CAC 09 11 1997/ T
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OF
CULTURAL COMMISSION AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
La Quinta Civic Center Study Session Room
78-495 Calle Tampico - La Quinta, CA 92253
September 11, 1997
12:00 Noon
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
The Chair reserves the right to limit discussion on any topic to five minutes or less.
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Corrections, deletions or reorganization of the agenda
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
V. PUBLIC HEARING
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Cultural Arts Master Plan
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION
September 25, 1997 12:00 Noon
La Quinta Civic Center Study Session Room
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CULTURAL COMMISSION
MEETING DATE: September 11, 1997
ITEM TITLE: Cultural Arts Master Plan
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW:
The attached draft Cultural Arts Master Plan (the "Plan") has been prepared by
Chairperson Hull and reflects the latest comments made by the Commission at the
August 28, 1997 Cultural Commission meeting.
Generally, some of the changes include: deletion of "Philosophy Statement"; movement
of the "Cultural Commission Objectives" section to an appendix section (re -titled "Role
of the Cultural Commission"); renaming the "Support of the Arts" section to "Support
of the Arts and Culture"; and the addition of two appendixes (Role of Cultural
Commission and Acknowledgments). A comparison of the two Table of Contents
provides a graphic representation of some of the changes made to the Plan. The two
tables have been attached to this staff report for the Commission's use.
This space on the agenda is reserved to consider additions, revisions, or deletions to
the proposed Cultural Arts Master Plan.
RECOMMENDATION:
Review the draft Cultural Arts Master Plan and make recommendations as appropriate.
Mark Weiss, Assistant City Manager
cultstaff55.wpd
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...........................................
4
Mission Statement ...........................................
5
Goals and Objectives ........................................
5
Cultural Commission Objective ...................... .......:
5
5
Assessment of Cultural & Arts Organizations .................. •
Goal 1 Identify Arts Community ........................
Audience Development ............................•.•••••
6
Goal 2 Increase and Develop Audiences of
Community wide Arts & Cultural Organizations ........... •
6
Support of the Arts .....................................
7
Goal 3 Support and Encourage Professional
Development of Local Artists .................. • • • • • • • •
7
8
Goal 4 Enlarge Community Base of Support ................
Goal 5 Encourage Municipal Support for the Arts .............
8
Youth Arts and Arts Education ..............................
9
Goal 6 Build a Strong, Integrated Arts Education
10
Program in the Schools and Community ..................
Goal 7 Develop Venues & Programs for Youth and Teens ......
10
Communications and Promotion ............................
11
Goal 8 Promote Communication and Cooperation
Among City-wide Arts Organizations .... 4 ...............
11
Goal 9 Promote Cultural Tourism & Economic Development .....
12
Arts Facilities ........................................
Goal 10 Encourage the Development of a Cultural Facility ......
13
13
Leadership, Training & Cooperation ......... 4 ...............
14
Goal 11 Identify, Nurture and Train New Cultural
and Arts Leadship.................................
15
15
All -Inclusive Community Arts ..............................
15
Goal 12 Integrate the Arts into Community Life .............
Goal 13 Identify La Quinta's Role in the Coachella Valley ......
16
(I NEW"
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES...................................................4
CULTURE AND THE ARTS .............................................. 4
Goal l: Identify Arts and Cultural Community ............................. 4
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT ............................................. 4
Goal 2: Increase and Develop Audience of Community -wide Arts and Cultural
Organizations................................................4
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE ................................... 5
Goal 3: Support and Encourage Professional Development of Local Artists ....... 5
Goal 4: Enlarge Community Base of Support .............................. 6
Goal 5: Encourage Municipal Support for the Arts and Cultural Development ..... 7
YOUTH ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION .................................... 8
Goal 6: Build A Strong, Integrated Arts Education Program in the Schools and
Community .................. ..............................8
Goal 7: Develop Venues and Programs for Youth and Teens ................ 9
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTION .................................... 9
Goal 8: Promote Communication and Cooperation Among City-wide Arts
Organizations ...................................... :....... 10
Goal 9: Promote Communication and Cooperation Among Cultural Organizations . I I
Goal 10: Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development .............. 12
ARTS FACILITIES..................................................... 13
Goal 11: Encourage the Development of A Cultural Facility .................. 13
LEADERSHIP, TRAINING AND COOPERATION ............................ 14
Goal 12: Identify, Nurture and Train New Cultural and Arts Leadership ......... 14
ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ARTS ..................................... 14
Goal 13: Integrate the Arts Into Communitv Life ... Is
WORKING DRAFT OF
THE CULTURAL ARTS MASTER PLAN
FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
September 11, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................... :......
1
4
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ..................................................
CULTURE AND THE ARTS ..............................................
4
Goal 1: Identify Arts and Cultural Community .............................
4
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT .............................................
4
Goal 2: Increase and Develop Audience of Community -wide Arts and Cultural
Organizations................................................4
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE ...................................
5
Goal 3 : Support and Encourage Professional Development of Local Artists .......
5
Goal 4: Enlarge Community Base of Support ..............................
6
Goal 5: Encourage Municipal Support for the Arts and Cultural Development .....
7
YOUTH ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION ....................................
8
Goal 6: Build A Strong, Integrated Arts Education Program in the Schools and
Community..................................................
8
Goal 7: Develop Venues and Programs for Youth and Teens ..................
9
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTION ....................................
9
Goal 8: Promote Communication and Cooperation Among City-wide Arts
Organizations ...................................... :.......
10
Goal 9: Promote Communication and Cooperation Among Cultural Organizations . 11
Goal 10: Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development ..............
12
....................................
ARTS FACILITIES ...........
13
Goal 11: Encourage the Development of A Cultural Facility ..................
13
LEADERSHIP, TRAINING AND COOPERATION ............................
14
Goal 12: Identify, Nurture and Train New Cultural and Arts Leadership .........
14
ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ARTS .....................................
14
Goal 13: Integrate the Arts Into Community Life ..........................
15
Goal 14: Identify and Expand La Quinta's Role in the Coachella Valley .........
15
APPENDIX I - ROLE OF THE CULTURAL COMMISSION .....................
16
APPENDIX II - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ....................................
17
M
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WORKING D R A F T- September 11, 1997
CULTURAL ARTS MASTER PLAN
for
The City of La Quinta
Prepared by
THE CULTURAL COMMISSION
10 c.t.A06- 40Htt7C$)
The Mission of the Cultural Commission is to encourage culture and the arts it? La Quinta.
INTRODUCTION
What is culture? It is more than music or painting, or a dance step. It is broader than the arts. It
is the guidelines by which society runs. Culture is religion, arts, laws, ethics, history, and styles of
dress. Arts and culture are necessary components of an investment in the enrichment and well-
being of a community. They are critical ingredients in building a rounded socio-economic
environment.
Within the context of this plan, "culture" is meant to be totally inclusive of all forms of human
expression in the visual, performing, applied and literary arts, whether classical or modern, formal
or informal, embracing the diversity of all people within this community. The community consists
of everyone who lives or works in the City of La Quinta.
The arts and culture are not to be reserved for prosperous times, but rather are a continuous
necessity going beyond what is commonly characterized as "enhancing the duality of life" in a
community. For example:
The development of culture and the arts has a positive economic impact on a community
by creating employment opportunities, attracting and retaining business, providing new
and increased expenditures to local businesses patronized by attendees of nearby arts and
cultural events.
The cultural arts play a vital role in successfully addressing societal problems by providing
shared cultural experiences for families and communities, reducing school dropout rates,
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teaching respect and appreciation for cultural differences, building self-esteem, developing
creative outlets to channel energy, and building community pride and identity.
La Quinta has a strong cultural identity with the arts. The vigor and zest of its cultural offerings
touch and enrich the lives of citizens and visitors, and act as a stimulus to civic pride and
involvement. The annual La Quinta Arts Festival, which began in 1982, has helped develop a
cultural face to the community. Programs and activities which have developed over the years
blend the socio-economic and diverse community elements together.
In our City the opportunities and locations for cultural experiences abound throughout the year --
from walking through the Frances Hack Park at the annual La Quinta Arts Festival in March to
visiting the La Quinta Arts Association's newly -opened gallery at the Von's Plaza; from listening
to Community Concerts Association productions to hearing guest writers speak about their latest
works at a Round Table West conference at La Quinta Resort and Club; from touring the La
Quinta Historical Society's Museum to enjoying an outdoor tour through the sculpture park at the
La Quinta Open -Air Museum; from dramatic and musical school productions throughout the year
to Friday night concerts and sales at the Downtown Mainstreet Marketplace; from the strong Art -
In -Public Places program to the Mariachi Festival. As more and more people are drawn into the
City by these events each year, the economic and cultural impact encourages new groups and
residents to come into the City with new programs.
However, there may be areas in which the cultural and arts organizations, and individual artists,
must be nurtured, utilized and integrated into the community's life and growth. The goals and
objectives set forth in this plan assist in identifying areas in expanding the cultural presence within
the community.
Because La Quinta is a rapid -growing city whose image is developing, the creation of a plan for
the cultural and artistic development of the community is important. A strong cultural plan has a
positive impact on the economy, community, and families, and takes into account the visual and
performing arts, the role of artists in the community, urban design, public celebration, cultural
diversity, arts education, public art, community building and economic development, architecture,
landscape architecture, and more.
A community cultural plan may well become the blueprint for building "livability" into an area. It
can mesh with all other community master plans to show how culture plays an integral role in
shaping the community's look, feel, spirit and design and allows a community to define those
aspects of cultural development that are most appropriate and essential to its own way of life and
future growth.
Community'cultural planning also is a means of establishing a city's identity and strengthening
existing cultural bonds and organizations. A strategic plan provides the focus and direction to
increase opportunities for artists and to raise existing activities and organizations to a new level of
development and service to the community.
Formulating a plan with community input focuses on future actions of the entire community as
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they affect cultural functions. In this way the arts are considered as a cultural resource similar to
libraries, schools and parks. Most important, however, is a cultural plan which establishes a
vision of a desired future and establishes roles, steps, time lines and methods for achieving that
vision.
The Cultural Commission is pleased to design the first such Cultural Arts Master Plan for the City
of La Quinta. It is to be a `living' document, evolving with changes in La Quinta's cultural and
artistic life.
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
CULTURE AND THE ARTS
The long-term preservation of the community's cultural resources and the promotion and
development of the arts are very important to both the image and economy of La Quinta.
Goal 1 Identify Arts and Cultural Community
1.1 Survey and assess the economic impact and status of the arts in the community on an on-
going basis.
1.1.1 Evaluate the present status, both in number of people served or participating and
the economic impact of arts and cultural events on the community.
1.1.2 Project the future growth of culture and the arts in La Quinta.
1.2 Acknowledge the diversity of the socio-economic-cultural dynamic in the community.
1.3 Identify opportunities for cultural exposure, involvement, participation, interaction and
education for artists and the public.
1.4 Maintain an up-to-date listing of organizations, their leaders and programs.
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
A culturally -rich community builds a stable environment for families and business, and stimulates
community involvement. In order to have audiences in the future for the multi -arts presentations
and activities, it is imperative to develop them now to ensure the preservation and continuation of
a vital and healthy society.
Goal 2 Increase and Develop Audiences of Community -wide Arts and Cultural Organizations.
2.1 Educate and inform La Quinta's population as to the cultural resources and activities
available to them, and encourage their involvement and participation.
2.2 Build bridges for multi-ethnic/cultural diversity through program development.
The La Quinta ethnic breakdown is estimated as follows: 70% Caucasian, 26% Hispanic, 2%
Black, and 2% Asian/Other, with an average age of 32 years.
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2.2.1 Identify and utilize officially recognized cultural ambassadors to act as liaisons
between organizations, individual artists, and civic entities.
2.2.2 Encourage public cultural and arts events in celebration of the diversity of the
community.
2.3 Target hard -to -reach populations.
2.3.1 Utilize multi-lingual publications and media to promote cultural programming.
2.3.2 Encourage local organizations and individuals to become involved in the local
cultural programs.
2.3.3 Devise systems to communicate with and deliver arts programs to all population
segments of the community.
2.4 Provide accessibility to the arts and culture, both economically and physically to all
citizens.
2.4.1 Look for alternative arts programming that is diverse, innovative and all-inclusive
to address the needs of at -risk youth, physically challenged youth and adults, .
economically disadvantaged, as well as the talented and gifted.
2.5 Look for ways to encourage students to attend and participate in arts programs and
activities.
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE
One of the crucial aspects of preserving a strong and vital arts community is having adequate
support from the community in the form of volunteers, finances, and information. These are
provided by individuals, organizations, civic government, and businesses. Funding can also come
from outside sources through grants.
Goal 3 Support and Encourage Professional Development of Local Artists
It is important to realize the arts are a viable business. The creative and performing artists derive
their living from, and contribute to the local economy by means of their profession. Artists are
creative problem -solvers and are major contributors to enhanced life styles and environmental and
spatial aesthetics. Their services are important to the balance and quality of life. They need to be
identified and utilized by all segments of the community.
3.1 Encourage a thriving community of artists where the artists can realize their potential and
contribute to the vitality of the larger community.
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3.1.1 Call together focus groups to expand the cultural vision and create methods for
implementing arts development.
3.1.2 Establish an artist's advisory committee.
3.2 Provide a vehicle for individual artists drawn from all disciplines to have a voice to input
into the evolving, creative arts dynamic of civic and cultural development.
3.3 Encourage an artist -friendly community.
3.3.1 Devise a system to recognize achievement in the arts.
3.3.1.1 Present merit awards at a public gathering.
3.3.2 Consider adopting a philosophy that would provide or allow for artists' live/work
space.
3.3.3 Consider establishing artist -in -residence programs.
3.3.4 Form a liaison to assist in placing artists to perform or exhibit in public or
commercial spaces.
3.4 Advocate the principle that professional artists should be appropriately compensated for
their work.
Goal 4 Enlarize Community Base of Support
Individuals from the various service providers and organizations can contribute expertise in
business and operational procedures, practical support and direction in board development and
mentoring, and can assist in identifying general networking outlets.
4.1 Develop financial and human resources necessary to support arts and cultural activities
throughout the City.
4.1.1 Investigate and initiate ways for local organizations to obtain grants.
4.2 Develop a technical assistance program utilizing representatives from community service
providers.
4.3 Encourage business support of the arts and cultural organizations.
4.3.1 Investigate the feasibility of establishing a Business Committee for the Arts.
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4.4 Conserve existing resources and generate new dollars through cooperative efforts between
organizations to sustain financial support from individuals, businesses, and local
government.
4.5 Consider establishing a center to provide technical assistance to local arts and cultural
organizations to access their own funding, and to provide management and program
development training.
4.6 Explore the possibilities of a united fund for the arts.
Goal 5 Encourage Municipal Sport for the Arts and Cultural Development
Arts and culture are necessary components of an investment in the enrichment and well-being of
La Quinta. It has been proven that when the arts thrive within the community a strong and
expanding economic base is the result.
5.1 Develop a clear cultural development policy to make optimal use of City -supported
services and programs: library, school system, senior and youth services, parades and
public celebrations.
5.2 Encourage municipal and business support for local artists by utilizing their talents and
vision.
5.2.1 Determine ways for the business community to participate in and be actively
involved in the arts.
5.2.2 Identify methods to educate and inform the business and civic leaders of La Quinta
regarding the value of the arts.
5.2.3 Unify efforts to secure funding and facilities.
5.2.4 Sponsor, underwrite or partner special arts events, cultural education programs,
and other arts related activities.
5.3 Generate greater municipal financial support for cultural programs, services, and
development effort.
5.3.1 Consider dedication of an established percentage of the transient occupancy, sales
or other tax stream to support the cultural arts.
5.3.2 Establish funding priorities for local grants that encourage innovative public
funding for arts programs.
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5.3.3 Investigate the increasing of the Art -In -Public -Places development fee contribution
of project cost applicable to residential, commercial and public projects.
5.3.3.1 Enhance the arts in public places program by imposing a fee (1 %) on
residential, commercial and public projects sufficient to fund public arts
objectives.
5.4 Investigate and propose an effective funding process by means of which City funds are
allocated to arts organizations.
5.5 Maintain and coordinate a cultural development component in any municipal development
plan.
YOUTH ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION
Recent studies by Shaw and Rauscher at the University of California at Irvine verify the value of
arts education as it relates to academic learning. Students who study the arts, and particularly
music, score an average of at least one grade point higher overall than those students who have no
arts education. Discipline problems have virtually disappeared in schools where students have
been immersed in the arts. The arts give a student a sense of self-worth improving their self-
image and developing self-discipline; they increase their ability to solve problems, to think
logically, to develop insight, and to work cooperatively; in general, to have a well-balanced
education.
Goal 6 Build A Strom Intemrated Arts Education Proizram in the Schools and Community
6.1 Establish opportunities to link arts and cultural events with programs for youth.
6.2 Encourage the development of cultural programs, instruction, classes, and residencies for
children, teens and special audiences who would not otherwise have access to these
opportunities.
6.2.1 Enhance and promote the programs of the City's Parks and Recreation
Department in partnership with other youth organizations.
6.2.2 Develop anti-crime/anti-graffiti arts programs and make accessible to `at risk'
youth.
6.2.3 Encourage the continuation and enlargement of docent programs in the schools,
and involve local artists in school programs.
6.3 Advocate for a program of sequential arts education taught by qualified arts teachers to
enhance the basic curriculum with arts experiences.
6.4 Encourage the development of a school for the arts.
6.4.1 Classes could include children's theater, community theater, dance, and music and
visual arts instruction_
6.4.2 The school could house a community learning center.
6.4.3 The school facility could include performing arts space available to the public, or
could be combined with the development of a performing arts center. (See 11.2)
Goal 7 Develop Venues and Programs for Youth and Teens
Building unity in a community means finding programs that bring all ages and ethnic groups
together. Band concerts and street fairs are types of programs that cut across all generations.
There is a specific need in La Quinta for programs and sites where young people can gather in a
safe environment.
7.1 Develop programs and activities specifically for teens, such as:
7.1.1 Lawn dances at the park.
7.1.2 Band concerts, using bands from the local high school as well as bringing in bands
from throughout the Valley and other areas.
7.2 Identify or develop sites for teen activities, such as:
7.2.1 A teen club where teens can gather in a safe, drug -free environment to listen to
music or dance, and to develop their own projects.
7.2.2 Share sites for sports and concerts.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTION
Duplication of efforts and programs is costly, therefore it is important that in a community the
size of La Quinta resources of organizations, personnel, expertise and information is shared and
made available to one another. Some effort in this direction has been made, but more can be
accomplished when needs are made known and a plan is in place to promote and communicate
programs and services between organizations and the community. To this end, methods of
communication and networking need to be established.
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Goal 8 Promote Communication and Cooperation Among City-wide Arts Organizations
8.1 Identify needs and mutual areas of interest and activities, thereby preventing duplication of
services.
8.2 Utilize officially designated. private arts organization or public commission, such as the
Cultural Commission, to coordinate, monitor, or create cultural planning initiatives and to
develop and maintain a coordinated community calendar of arts events and activities which
will serve as a clearinghouse for information and schedules of events for the community's
organizations.
8.3 Develop and maintain an artist registry containing contact and professional information, as
well as an arts organization directory.
8.4 Consider developing and maintaining mailing lists to be made available to all organizations
who participate in an agreement regarding usage.
8.5.1 Encourage all arts -oriented organizations to retain elected officials on their mailing
lists.
8.5 Publicize arts organizations and programs to schools and community.
8.5.1 Disseminate organization newsletters.
8.5.2 Publicly notice meetings and events.
8.5.3 Hold community seminars and conferences for sharing of information and
resources.
8.6 Establish an information system and resource bank of visual, performing, literary, and
other artists which will be accessible to all interested parties.
8.6.1 Provide access to a regularly updated inventory of artists, organizations, and
resources, as well as facilities, libraries, museums, and programs and activities.
8.6.2 Utilize artists bank maintained by the Art -in -Public Places Commission, as well as
the La Quinta Arts Foundation.
8.6.3 Identify resources geographically: La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Southern
California, state-wide, national and international.
8.7 Help create an inter -organizational coalition of representatives of all arts and cultural
organizations. Some areas of responsibilities would include:
8.7.1 Set goals for arts development and expansion and their support.
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8.7.2 Share or pool resources, such as artists' bank, expertise, problem -solving
techniques, trends study, and an "opportunity" resource library for access by
artists, organizations, and the general public.
8.8 Establish a speakers bureau and provide speakers at no cost to community organizations
and schools.
8.8.1 Train supporters of the arts how to be advocates.
8.8.2 Provide artists and arts organizations and supporters with advocacy tools and
current information on the value of the arts.
8.9 Keep elected officials informed about the arts and cultural programs.
8.9.1 Hold public forums for public office candidates to inform citizens and candidates
of the importance and value of the arts in their city.
8.10 Promote effective communication systems to diverse ethnic community. (See 2.2)
8.11 Provide the City of La Quinta with a clear identity with the arts and its cultural life.
Goal 9 Promote Communication and Cooperation Among Cultural Organizations
9.1 Identify mutual areas of interest and activities, thereby preventing duplication of services.
9.2 Utilize officially designated cultural organization or public commission, such as the
Historical Commission, to coordinate and monitor cultural activities and serve as a
clearinghouse for information and schedules of events.
9.3 Develop and maintain a registry containing contact and professional information in a
cultural organization directory.
9.3.1 Provide access to a regularly updated inventory of organizations and resources, as
well as facilities, libraries, museums, and programs and activities.
9.3.2 Resources should be identified geographically: La Quinta, Coachella Valley,
Southern California, state-wide, national and international.
9.3.3 Share or pool resources, such as expertise, problem -solving techniques, and a
resource library for access by cultural organizations and the general public.
9.4 Publicize cultural organizations and programs to schools and community.
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9.4.1 Disseminate newsletters and hold community seminars and conferences for sharing
of information and resources to the diverse ethnic community.
9.5 Establish a speakers' bureau and provide speakers at no cost to community organizations
and schools.
9.6 Keep elected officials informed about cultural programs.
Goal 10 Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development
10.1 Document cultural arts activities as an important economic resource.
10.2 Collaborate with the tourist industry, chambers of commerce, and all arts and cultural
organizations throughout the Valley.
10.3 Improve permanent signage leading visitors to cultural attractions.
10.4 Continue and enlarge the Art -in -Public -Places Program as a vehicle for community
education, appreciation, and physical enhancement.
10.5 Promote the community's cultural institutions and resources collectively as an- industry
that provides significant contribution to the local and regional economy.
10.6 Develop programs and activities to entice visitors and new residents to La Quinta.
10.6.1 Have a city-wide cultural arts "season."
10.7 Spotlight current arts programs.
10.7.1 Support and promote such organizations and programs as: Coachella Valley
Community Concerts in La Quinta, La Quinta Arts Association and Gallery, La
Quinta Arts Foundation and Festival, La Quinta Historical Society Museum, La
Quinta On Stage, La Quinta Open -Air Museum, Mariachi Festival, Round Table
West, and others.
10.7.2 Encourage the display and sale of quality art for investors and collectors. .
10.8 Preserve and enhance important features of the physical environment, including
architecture, historic landmarks, and natural resources.
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ARTS FACILITIES
Through the medium of community workshops and valley -wide conferences, it has been
determined that there is a need for appropriate facilities for the performing and visual arts. There
is no professional art gallery, no performing arts theater or space for professional dance or music
concerts that has an adequate stage in the City of La Quinta. In order to develop a thriving and
vital city, it is important to have gathering places for all citizens. In coming together in common
interests, all cultural, socio-economic and ethnic barriers are broken down, creating a common
international language for everyone.
Goal 11 Encourage the Development of a Cultural Facility
Knowing that the citizens would like a community gathering place, a performing arts center could
be the ideal venue to combine many aspects of the community in one central area. It could
contain gallery space, outdoor patios courting book stores, coffee house and small restaurant, gift
and artisan shops, conversation corners next to fountains, exemplary flower gardens, and other
shops compatible with the arts. The building and grounds could feature landmark architecture.
The center would give La Quinta a strong, expanded cultural identity that would translate into
positive economic growth, cultural tourism and a public relations tool. It would offer
professional theater, dance, music concerts, as well as community theater and serve as a venue for
community events.
11.1 Encourage the development of a performing arts center
11.1. I Identify and encourage renovation or building of cultural facilities to provide space
for rehearsals, performances, exhibitions, administration, classes, and artists'
studios.
11.1.1.1 Develop an education component whereby videos could be produced
for use in the local schools as well as other outlets, thereby creating a
source of income.
11.1.2 A school for the arts could become part of the facility. (See 6.4)
11.2 Integrate arts space and facility development into the overall City planning process.
11.3 Encourage the design and development a central meeting place for artists and the public.
11.3.1 A centrally -located plaza in the civic center or the Village could become a site for
community activities, children's theater, songfest, outdoor concerts, forums, and
the like.
11.3.2 An adequate facility could include a community room for organizations to hold
meetings, forums or workshops, and it could include exhibits of artwork.
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11.5 Promote the enhancement of the public library and its services.
11.5.1 Upgrade technology and accessibility.
11.5.2 Promote book sales, story telling hours for children, and a mobile unit to extend
into all areas within the City borders.
11.6 Incorporate movie theaters in City development.
LEADERSHIP, TRAINING AND COOPERATION
Without the infusion of new knowledgeable people to work in the arts, current programs may not
continue or may not grow effectively. It is vital that people in the community be identified who
have an interest in and knowledge of the arts and their value to the City, and that they be
encouraged to get involved in organizations, commissions, schools, businesses and City
government.
Goal 12 Identify Nurture and Train New Cultural and Arts Leadership
12.1 Support the development of a volunteer pool from a broad cross-section of the
community.
12.1.1 Consider creating a chapter of Business Volunteers for the Arts.
12.1.2 Utilize the Senior Center and the La Quinta Arts Foundation as resources for
talent, expertise, and mentoring.
12.1.3 Address board development for nonprofit arts organizations and find ways to help
identify potential board members.
12.2 Recruit mentors to serve on boards of cultural organizations.
12.2.1 Encourage the expansion of organizational planning, marketing, and funding.
12.3 Encourage existing cultural leaders to identify potential new arts leaders.
ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURE
There are many areas in which the entire community is involved. Major community -wide arts and
cultural events meet a particular need in uniting all segments and unifying the City. Attention
must be given to programs and community development to let this happen.
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Goal 13 Integrate the Arts into the Community's Cultural Life
13.1 Encourage city-wide multi -arts programs.
13.2 Encourage the presentation of public arts events.
13.2.1 Support and promote programs including La Quinta On -Stage productions, the
Community Concert series, and the La Quinta Arts Festival.
13.2.2 Encourage attendance at the "La Quinta Free Day" at the La Quinta Open -Air
Museum.
13.2.3 As new arts and cultural organizations are formed, give strong support in getting
them established.
13.2 Promote geographical and ecological considerations in the arts.
13.2.1 Encourage the incorporation of aesthetics in public landscaping design.
13.2.2 Utilize artists in the designing of public recreation areas.
13.3 Encourage the development of "The Village" as a central gathering place.
13.3.1 The Village Center could include as coffee house, artisan shops, book store, art
galleries, music store, and outdoor patios with fountains, sculptures, benches,
plants, and places for mini -outdoor concerts or exhibits.
13.4 Consider establishing a "sister city" cultural exchange program --state, national or
international.
Goal 14 Identify La Quinta's Role in the Coachella Valley
14.1 Encourage, promote and participate in Valley -wide arts and cultural events, conferences
and workshops.
14.1.1 Cooperate with the County of Riverside Arts Foundation in developing
cooperation and support for the arts among the cities.
14.2 Help develop and maintain a system of communication between the cities in the Valley,
and their complementary organizations, commissions and committees.
14.3 Advocate for the arts and cultural development at all levels: business, government,
schools, organizations, community at large, and individuals.
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APPENDIX I
ROLE OF THE CULTURAL COMMISSION
To advise the City Council on all matters affecting the culture of the City and to advise
and assist other City Boards, Committees, and Commissions in the field of the arts, and to
cooperate and work with all cultural organizations, locally and regionally to address the
arts in La Quinta.
2. To encourage and facilitate programs in the arts and to promote the cultural enrichment of
the community.
To encourage ongoing planning and promoting unified decision making.
4. To encourage"the development of an arts center, establishing a united fund for the arts,
providing scholarships and awards for significant contributions to the arts.
To undertake and carry out all functions reasonably necessary to accomplish the objectives
and to discharge the functions of the Commission; and to exercise such other functions as
may be prescribed by the City Council. These functions may involve arts -related
disciplines and activities, including, but not limited to, the following:
A. Performing arts, such as drama, music and dance
B. Visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, photography, graphics, video art and
applied art, including architecture and landscape architecture
C. Literary arts, such as literature, poetry and journalism,
D. Communications arts involving film, television and radio, and technology
E. Arts education, such as schools, libraries and community education, and
F. Funding, such as fund raisers, representatives of public and private funding
agencies, and art patrons.
G. Ethnic, institutional or intellectual endeavors characteristic of the La Quinta
resident.
6. To partner with other communities, arts organizations, and cities in the Coachella Valley
region in promoting and encouraging the development of arts programs and artists.
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APPENDIX II
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dozens of residents, both in La Quinta and from throughout the Coachella Valley, participated in
meetings, conferences, surveys, and interviews over a period of more than six months. As a
result, the Goals, Objectives and Strategies as listed in this report were developed. The following
individuals and organizations contributed to the study:
Cultural Commission Members:
Honey Atkins
Susan Benay
Steve Berliner
John Detlie
Susan Francis
Kathryn B. Hull
Archie Sharp
Judy Vossler
Patrick Welch ._....
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Organizations:
Art In Public Places Commission
Friends of La Quinta Library
La Quinta Arts Foundation
La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
La Quinta Historical Society
La Quinta On -Stage
La Quinta Open -Air Museum
Round Table West
Soroptimist International of La Quinta
VIVA Foundation
Attendees of Workshop:
Attendees of Coachella Valley Conference:
Millie Blansett
Elaine Lloyd
Joyce Pena
Elaine Reynolds
Rosita Shamis
Kay Wolff
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City Staff:
Jerry Herman
Marty Nicholson
Cristal Spidell
Pam Stull
Mark Weiss
Britt Wilson
City Council:
Mayor Glenda Holt
Don Adolph
Terry Henderson
Ron Perkins
Stanley Sniff
DRAFT
September 11, 1997
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American Institute of A.rchitects (California Desert Chapter)
Raymond Howard, President Tel: 340 1981
44267 Monterey Ave. Suite A., Palm Desert,CA. 92260
American Society of Landscape Architects
Andrew Sabol, President Tel: 771 4117
53725 Avenida Diaz,La Quinta, CA. 92253 - 3530