musical Theatre
• Partnerships: Grassroots Arts Groups to Create Programs that Encourage Networking
• Partnerships: Local Arts Groups (for use of City spaces/resources)
• Partnerships: Professional Arts Groups (for use of City spaces/resources)
• Performing Arts Competitions
• Professional Performing Arts Experiences
• Theatrical Productions
• Vocal Performance
• Youth Opera
• Youth Symphony
In the second phase of the discussion, Commission will use a "forced choice matrix" to further prioritize
the programs identified at the July 11th Commission meeting. Staff can then investigate and bring back
to Commission for discussion and City Council for potential inclusion in the future budget process.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR PRIORITIZATION
The following section provides additional information for Commission to consider as they rank program
priorities.
1. Program Themes
There were several recurring themes in the Commission's July 11 discussion with regard to the
manner in which the overall performing arts program and community could be developed. These
themes included:
• Inclusivity: Commission suggested an inclusive range of performing arts programs — in terms of
genres of performing arts offered; the level of experience of artists; and in addressing the
cultural and generational diversity of the community.
• Flexibility: There was considerable dialogue about future flexible arts spaces that could provide
places for artists to perform, network and work collaboratively.
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2. Audience Development
Some of the most exciting aspects of developing any arts program are those that raise awareness
and appreciation of the arts for first-time patrons. Programs that make the arts accessible to the first
time user will grow the arts audience. In the same way that public art brings visual arts into a
community and out of a structured institution or museum, performing arts programs that take place
in less conventional spaces and places contribute to heighten awareness. Building a successful
performing arts community includes building opportunities to attract as of yet unreached audiences.
3. Create Something Uniquely Dublin
As the Commission looks to furthering the City's efforts in performing arts, Staff recommends taking
into consideration the many resources that currently exist within the Tri-Valley Region. Dublin has a
unique opportunity to find is niche within the greater Tri-Valley performing arts community. Rather
than replicate or compete with what is already successful in other communities, Dublin might be
able to provide an outlet for a genre that is not yet saturated within the region. Also, by creating a
different performing art experience, Dublin can share rather than compete for an audience.
4. Current Performing Arts Programming
The City of Dublin currently offers a variety of performing arts classes to a diverse audience range
from youth to seniors. Music, Dance and Theatre are popular instructional programs and have held
sustained community interest for a number of years. Film-making is relatively new and rising in
popularity within the City of Dublin's class and camp programs. Improvisational comedy classes,
camps and performance programs have also been relative new-comers to the menu of performing
arts offered to Dublin's youth.
In June 2013, the City resumed its summer concerts. ShamRock'n Sundays is a series of three free
community concerts held monthly at Emerald Glen Park June through August. Commercial-run
family friendly movies are played as part of the Picnic Flix outdoor movie nights on a monthly basis
June through August. The City also hosts Bluegrass Jams at the Heritage Park two evenings per week
throughout the year.
The Black Box Theatre at Heritage Park has hosted a variety of different performances: small cast
theatrical productions; children's theatre; and spoken word. The City has also strived to hire artists
of the highest caliber to perform and create art at splatter and to perform at the St. Patrick's Day
Festival.
Additionally, private rentals of City facilities have hosted dance and music recitals, theatrical
performances, as well as a film festival.
5. Current and Future Performing Arts Facilities in Dublin (5-Year Outlook)
The City currently has some multi-use spaces that are used for City programs, classes and events
related to performing arts. Current resources include:
• Sunday School Barn and St. Raymond Church at the Dublin Heritage Park
• Ambrose Hall at Shannon Community Center
• Ballroom at the Dublin Senior Center
• Council Chambers at the Dublin Civic Center
• Portable Stages at Emerald Glen Park and Heritage Park
• Multi-purpose rooms at City and School District Facilities
• Little Theatre at Dublin High School (out of use; rarely available for community use in past)
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In 2014 the Dublin Unified School District will be opening the new "Performing Arts Education
Center" at Dublin High School. The 500-seat theatre will feature an orchestra pit, stage fly system,
dressing rooms, scenery shop, band classroom, choir classroom, practice rooms, drama classroom,
video production classroom and video studio. The amenities will make this a premier high school
performing arts education center in the region. Although details are not available, DUSD is exploring
the potential for community use of the theatre in the future when it is not in use for school
purposes.
The City of Dublin's Parks and Recreation Master Plan identifies the need for a "Community
Theatre/Cultural Arts Center." Conceptually this facility will include a 150 to 200-seat raked floor
theatre, green room, classroom/music room, multi-purpose room, gallery space, scenery storage,
dressing room and wardrobe storage. The project is currently unfunded and outside the scope of
the current five-year Capital Improvement Program and no site has been identified for the facility.
However during this Fiscal Year the City will be completing a program study and master plan for the
remainder of the unfinished space at the Public Safety Complex. As part of that study Staff will be
evaluating the feasibility of including the Community Theatre/Cultural Arts Center as part of the
Complex.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide feedback on priorities for performing
arts programs for the next five years.
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