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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. 2 of 4 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) 3 of 4 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. 4of4