CCMIN102114 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Grose reviewed the data gathered from the 487 responses received by the online community opinion survey, categorized as follows: • Audience demand — Community members often leave Pleasanton for surrounding cities to experience movie theaters, museums and food and wine festivals indicating the potential need for additional programming; • Overall cultural life and arts and cultural programming— Respondents indicated they would like to see more variety in activities and a focus on downtown activities developed, as well as more live music theater and movie film events; • City's role in cultural programming — 65% of respondents believe the city should fully support and expand, or play a major role in developing, arts and culture and entertainment programs in Pleasanton. Two of the highest rated items included providing more performances and events at venues such as the Firehouse Arts Center and Amador Theater, and helping to ensure arts learning opportunities for citizens of all ages; • Cultural facilities — While the extensive and valuable city cultural facilities have supported the development of local arts programming and engagement, the demand for use of facilities continues to grow. Respondents would like more access to facilities and for the city to explore additional partner agreements with entities like the school district during summer months to help expand facility use options; • Public art — There is a widespread appreciation of the role of public art in Pleasanton, contributing to the sense of downtown. However, there is a consensus on the limitations of the current process and collection and the desire to enhance the program. 30% of respondents view having more public art as a city priority and the public's perception of public art is limited by the narrow focus of what currently exists. The facility assessment conducted for the Plan identified facility needs that should be addressed to preserve the value of existing facilities and the Plan recommends that capital needs be assessed for the Amador Theater, Century House and Cultural Arts Building and that audio equipment upgrades be assessed for the Firehouse Arts Center in order to continue to support popular genre offerings. Ms. Crose reviewed the 9 goals identified by the plan. Goal 1 - Enhance arts and cultural programming available to Pleasanton residents, workers and visitors A consistent theme of community input was a desire to increase the variety of arts and cultural offerings. Sub-goal 1.4.2 suggests a need to refocus the Firehouse Arts Center programming. In an effort to address this sub-goal immediately, staff presented a focus group consisting of 5 community members with possible acts to present at the Firehouse in the upcoming season. Feedback from the group was invaluable and used to help steer the direction of the 2014/15 season. Goal 2 —Expand arts learning opportunities to match needs of residents of all ages This includes the desire for more arts opportunities for young people, arts in education and schools, and lifelong learning opportunities. Sub-goal 2.1 suggests expanding civic arts offerings beyond introductory level courses. The current Fall-Winter activity guide lists art classes that are considered intermediate level courses. Additional intermediate and beyond level courses are in the planning phase. Goal 3 — Celebrate cultural diversity and enhance connections among disparate populations in Pleasanton, including diverse racial/ethnic groups, national origin/heritage, and age/generation When asked to identify the most important things the city should focus on to meet art and cultural needs, 36% listed the celebration of the cultural diversity of the community. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 11 October 21,2014