Laguna Beach Arts Commission - March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Arts Commission met on March 9, 2026, to review Cultural Arts Funding Grant reports, approve banner competition designs, and discuss attendance at the Laguna Beach Arts Alliance Art Star Awards. - Four arts organizations (LagunaTunes Chorus, Community Art Project, Laguna Dance Festival, and Opera Laguna) presented reports on their use of grant funds totaling $53,600 allocated from the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District. - The Commission reviewed 28 submissions for the 2026 Summer Banner Competition with up to $16,000 allocated for four selected designs. - The Commission reviewed 15 submissions for the 2026 Council Chamber Banner Competition with up to $3,600 allocated for four selected designs. - The Commission discussed purchasing eight tickets at $150 each (not to exceed $1,200 total) for Arts Commissioners to attend the Art Star Awards on April 23, 2026, despite not being nominated this year. - The previous meeting on February 23, 2026, established an ad-hoc committee for the City's 2027 Centennial focusing on light installations, approved an honorarium schedule, and passed the FY 2026-2027 Special Programs Budget.

Key Decisions

- The minutes of the February 9, 2026 regular meeting were approved as presented (Motion: Commissioner Pat Kollenda, Second: Commissioner Adam Schwerner). - An honorarium schedule was approved at the February 23, 2026 meeting (Motion: Commissioner Pat Kollenda, Second: Commissioner Carl Smith, Approved: 7-0). - The FY 2026-2027 Arts Commission Special Programs Budget was approved at the February 23, 2026 meeting (Motion: Commissioner Carl Smith, Second: Commissioner Donna Ballard, Approved: 7-0). - Chair Michael Ervin appointed himself and Commissioner Adam Schwerner to a 'Strengthening Laguna