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CULTURAL COMMISSION AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
La Quinta Senior Center
78-450 Avenida La Fonda - La Quinta, CA 92253
November 12, 1997
5:30 PM
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. Review Draft Cultural Plan with Community Organizations & Residents
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION
November 20, 1997 12:00 Noon
La Quinta Civic Center Study Session Room
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CULTURAL COMMISSION
MEETING DATE: November 12, 1997
ITEM TITLE: Review Draft Cultural Plan with Community
Organizations and Residents
Following review of the draft Cultural Plan at the October 23, 1997 Commission
meeting, the Commission called for a special meeting to seek further input on the Plan
from the community at large.
In accordance with Commission direction, staff notified the Council, community
organizations and residents of the meeting (see attached copies). Two articles also
were run in the Palm Desert Post - La Quinta Page concerning the special meeting.
Staff will have copies of the draft Plan available the night of the meeting for meeting
attendees.
Receive and file community input on draft Plan.
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Mark Weiss, Assistant City Manager
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TO:
FROM
DATE:
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MEMORANDUM
City Council
Kathryn B. Hull, Chairperson
Cultural Commission #*
October 24, 1997
RE: Community Meeting on Draft Cultural Plan
The Cultural Commission will be conducting a community meeting at 5:30 p.m. on
November 12, 1997 at the La Quinta Senior Center. The purpose of the meeting is
to further collect information to help the Commission complete the Cultural Plan.
Attached please find a copy of the draft Cultural Plan as prepared to date. This is a
working document and the Commission is still seeking input on this Plan from the
community at large. We have invited cultural leaders (both individuals and
organizations) to come to the community meeting to share their ideas with us on the
Plan as prepared todate (see attached letter).
Also, please accept this memorandum as an invitation to attend the meeting and
share your thoughts on the Plan.
Attachments:
1. Draft Cultural Plan
2. Letter to Cultural leaders regarding the community meeting
C. Cultural Commission
Thomas P. Genovese, City Manager
Mark Weiss, Assistant City Manager
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78-495 CALLE TAMPICO - LA GIUINTA, CALIFORNIA 92253 - (760) 777-7000
FAX (760) 777-7101
TDD (760) 777-1227
October 27, 1997
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Dear Cultural Leader:
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the next step of the Cultural
Commission's undertaking of drafting a Cultural Plan for the City of La Quinta.
The proposed Introduction of the Plan indicates that it is our vision that the
Cultural Plan will, among other things, foster growth and solidarity among the
cultural offerings in the City and perhaps inspire both individuals and groups
within the community with dreams and aspirations regarding the cultural life in
the eastern Valley's "Gem of the Desert", the City of La Quinta.
We have held several open community meetings devoted specifically to gathering
information from the people and cultural organizations in La Quinta. Now that
some time has passed and you've had a chance to reflect on the Cultural Plan, this
is the time to help us provide the residents of La Quinta with the best Plan
possible.
We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to those of you who have
helped us get as far as we have in the draft process, but we need to go further.
Remember the Plan, though very formalized in its presentation, is a draft form
only. We have taken the ideas and visions from the people who attended our
previous community meetings and broadened them out in some cases and
narrowed them down in others to come up with a plan that is at once concrete.
and yet alive and appropriately responsive to whatever may be in store for our.
City in the future. If you would be interested in receiving a copy of the draft
Plan, please call 777-7035 and one will be mailed to you (or, you may pick one
up at City Hall).
We hope you will take some time to fully read the draft Cultural Plan and invite
your colleagues, friends and family to do the same. lot down any questions that
occur to you while you're reading it and bring them with your suggestions to the
next open community meeting which will be held November 121" at 5:30 p.m.
at the La Quinta Senior Center. Copies of the draft Plan will also be available at
the community meeting.
MAILING ADDRESS - P.O. BOX 1504 - LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA 92253
We hope to see you at the meeting, but if you cannot be present at that time,
mail your suggestions to the Cultural Commission at the address below. You may
also attend our next regularly scheduled Commission meeting on November 20"'
at noon. We welcome your involvement and feedback.
Sincerely,
Tat�hrynB. Hull, Chair
La Quinta Cultural Commission
KBH:pjs
c: Cultural Commissioners
Honey Atkins
Susan Benay
John Detlie
Roxanne Voigt
Judy Vossler
Patrick Welch
p.s. Presidents of organizations: Please advise your Board Members and other
interested parties of the Cultural Plan and invite them to obtain copies and
make comments.
Cultural Plan Meeting: November 12,1997
List of Invitees
1. La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
2. La Quinta Rotary Club
3. La Quinta Soroptimist
4. La Quinta On Stage
5. Coachella Valley Boys & Girls Club
6. Round Table West
7. Friends of La Quinta Library
8. La Quinta Library
9. La Quinta Middle School (Principal)
10. Adams Elementary
11. Truman Elementary
12. La Quinta High School
13. La Quinta Historical Society
14. V ! VA Foundation
15. La Quinta Arts Foundation
16. La Quinta Arts Association
17.Coachella Valley Community Concerts
18. John Walling
19. Sharon Kennedy
20. Michelle Klein
Page 2 Cultural Plan Meeting: November 12, 1997, List of Invitees
21. Elaine Reynolds
22. Charrie Chappie
23. Joyce Pena
24. Rosita Shamis
25. Archie Sharp
26. Jerry Blansett
27. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wolff
28. Lesle Wenzel
29. American Institute of Architects
30. American Society of Landscape
WORKING DRAFT OF
THE CULTURAL PLAN
FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
October 23, 1997
WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
METHOD AND PURPOSE ....................................................
3
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ..................................................
4
CULTURE AND THE ARTS ..............................................
4
Goal 1: Identify Arts and Cultural Community .............................
4
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT .............................................
5
Goal 2: Increase and Develop Audience of Community -wide Arts and Cultural
Organizations................................................5
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE ...................................
5
Goal 3: Support and Encourage Professional Development of Local Artists .......
6
Goal 4: Enlarge Community Base of Support ..............................
7
Goal 5: Encourage Municipal Support for the Arts and Cultural Development .....
7
YOUTH ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION ....................................
9
Goal 6: Build A Strong, Integrated Arts Education Program in the Schools and
Community..................................................9
Goal 7: Develop Venues and Programs for Youth and Teens .................
10
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTION ...................................
10
Goal 8: Promote Communication and Cooperation Among City-wide Arts and
Cultural Organizations ........................................
10
Goal 9: Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development ...............
11
ARTS FACILITIES.....................................................12
Goal 10: Encourage the Development of A Cultural Facility ..................
13
LEADERSHIP, TRAINING AND COOPERATION ............................
14
Goal 11: Identify, Nurture and Train New Cultural and Arts Leadership .........
14
ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ARTS .....................................
14
Goal 12: Integrate the Arts Into Community Life ..........................
14
Goal 13: Identify and Expand La Quinta's Role in the Coachella Valley .........
15
SUMMARY.................................................... ..........
15
APPENDIX I - ROLE OF THE CULTURAL COMMISSION ........................
16
APPENDIX II - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .......................................
17
WORKING D R A F T- October 23, 1997
CULTURAL PLAN
for
The City of La Quinta
Prepared by
THE CULTURAL COMMISSION
The Mission c?f the C'uhural Commission is to encourage culture and the arts in La Quinta.
INTRODUCTION
La Quinta is a young city centrally located in the Coachella Valley. People come from all over the
country to participate in the arts and amenities offered here.. La Quinta is in a position to take a
leadership role and become an exemplary city for culture.
A strong cultural base is a necessary component of an investment in the enrichment and well-
being of a community. It is a critical ingredient in building a rounded socio-economic
environment. The arts are not to be reserved for prosperous times, but rather are a continuous
necessity going beyond what is commonly characterized as "enhancing the quality of life" in a
community. For example:
The development of culture 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 other cultural
events.
The arts play a vital role in successfully addressing societal problems by providing shared
cultural experiences for families and communities, reducing school dropout rates, teaching
respect and appreciation for cultural differences, building self-esteem, developing creative
outlets to channel energy, and building community pride and identity.
WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
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.
La Quinta has a strong cultural identity, particularly 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 La Quinta Plaza;
from listening to Community Concerts Association productions to hearing guest writers speak
about their latest works at a Round Table West meeting 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 annual Mariachi Festival. As more and more
people are drawn into the City by these events each year, the economic and cultural impact
encourages new businesses and residents to come into the City.
La Quinta is a rapidly growing city, and now must come an equal growth in civic beauty and the
development of La Quinta as a center of cultural values essential to complete citizenship. The
creation of a visionary 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 design, and more.
A community cultural plan may well become the blueprint for building "livability" into an area. It
can mesh with all other community 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.
A strategic cultural 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 they affect cultural functions. 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. Everyone benefits from a common framework of priorities within which to
place their own organizational goals.
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WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
The Cultural Commission is pleased to be the facilitator in designing the first such Cultural 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.
METHOD AND PURPOSE
Through the medium of community workshops, conferences, surveys and interviews, dozens of
residents, both in La Quinta and from throughout the Coachella Valley (Appendix II), participated
and provided the information which appears in this Cultural Plan. In cooperation with City staff,
the Cultural Commission compiled the information received and set forth the goals and objectives
addressing the needs and observations that were brought forward.
This plan is a visionary set of guidelines to give direction to future cultural and artistic
development in the community and indicates that La Quinta is committed to a culturally rich city
which encourages the arts. It represents a cultural element of the City's overall plan and will
evolve with the growth of the City. It defines guideposts, pathways, opportunities for expansion
and support and nurturing of the cultural foundation of the community. It will provide direction
for the community organizations as they set their goals and develop programs and services to
meet the needs of their constituents and the community.
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WORKING DRAFT - October 23, 1997
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 important to both the image and economy of La Quinta. They form
the guidelines by which our society runs.
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 cultural events on the community.
1.1.2 Project the future growth of 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 Establish an information and resource bank of visual, performing, literary, and other artists
including contact and professional information in a cultural organization directory.
1.4.1 Provide access to a regularly updated inventory of artists, organizations, and
resources, as well as facilities, libraries, museums, and their programs and
activities.
1.4.2 Utilize artists' bank maintained by the Art -in -Public Places Commission, as well as
the La Quinta Arts Foundation.
1.4.3 Identify resources geographically: La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Southern
California, state-wide, national and international.
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WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
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 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 for Multi -Ethnic Cultural Organizations
The La Quinta ethnic breakdown of a population of 18,500 in 1996 was estimated as follows:
70% Caucasian, 26% Hispanic, 2% Black, and 2% Asian/Other, with a median age of 32 years.
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 and public
cultural 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 Provideaccessibility to the arts and cultural programs, 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.
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS .
One of the crucial aspects of preserving a strong and vital arts community is having adequate
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WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
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 they can realize their potential and
contribute to the vitality of the larger community.
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, such as an
artists' advisory committee.
3.2.1 Call together focus groups to expand the cultural vision and create methods for
implementing arts development.
3.3 Encourage an artist -friendly community.
3.3. I Devise a system to publicly recognize achievement in the arts.
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 Establish a system 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.
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WORKING DRAFT - October 23, 1997
Goal 4 Enlarge 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 cultural activities throughout
the City.
4.2 Develop a technical assistance program utilizing representatives from community service
providers.
4.3 Encourage business support of arts and other cultural organizations.
4.3.1 Investigate ways for the business community to participate in and be actively
involved in the arts.
4.3.2 Investigate the feasibility of establishing a Business Committee for the Arts.
4.4 Conserve existing resources and generate new dollars through cooperative efforts among
organizations to sustain financial support from individuals, businesses, and local
government.
4.5 Explore the possibilities of a united fund for the arts.
4.6 Consider establishing a center to provide technical assistance to local arts and cultural
organizations to access their own funding, obtain grants, and to provide management and
program development training.
4.6..1 Unify efforts to secure funding and facilities.
Goal 5 Encourage Municipal Support for Cultural Development
Culture provides the enrichment and the means for healing and growth in La Quinta. It has been
proven that when the arts thrive within the community a strong and expanding economic base is
the result.
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WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
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 Identify methods to educate and inform the business and civic leaders of La Quinta
regarding the value of the arts.
5.2.2 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 efforts.
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.
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 public art by imposing a standard fee 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.
5.6 Utilize cultural commissioners to act as a resource and liaison among organizations,
individual artists, and civic entities.
10
WORKING DRAFT - October 23, 1997
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 Strong Integrated Arts Education Program in the Schools and Community
6.1 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.
6.1.1 Enhance and promote the programs of the City's Community Services Department
in partnership with other youth organizations.
6.1.2 Develop anti-crime/anti-graffiti arts programs and make accessible to `at risk'
youth.
6.1.3 Encourage the continuation and enlargement of docent programs in the schools,
and involve local artists in school programs.
6.2 Advocate for a program of sequential arts education taught by qualified arts teachers to
enhance the basic curriculum with arts experiences.
The arts stimulate creative discovery and self-expression, develop craftsmanship, establish
communication across cultures, and document history. Students who study the arts are better
prepared for college; they have learned discipline, to think critically, attained excellence, have high
standards, and score 30% higher than the average student in academic skills. After four years of
arts study they score 53 points higher on verbal skills and 37 points higher on math skills on
SAT's according to studies completed in 1996.
6.3 Encourage the development of a school for the arts.
6.3.1 Classes could include children's theater, community theater, dance, and music and
visual arts instruction.
ME
WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
6.3.3 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 10.2)
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. Cross-cultural events can share spaces and programs.
7.1 Develop cultural programs and activities specifically for teens.
7.2 Look for ways to encourage students to attend and participate in arts programs and
activities.
7.3 Identify and share or develop sites for teen activities in a safe drug -free environment.
7.4 Establish opportunities to link arts and other cultural events with programs for youth.
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.
Goal 8. Promote Communication and Cooperation Among City-wide Cultural Organizations
8.1 Identify needs and mutual areas of interest and activities, thereby preventing duplication of
services.
8.2 Utilize an officially designated private arts organization or public commission, such as the
Cultural or Historic Commissions, 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.
WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
8.3 Develop and maintain an artist registry containing contact and professional information, as
well as a cultural organization directory. Update on a regular basis, such as bi-annually.
8A Consider developing and maintaining mailing lists to be made available to all organizations
who participate in an agreement regarding usage.
8.5 Publicize arts organizations and programs to schools and community
8.5.1 Disseminate organization newsletters, and publicly notice meetings and events.
8.5.2 Hold community seminars and conferences for sharing of information and
resources.
8.6 Consider creating an inter -organizational coalition of representatives of all cultural
organizations.
8.6.1 Set goals for development, expansion and support for the arts and culture.
8.6.2 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.
8.7 Establish a speakers bureau and provide speakers at no cost to community organizations
and schools.
8.7.1 Train supporters of the arts how to be advocates and provide. cultural
organizations and supporters with advocacy tools and current information on the
value of the arts and culture.
8.8 Keep elected officials informed about the arts and cultural programs.
8.9 Promote effective communication systems to diverse ethnic community. (See 2.2)
Goal 9 Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development
9.1 Document cultural activities as an important economic resource.
9.2 Collaborate with the tourist industry, chambers of commerce, and all arts and other
cultural organizations throughout the Coachella Valley.
WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
9.3 Improve permanent signage leading visitors to cultural attractions.
9.4 Continue and enlarge the Art -in -Public -Places program as a vehicle for community
education, appreciation, and physical enhancement.
9.5 Promote the community's cultural institutions and resources collectively as an industry
that provides significant contributions to the local and regional economy.
9.6 Develop programs and activities to entice visitors and new residents to La Quinta.
9.6.1 Have a city-wide cultural "season."
9.7 Spotlight current arts programs.
9.7.1 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 and Sculpture Park, Mariachi
Festival, Round Table West, and others.
9.7.2 Encourage the display and sale of quality art for investors and collectors.
9.8 Preserve and enhance important features of the physical environment, including
architecture, historic landmarks, and natural resources.
9.9 Enhance the use of the press and news media in promoting arts and cultural programs and
activities in La Quinta.
ARTS FACILITIES
Research has been determined that there is a need for appropriate facilities for the performing and
visual arts. In order for La Quinta to develop into a thriving and vital city, it is important to have
gathering places for all citizens, such as a performing arts theater or cultural center. In coming
together in common interests, all cultural, socio-economic and ethnic barriers are broken down,
creating a common international language for everyone.
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WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
Goal 10 Encoura7e the Develoument of a Cultural Facility
Knowing that the citizens would like a community gathering place, a performing or cultural arts
center could be the ideal venue to combine many aspects of community life in one central area. It
could contain gallery space, outdoor patios courting book stores, music store, coffee house and
small restaurant, gift and artisan shops, conversation corners next to fountains, exemplary flower
gardens and benches, sculptures, and other shops compatible with the arts along with places for
mini -outdoor concerts or exhibits. 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.
10.1 Encourage the design and development of a central meeting place for artists and the
public, such as in "The Village" area.
10.2 Identify and encourage the renovation or building of cultural facilities, such as a
performing arts center which would provide space for rehearsals, performances,
exhibitions, administration, classes, and artists' studios.
10.2.1 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.
10.2.2 A school for the arts could become part of the facility. (See 6.3)
10.2.3 An adequate facility could include a community room for organizations to hold
meetings, forums or workshops, and it could include exhibits of artwork as well as
a community learning center.
10.3 Promote the enhancement of the public library and its services and technology.
10.3.1 Promote book sales, story telling hours for children, and possibly a mobile unit to
extend into all areas within the City borders.
10.4 Incorporate movie theaters in City development.
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WORKING DRAFT -October 23, 1997
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 11. Identify, Nurture and Train New Cultural and Arts Leadership
11.1 Support the development of a volunteer pool from a broad cross-section of the
community.
11.1.1 Consider creating a chapter of Business Volunteers for the Arts.
11.1.2 Utilize the Senior Center and the La Quinta Arts Foundation as resources for
talent, expertise, and mentoring.
11. L') Address board development for nonprofit cultural organizations and find ways to
help identify potential board members.
11.2 Encourage existing cultural leaders to identify potential new arts leaders and recruit
mentors to serve on boards of cultural organizations.
11.2.1 Encourage the expansion of organizational planning, marketing, and funding.
ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY CULTURE
There are many areas in which the entire community is involved. Major community -wide arts and
other 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.
Goal 12. Integrate the Arts into the Community's Cultural Life
12.1 Encourage city-wide multi -arts programs.
12.2 Encourage the presentation of public arts events.
12.2.1 Support and promote programs including La Quinta On Stage productions, the
Community Concert series, the Mariachi and the La Quinta Arts Festivals.
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12.2.2 Encourage attendance at the La Quinta Arts Association's Gallery and at the La
Quinta Open -Air Museum and all cultural events.
12.2.3 As new arts and cultural organizations are formed, give strong support in getting
them established.
12.3 Promote geographical and ecological considerations in the arts.
12.3.1 Encourage the incorporation of aesthetics in public landscaping design.
12.3.2 Utilize artists in the designing of public recreation areas.
12.4 Consider establishing a "sister city" cultural exchange program --state, national or
international.
Goal 13 Identify La Quinta's Role in the Coachella Valley
13.1 Encourage, promote and participate in Valley -wide arts and cultural events, conferences
and workshops.
13.1.1 Cooperate with the County of Riverside Arts Foundation in developing
cooperation and support for the arts among the cities.
13.2 Help develop and maintain a system of communication among the cities in the Coachella
Valley, and their complementary organizations, commissions and committees.
13.3 Advocate for the arts and cultural development at all levels: business, government,
schools, organizations, community at large, and individuals.
SUMMARY
This plan will generate a level of cultural excitement and wealth not seen before. Many people
will add creative ideas to it to enable present and future populations to create a unique place for
total enjoyment. This plan can become the blueprint for the future development of the cultural life
of La Quinta. The next step is to determine ways to implement it.
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APPENDIX I
ROLE OF THE CULTURAL COMMISSION
The Cultural Commission was created and established June 7, 1994 by Ordinance No. 246 of the
City of La Quinta. The general purpose of the Commission is to encourage La Quinta's
development of culture, including cultural events and activities promoting the literary, performing
and visual arts, and retention and advancement of cultural heritage and institutions. Objectives of
the Commission are these:
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
culture and the arts in La Quinta.
2. To encourage and facilitate programs in the arts and to promote the cultural enrichment of
the community.
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 cultural and 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 invoiving 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.
In addition, the Commission strives to partner with other public and private organizations,
communities, and cities in the Coachella Valley region in promoting and encouraging the
development of cultural programs to assure the survival of the arts and artists. It creates
opportunities for the development and enhancement of children, youth, and senior cultural
activities.
IN
APPENDIX 11
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
WORKING DRAFT - October 23, 1997
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 appearing in this report were developed. The
following individuals and organizations contributed to the study and development of this plan:
Cultural Commission Members (1997-98):
Honey Atkins
Susan Benay
John Dethe
Kathryn B. Hull
Roxanne Voigt
Judy Vossler
Patrick Welch
Former Cultural Commission Members who worked on the Plan:
Steve Berliner
Susan Francis
Archie Sharp
Organizations:
Art In Public Places Commission
California Arts Council
City of Palm Desert
City of Palm Springs
Coachella Valley Community Concerts Association
College of the Desert
Fine Arts Division
Friends of La Quinta Library
Indio Cultural Arts Commission
La Quinta Art -in -Public -Places Commission
La Quinta Arts Association
La Quinta Arts Foundation and
The Arts League
La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
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La Quinta Historical Society
La Quinta Human Services Commission
La Quinta On Stage
La Quinta Open -Air Museum
Palm Desert Civic Arts Committee
Palm Springs Cultural Arts Commission
Palm Springs Desert Museum
Rancho Mirage Cultural Commission
Riverside Arts Foundation
Round Table West
Soroptimist International of La Quinta
Truman School
VIVA Foundation
Attendees at the Coachella Valley Cultural Conference - February 6, 1997
Attendees of a Workshop, City of La Quinta - February 27, 1997
Attendees at the Coachella Valley Cultural Conference - May 15, 1997
City Staff:
Thomas P. Genovese, City Manager
Jerry Herman, Community Development Director
Marty Nicholson, Parks & Recreation Director (former)
Cristal Spidell, Secretary
Pam Stull, Secretary
Mark Weiss, Assistant City Manager
Britt Wilson, Management Assistant
City Council:
Mayor Glenda Holt
Don Adolph
Terry Henderson
Ron Perkins
Stanley Sniff
WORKING DRAFT
October 23, 1997
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