Report from the California Arts Council Meeting 8.30.23 Prepared by: Zuriel Ortiz
3. Welcome from the Kings Art Center
Welcome from Kings Art Center Executive Director Stephanie Magnia
Executive Director of Kings Art Center, Stephanie Magnia discussed increasing the visibility of Hanford’s arts community. There is amazing art being created throughout smaller communities in the state and it’s critical to have the King’s Art Center in the county. Magina says “People know us for agriculture and sports but it is important for people to know about our art as well.”
4. Executive Director’s Report and Community Agreements
Executive Director, Jonathan Moscone discusses deeping their accountability, going deep into equitable policies in the field.
Grant guidelines and overview: 1,800 applications in 2023. Moscone reflects and acknowledges not everyone gets funded, but they also do not pick one grant application over another.
The Council recognizes they need more inclusivity when it comes to connecting to disabled artists. Moscone says they will have an Ad Hoc committee run by Olivia Raynor, Council Member for California Artists With Disabilities. And they are open to answering questions with the Disability Community.
5. Upcoming Council & Committee Meeting Calendar Highlights
September 20 Open programs committee on Zoom
2024 Programs vote is on Nov 17
Oct 25 Council Meeting in Oakland
2024 Allocations vote is on Dec 12
2024 Guidelines vote is in late January, 2024
Nov 17 Council Meeting on Zoom
Opportunity for full council discussion of Equity and Disability Inclusion and Access guidelines for 2024.
5. Creative Economy Workgroup P.O.P (Purpose, Outcome, Process) Discussion
The California Arts Council is taking a P.O.P Strategy (Purpose, Outcome, Process) approach to develop the CA Creative Economy Workgroup.
Purpose: to develop a strategic plan for the CA Creative Economy
Outcome: Investment in our Cultural Workforce
Process:Develop Workgroup through Sept
Bring on Facilitation and Admin Support
Conduct Open meetings
Identify and support examples
Complete work by July 1, 2025
6. VOTING ITEM: Minutes from Previous Meetings
Council Meeting: April 28, 2023 (Stockton)
Approve of motion
Open Executive Committee Meeting: June 14, 2023 (Los Angeles)
Approve of motion
Open Strategic Framework Committee Meeting: July 31, 2023 (Virtual)
Approve of motion
8. Voting Items: The council voted on the following six items to be funded.
Impact Projects - Voting Item Passed
State Local Partner Mentorship - Voting Item Passed
Statewide and Regional Networks - Voting Item passed with $1,854,240 of the money requested
Folk & Traditional Arts - Voting Item passed with $903,751 for two years of funding
State Local Partners -Voting Item passed with $3,675,999 requested and 90% be given to the grant.
Arts & Culture Org General Operating - Voting Item Passed
10. Chair Report
The chair report from Chelo Montoya, identifies the CAC’s commitment to getting more involved in the communities they are funding. She explains how the Executive Director, Jonathan Moscone is on the road traveling throughout cities and counties to recognize the diversity of California’s arts and culture. Montoya shows her gratitude for being in Hanford County, where she is from. Being from this county, Montoya identifies that having infrastructure like the SLP program is critical for smaller rural communities.
11. VOTING ITEM: Fiscal Sponsor Change Request - Pass Approved
The Programs Policy Committee will present a recommendation to the Council to allow staff to determine fiscal sponsorship change requests.
13. DISCUSSION ITEM: True Costs with the Hewlett Foundation
Jessica Mele (Principal/Jessice Mele Creative), Jennifer Wei (Hewlett Foundation’s Organizational Effectiveness Program Officer), and Marcus McGrew (Hewlett’s Director of Grantmaking, Learning, and Operations)
The CAC invited the Hewlett Foundation to have a discussion around true costs to inform the Council on 2024 programs guidelines.
Most foundations and government funders still only allow indirect costs of up to 15%
How does equity interact with true costs?
Smaller Orgs have higher indirect cost (IDC) rates and larger orgs have lower indirect costs rates (economies of scale).
Bipoc led orgs tend to be smaller with higher IDC and is often true for organizations located in smaller cities and rural areas.
Article on equity: https://cep.org/project-grants-still-need-not-be-the-enemy-an-equity-oriented-update-one-year-later/
Government funded grants report: https://nonprofitfinancials.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NPE_Gov-Funded-NPs_article_6-23.pdf
Funding for Real Change is the best for the True Cost Collaborative resources (including case studies): https://www.fundingforrealchange.com/