BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
Senator Isadore Hall, III
Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 189 Hearing Date: 7/14/2015
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|Author: |Bloom |
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|Version: |7/7/2015 Amended |
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|Urgency: |No |Fiscal: |Yes |
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|Consultant:|Felipe Lopez |
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SUBJECT: Arts Council: cultural districts
DIGEST: This bill requires the California Arts Council (CAC)
to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated
cultural districts, as defined, and establishes a competitive
application system by which a community may apply for
certification as a state-designated cultural district.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
1)Establishes the CAC which shall, among other things, do all of
the following:
a) Encourage artistic awareness, participation and
expression.
b) Help independent local groups develop their own art
programs.
c) Promote the employment of artists and those skilled in
crafts in both the public and private sector.
d) Provide for the exhibition of art works in public
buildings throughout California.
2)Provides that the CAC shall be composed of 11 members.
3)Specifies that the Speaker of the Assembly and the Senate
Rules Committee shall each appoint one member to the CAC.
AB 189 (Bloom) Page 2 of ?
4)Provides that the Governor shall appoint nine members to the
CAC which shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
5)Specifies that members of the CAC shall be reimbursed one
hundred dollars ($100) per meeting and shall be reimbursed for
necessary traveling and other expenses incurred in the
performance of official duties.
6)Species that the CAC shall meet at the call of the chairperson
no more than eight times each calendar year.
7)Provides that unless there are extraordinary circumstances,
all meeting are to be preceded by at least eight days public
notice and shall be held in various places throughout the
state so as to encourage broad and diverse attendance.
This bill:
1)Requires the CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for
state-designated cultural districts.
2)Requires the CAC to do all of the following:
a) Establish a competitive application system by which a
community may apply for certification as a state-designated
cultural district.
b) Provide technical assistance and promotional support for
state-designated cultural districts.
c) Collaborate with other public agencies and private
entities to maximize the benefits of state-designated
cultural districts.
3)Defines "state-designated cultural district" as a geographical
area certified pursuant to the provisions of this bill with a
concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or
arts venues that does any of the following:
a) Attracts artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural
enterprises.
b) Encourages economic development and supports
entrepreneurship in the creative community.
c) Encourages the preservation and reuse of historic
buildings and other artistic and culturally significant
structures.
AB 189 (Bloom) Page 3 of ?
d) Fosters local cultural development.
e) Provides a focal point for celebrating and strengthening
the unique cultural identity of the community.
4)Specifies that a geographical area within the state may be
certified as a state-designated cultural district by applying
to the CAC for certification.
5)Provides that a certification as a state-designated cultural
district shall be for a period of five years, after which the
district may renew certification every three years.
6)Specifies that the CAC may solicit and receive gifts,
donations, bequests, grants of funds, or any other revenues,
from public or private sources, and expend those moneys, upon
appropriation of the Legislature, for a state-designated
cultural district program and for any other purpose it deems
necessary to implement the provisions of this bill.
Background
Purpose of the bill. According to the author, "studies have
shown that creative economy jobs and commerce tend to cluster
into particular regions that greatly benefit from the exchange
and sharing of resources, entrepreneurial dialogue, and economic
activity. Whether it be the Hollywood Walk of Fame or San
Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter, certain areas of the state
have defined themselves by a community focus on arts and
culture. Cultural districts have the potential to draw in
tourism and invigorate local economies."
The author further argues that, "other states, such as
Massachusetts and Louisiana, that have Arts & Culture District
programs have seen substantial economic benefit over time: the
creation of new business, increased community interaction and
out-of-area visitors, as well as increased government revenue
based on economic growth."
Cultural Districts. According to information supplied by
supporters, cultural districts are well-recognized, labeled
areas of a city in which a high concentration of cultural
facilities and programs serve as the main anchor of attraction
and creative business development. Supporters argue that a
cultural district designation helps strengthen local economies,
create an enhanced sense of place, and deepen local cultural
AB 189 (Bloom) Page 4 of ?
capacity. There are 14 other states that have established
official state Arts & Cultural Districts programs.
Economic Impact of Cultural Districts in Maryland. In 2013, the
Maryland State Arts Council sought a report detailing the
economic and fiscal impacts of the 20 Maryland Arts and
Entertainment Districts that were currently in place. In a
February, 2014 report titled "Maryland Arts and Entertainment
Districts Impact Analysis" by the Regional Economic Studies
Institute it was concluded that the 20 arts and entertainment
districts collectively supported approximately 5,144 jobs and
had generated more than $458.2 million and nearly $149.2 million
in output and wages, respectively, during FY 2013 based on
provided data.
While those numbers seem to suggest that cultural districts are
an economic benefit to states, a 2014 report titled "National
Cultural Districts Exchange" by the Americans for the Arts
concluded that, "even with robust data collection, providing the
influence of arts based initiatives on community well-being
remains difficult."
Prior/Related Legislation
AB 1432 (Lieu, 2014) would have continuously appropriated $25
million from the General Fund annually to the CAC to issue
grants. (Held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee)
AB 1625 (Nazarian, Chapter 102, Statutes of 2014) established
the California Arts Council Contribution and Donations Fund to
receive monies donated to the CAC.
AB 1777 (Portantino, 2010) would have diverted $24 million in
revenues from General Fund programs to a new local grant program
for the arts. (Held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee)
AB 2610 (Niello, Chapter 100, Statutes of 2010) removed the
Governor's authority to appoint the director and two deputies to
the CAC and instead requires the council to select a director,
who is responsible for hiring council staff, including deputy
directors.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal
Com.: Yes Local: No
AB 189 (Bloom) Page 5 of ?
SUPPORT:
California Alliance for Arts Education
City and County of San Francisco
City of Santa Monica
San Francisco Arts Commission
OPPOSITION:
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the California Alliance
for Arts Education, "designated cultural districts have the
potential to positively impact California's economy and to
increase access to arts experiences for all Californians.
Relevant cultural experiences clearly enhance students'
appreciation of the arts and deepen their understanding of the
role they might play both in school and in the community."
Similarly, the San Francisco Arts Commission argues that,
"cultural designations are extremely valuable in the face of
changing neighborhoods, especially in communities where a
rebounding economy triggers a steep decrease in vacancies and a
highly competitive real estate market. Legislation that aids in
maintaining existing artists and creative businesses while
welcoming in new residential and commercial tenants is
critical."