Existing law, the Dixon-Zenovich-Maddy California Arts Act of 1975, establishes the Arts Council, consisting of 11 appointed members, sets forth the duties of the council, and authorizes the council, among other things, to accept federal grants and unrestricted gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of funds from private sources and public agencies for the purposes of encouraging artistic awareness, promoting the employment of artists, and providing for the exhibition of art works in public buildings. Existing law requires the Arts Council to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts, as defined, to establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district, and provide technical assistance and promotional support for state-designated cultural districts.

This bill would require the Arts Council designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the state-designated cultural district program described above. The bill, upon appropriation by the Legislature for purposes of the program, would authorize the Arts Council the expend program funding for staff, program analysis, planning grants, evaluations, building out the program, and providing guidance to emerging cultural districts.

This bill would require the Arts Council to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts and would require the advisory group to work with other agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Transportation to facilitate signage for state-designated cultural districts. The bill would require the advisory group to work with Visit California to promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations. The bill would require Visit California to feature state-designated cultural districts in at least one publication per calendar year and to work with the Arts Council to develop an online interactive map and visitors guide for each state-designated cultural district.

Existing law, the Dixon-Zenovich-Maddy California Arts Act of 1975, establishes the Arts Council, consisting of 11 appointed members, sets forth the duties of the council, and authorizes the council, among other things, to accept federal grants and unrestricted gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of funds from private sources and public agencies for the purposes of encouraging artistic awareness, promoting the employment of artists, and providing for the exhibition of art works in public buildings. Existing law requires the Arts Council to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts, as defined, to establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district, and provide technical assistance and promotional support for state-designated cultural districts.

This bill would require the Arts Council designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the state-designated cultural district program described above. The bill, upon appropriation by the Legislature for purposes of the program, would authorize the Arts Council the expend program funding for staff, program analysis, planning grants, evaluations, building out the program, and providing guidance to emerging cultural districts.

This bill would require the Arts Council to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts and would require the advisory group to work with other agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Transportation to facilitate signage for state-designated cultural districts. The bill would require the advisory group to work with the California Travel Association and Visit California to promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations. The bill would require the California Travel Association and Visit California to feature state-designated cultural districts in at least one publication per calendar year and to work with the Arts Council to develop an online interactive map and visitors guide for each state-designated cultural district.

Existing law, the Dixon-Zenovich-Maddy California Arts Act of 1975, establishes the Arts Council, consisting of 11 appointed members, sets forth the duties of the council, and authorizes the council, among other things, to accept federal grants and unrestricted gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of funds from private sources and public agencies for the purposes of encouraging artistic awareness, promoting the employment of artists, and providing for the exhibition of art works in public buildings. Existing law requires the Arts Council to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts, as defined. defined, to establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district, and provide technical assistance and promotional support for state-designated cultural districts.

Existing law, the Dixon-Zenovich-Maddy California Arts Act of 1975, establishes the Arts Council, consisting of 11 appointed members, sets forth the duties of the council, and authorizes the council, among other things, to accept federal grants and unrestricted gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of funds from private sources and public agencies for the purposes of encouraging artistic awareness, promoting the employment of artists, and providing for the exhibition of art works in public buildings. Existing law requires the Arts Council to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts, as defined.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation to support the growth and enhancement of state-designated cultural districts.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular Session

AB 1382 (Quirk-Silva) - State-designated cultural districts

Bill Summary:

AB 1382 requires the California Arts Council (CAC) to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the competitive state-designated cultural district certification and technical assistance program and establish an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts, as specified.

Fiscal Impact:

• The CAC reports ongoing costs of $142,000 for the permanent administrative analyst (General Fund).
• Unknown General Fund cost pressures to build out the program and support program staff and the interdepartmental advisory group in carrying out the activities specified in the bill. The bill specifies that operation of the expanded program functions are contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature.

Background:

AB 189 (Bloom, Chapter 396, Statutes of 2015) required the CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts. A cultural district is a well-defined geographic area with a high concentration of cultural resources and activities. In 2017, the CAC announced the 14 districts that served as California’s inaugural state-designated cultural districts, highlighting thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across California. Those 14 cultural districts are:

• Balboa Park Cultural District, San Diego – San Diego Region
• Barrio Logan Cultural District, San Diego – San Diego Region
• The BLVD Cultural District, Lancaster – Deserts Region
• The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, San Francisco – San Francisco Bay Area Region
• Downtown San Rafael Arts District, San Rafael – San Francisco Bay Area Region
• Eureka Cultural Arts District, Eureka – North Coast Region
• Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, Grass Valley/Nevada City – Gold Country Region
• Little Tokyo, Los Angeles – Los Angeles Region
• Oceanside Cultural District, Oceanside – San Diego Region
• Redding Cultural District, Redding – Shasta Cascade Region
• Rotten City-Emeryville Cultural Arts District, Emeryville – San Francisco Bay Area Region
• San Pedro Waterfront Arts, Cultural & Entertainment District, San Pedro – Los Angeles Region
• SOMA Pilipinas – Filipino Cultural Heritage District, San Francisco – San Francisco Bay Area Region
• Truckee Cultural District, Truckee – High Sierra Region

Proposed Law:

• Requires the CAC to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the program through specified activities.
• Upon appropriation by the Legislature, authorizes the CAC to expend program funding for program staff, program analysis, planning grants, evaluations, buildings out the program, and providing guidance to emerging cultural districts.
• Requires the CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts and tasks the advisory group to facilitate signage and promote tourism destinations for state-designated cultural districts, as specified.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Bill Dodd

Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: 1382 Hearing Date: 7/11/2023

SUBJECT: State-designated cultural districts

DIGEST: This bill requires the California Arts Council (CAC) to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the competitive State-Designated Cultural District certification and technical assistance program (Program), as specified, and to establish an interdepartmental advisory group, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. The Dixon-Zenovich-Maddy California Arts Act of 1975 establishes the CAC consisting of 11 appointed members to, among other things, accept federal grants and unrestricted gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of funds from private sources and public agencies for the purposes of encouraging artistic awareness, promoting the employment of artists, and providing for the exhibition of art works in public buildings.
2. Requires the CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for State-Designated Cultural Districts to establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a State-Designated Cultural District, and provide technical assistance and promotional support for State-Designated Cultural Districts.
3. Defines a “State-Designated Cultural District” to mean a geographical area certified with a concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or arts venues that does any of the following:
   1. Attracts artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural enterprises.
   2. Encourages economic development and support entrepreneurship in the creative economy.
   3. Encourages the preservation and reuse of historic buildings and other artistic and culturally significant structures.
   4. Fosters local cultural development.
   5. Provides a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the community.
   6. Promotes opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality.
4. Provides that a geographical area within the state may be certified as a State-Designated Cultural District by applying to the CAC for certification. 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.

This bill:

1. Requires the CAC to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the Program. The ongoing staff person shall enable the CAC to do all of the following:
   1. Provide technical assistance.
   2. Serve as a resource to state-designated cultural districts.
   3. Guide best practices for the Program.
   4. Conduct regular and updated Program evaluations.
   5. Study the Program’s impacts.
   6. Provide the ability to build upon and maintain interagency agreements.
2. Authorizes the CAC, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to expend Program funding for any of the following:
   1. Program staff.
   2. Program analysis.
   3. Planning grants.
   4. Evaluations.
   5. Building out the Program.
   6. Providing guidance to emerging cultural districts.
3. Requires the CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support State-Designated Cultural Districts.
4. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with other agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and, particularly, the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to facilitate signage for State-Designated Cultural Districts.
5. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with Visit California to promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations and to highlight California’s richly diverse cultural communities.
6. Defines “program” to mean the competitive State-Designated Cultural District certification and technical assistance program established by the CAC, as specified.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “in 2017, the California Art Council announced the first 14 state-designated cultural districts. In addition to being recognized for highlighting the cultural legacy of our state, these districts receive the benefit of technical assistance and branding materials that increase the visibility of local artists and communities. By creating an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts, and dedicating a permanent ongoing staff person to help grow the program, this bill seeks to help other areas of the state by providing them with the tools and resources needed to sustain and promote their own thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities.”

State-Designated Cultural Districts. In 2015, the Legislature required the CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for State-Designated Cultural Districts with AB 189 (Bloom, Chapter 396, Statutes of 2015). At the time, supporters stated that 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 argued that a cultural district designation helps strengthen local economies, create an enhanced sense of place, and deepen local cultural capacity.

In 2017, the CAC announced the 14 districts that served as California’s inaugural State-Designated Cultural Districts, highlighting thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across California. Those 14 State-Designated Cultural Districts are:

• 1. Balboa Park Cultural District, San Diego – San Diego Region
  2. Barrio Logan Cultural District, San Diego – San Diego Region
  3. The BLVD Cultural District, Lancaster – Deserts Region
  4. The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, San Francisco – San Francisco Bay Area Region
  5. Downtown San Rafael Arts District, San Rafael – San Francisco Bay Area Region
  6. Eureka Cultural Arts District, Eureka – North Coast Region
  7. Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, Grass Valley/Nevada City – Gold Country Region
  8. Little Tokyo, Los Angeles – Los Angeles Region
  9. Oceanside Cultural District, Oceanside – San Diego Region
  10. Redding Cultural District, Redding – Shasta Cascade Region
  11. Rotten City-Emeryville Cultural Arts District, Emeryville – San Francisco Bay Area Region
  12. San Pedro Waterfront Arts, Cultural & Entertainment District, San Pedro – Los Angeles Region
  13. SOMA Pilipinas – Filipino Cultural Heritage District, San Francisco – San Francisco Bay Area Region
  14. Truckee Cultural District, Truckee – High Sierra Region

A Cultural District, as outlined by the Program, is a well-defined geographic area with a high concentration of cultural resources and activities. Each of the 14 districts receive the designation for a period of five years, per state legislation, and are authorized to renew certification every three years. Designation, under this pilot launch of the program, includes benefits such as technical assistance, peer-to-peer exchanges, and branding materials and promotional strategy. The CAC has partnered with Visit California and Caltrans for strategic statewide marketing and resource support.

The California Cultural Districts Program aims to leverage the state’s artistic and cultural assets. Aligning with the mission and values of the CAC, the districts celebrate the diversity of California while unifying under an umbrella of shared values-helping to grow and sustain authentic grassroots arts and cultural opportunities, increasing the visibility of local artists and community participation in local arts and culture, and promoting socioeconomic and ethnic diversity.

The 14 districts that comprise the program’s first cohort were selected with variety in mind, intended to help tailor the program to meet the complex needs of a state kaleidoscopic in nature. Districts range developmentally from emerging to established; include an emphasis on cultural consumption, cultural production, and cultural heritage; and are located in urban, suburban and rural areas.

This bill requires the CAC to designate a permanent ongoing staff person whose job is to grow and refine the Program. This person will act as a resource for the districts, provide technical assistance, ensure best practices are being followed, evaluate the Program on a regular basis, research the Program’s impacts, and foster agreements between different agencies.

This bill also gives the CAC clear authority to use its funding to support various aspects of the Program, including staffing, analysis, planning, evaluations, expansion, and guidance for up-and-coming districts. Additionally, this bill calls for the creation of an advisory group made up of representatives from different departments. This advisory group will collaborate with other state agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and Caltrans, to enhance the visibility of State-Designated Cultural Districts. They’ll also work with Visit California to help promote these districts as destinations for tourists, showcasing the rich diversity of California’s cultural communities.

Prior/Related Legislation

AB 1258 (Boerner, 2023) requires the CAC to employ strategies to achieve goals related to equity, community impact, artistic practice, and arts programs. (Pending in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee)

AB 1669 (Quirk-Silva, 2023) upon appropriation, establishes the California Historically Significant District Program within the Community-Based Solutions Team at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development to provide grants to enhance “historic commercial districts.” (Held on the Assembly Appropriations Suspense File)

AB 189 (Bloom, Chapter 396, Statutes of 2015) requires the CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for, and to certify, “state-designated cultural districts,” as defined.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT:

California Cultural Districts Coalition

City of Oceanside

County of Los Angeles

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

OPPOSITION:

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: In support of the bill, the California Cultural Districts Coalition writes that this bill “will provide critical resources to the California Arts Council for the analysis, evaluations, and planning required to support and enhance the California Cultural Districts Program. We firmly believe that this legislation is crucial for the growth and development of our state’s vibrant cultural landscape.”

Further, the “California Cultural Districts Coalition understands the immense value that arts and culture bring to our communities. California Cultural Districts inspire creativity, foster social cohesion, and drive economic growth. The California Cultural Districts Program has already proven to be an effective tool for supporting and nurturing these vital aspects of our society. AB 1382 will help fortify this program by allocating resources to the California Arts Council staff, ensuring that they have the necessary capacity to provide guidance and assistance to emerging cultural districts.”

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 1382

Author:(Quirk-Silva)

As Amended Ver:May 25, 2023

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Directs the California Arts Council (CAC) to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the "state-designated cultural district" program. The bill also requires CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts.

Major Provisions

1. Requires CAC to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the program. The ongoing staff person will enable the council to do all of the following:
   1. Provide technical assistance.
   2. Serve as a resource to state-designated cultural districts.
   3. Guide best practices for the program.
   4. Conduct regular and updated program evaluations.
   5. Study the program's impacts.
   6. Provide the ability to build upon and maintain interagency agreements.
2. Requires CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts.
   1. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with other agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and, particularly, the Department of Transportation to facilitate signage for state-designated cultural districts.
   2. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with Visit California to promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations and to highlight California's richly diverse cultural communities.
   3. Requires Visit California to feature state-designated cultural districts in at least one publication per calendar year.
   4. Requires Visit California to work with the CAC to develop an online interactive map and visitor's guide for each state-designated cultural district.

COMMENTS

AB 189 (Bloom), Chapter 396, Statutes of 2015, required CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts, as defined, and established a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district. California's 14 inaugural state-designated cultural districts include:

According to the Author

"In 2017, the California Art Council announced the first 14 state-designated cultural districts. In addition to being recognized for highlighting the cultural legacy of our state, these districts receive the benefit of technical assistance and branding materials that increase the visibility of local artists and communities. By creating an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts, and dedicating a permanent ongoing staff person to help grow the program, this bill seeks to help other areas of the state by providing them with the tools and resources needed to sustain and promote their own thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities."

Arguments in Support

According to the County of Los Angeles, "The County of Los Angeles notes that three State-designated cultural districts in Los Angeles County could benefit from the additional resources and visibility. Those cultural districts are Little Tokyo, the San Pedro Arts & Cultural District, and the BLVD Cultural District in the Antelope Valley.

"The County of Los Angeles also maintains that more new cultural districts could be designated in the County, bringing additional funding, cultural resources, and visibility to the County and benefiting its residents."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee :

1. Ongoing General Fund costs to CAC of $142,000 for one full-time administrative analyst.
2. Unknown General Fund or Special Fund costs to the CAC to create and facilitate an advisory group, for state agencies to participate in the advisory group, and for the advisory group to fulfill the requirements of the bill, including facilitating signage and developing an interactive online map.

The bill does not specify how often the advisory group is to meet, or which agencies are to participate, nor does it designate when certain actions, such as developing an interactive online map, must occur. These variables could affect state cost.

VOTES

ASM ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, AND TOURISM: 7-0-0

YES: Quirk-Silva, Wallis, Mike Fong, Friedman, Hart, Lackey, Valencia

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-1

YES: Holden, Megan Dahle, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Hart, Lowenthal, Mathis, Papan, Pellerin, Sanchez, Weber, Ortega

ABS, ABST OR NV: Robert Rivas

UPDATED

VERSION: May 25, 2023

CONSULTANT: Brian Anderson / A.,E.,S., & T. / (916) 319-3450 FN: 0000997

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 1382

Author:(Quirk-Silva)

As Amended Ver:March 27, 2023

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Directs the California Arts Council (CAC) to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the "state-designated cultural district" program. The bill also requires CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts.

Major Provisions

1. Requires CAC to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the program. The ongoing staff person will enable the council to do all of the following:
   1. Provide technical assistance.
   2. Serve as a resource to state-designated cultural districts.
   3. Guide best practices for the program.
   4. Conduct regular and updated program evaluations.
   5. Study the program's impacts.
   6. Provide the ability to build upon and maintain interagency agreements.
2. Requires CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts.
   1. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with other agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and, particularly, the Department of Transportation to facilitate signage for state-designated cultural districts.
   2. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with the California Travel Association and Visit California to promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations and to highlight California's richly diverse cultural communities.
   3. Requires the California Travel Association and Visit California to feature state-designated cultural districts in at least one publication per calendar year.
   4. Requires the California Travel Association and Visit California to work with the CAC to develop an online interactive map and visitor's guide for each state-designated cultural district.

COMMENTS

AB 189 (Bloom), Chapter 396, Statutes of 2015, required CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts, as defined, and established a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district. California's 14 inaugural state-designated cultural districts include:

According to the Author

"In 2017, the California Art Council announced the first 14 state-designated cultural districts. In addition to being recognized for highlighting the cultural legacy of our state, these districts receive the benefit of technical assistance and branding materials that increase the visibility of local artists and communities. By creating an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts, and dedicating a permanent ongoing staff person to help grow the program, this bill seeks to help other areas of the state by providing them with the tools and resources needed to sustain and promote their own thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities."

Arguments in Support

According to the County of Los Angeles, "The County of Los Angeles notes that three State-designated cultural districts in Los Angeles County could benefit from the additional resources and visibility. Those cultural districts are Little Tokyo, the San Pedro Arts & Cultural District, and the BLVD Cultural District in the Antelope Valley.

"The County of Los Angeles also maintains that more new cultural districts could be designated in the County, bringing additional funding, cultural resources, and visibility to the County and benefiting its residents."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

1. Ongoing General Fund costs to CAC of $142,000 for one full-time administrative analyst.
2. Unknown General Fund or Special Fund costs to the CAC to create and facilitate an advisory group, for state agencies to participate in the advisory group, and for the advisory group to fulfill the requirements of the bill, including facilitating signage and developing an interactive online map.

The bill does not specify how often the advisory group is to meet, or which agencies are to participate, nor does it designate when certain actions, such as developing an interactive online map, must occur. These variables could affect state cost.

VOTES

ASM ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, AND TOURISM: 7-0-0

YES: Quirk-Silva, Wallis, Mike Fong, Friedman, Hart, Lackey, Valencia

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-1

YES: Holden, Megan Dahle, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Hart, Lowenthal, Mathis, Papan, Pellerin, Sanchez, Weber, Ortega

ABS, ABST OR NV: Robert Rivas

UPDATED

VERSION: March 27, 2023

CONSULTANT: Brian Anderson / A.,E.,S., & T. / (916) 319-3450 FN: 0000782

Date of Hearing: April 26, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1382

Author:(Quirk-Silva) – As Amended Ver:March 27, 2023

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill directs the California Arts Council (CAC) to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the “state-designated cultural district” program. The bill also requires CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts. The advisory group is to work with other agencies to facilitate signage for a state-designated cultural district, promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations and feature state-designated cultural districts in annual publications, and develop an online interactive map and visitor’s guide for each state-designated cultural district

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Ongoing General Fund costs to CAC of $142,000 for one full-time administrative analyst.
2. Unknown General Fund or Special Fund costs to the CAC to create and facilitate an advisory group, for state agencies to participate in the advisory group, and for the advisory group to fulfill the requirements of the bill, including facilitating signage and developing an interactive online map.

The bill does not specify how often the advisory group is to meet, or which agencies are to participate, nor does it designate when certain actions, such as developing an interactive online map, must occur. These variables could affect state cost.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

In 2017, the California Art Council announced the first 14 state-designated cultural districts. In addition to being recognized for highlighting the cultural legacy of our state, these districts receive the benefit of technical assistance and branding materials that increase the visibility of local artists and communities. By creating an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts, and dedicating a permanent ongoing staff person to help grow the program, this bill seeks to help other areas of the state by providing them with the tools and resources needed to sustain and promote their own thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities.

1. Background. AB 189 (Bloom), Chapter 396, Statutes of 2015, required CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts and established a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district. As state-designated cultural district is defined in law as a geographical area with a concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or arts venues that meets certain requirements.

Analysis Prepared by: Natasha Collins / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 11, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, AND TOURISM

Sharon Quirk-Silva, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1382 (

Author:Quirk-Silva) – As Amended Ver:March 27, 2023

SUBJECT: State-designated cultural districts

SUMMARY: Directs the California Arts Council (CAC) to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts, and to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the program.

Specifically, this bill:

1. Defines “Program” as the competitive state-designated cultural district certification and technical assistance program established by CAC
2. Requires CAC to designate a permanent ongoing staff person to develop, support, and strategically plan the program. The ongoing staff person will enable the council to do all of the following:
   1. Provide technical assistance.
   2. Serve as a resource to state-designated cultural districts.
   3. Guide best practices for the program.
   4. Conduct regular and updated program evaluations.
   5. Study the program’s impacts.
   6. Provide the ability to build upon and maintain interagency agreements.
3. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, allows CAC to expend program funding for any of the following:
   1. Program staff.
   2. Program analysis.
   3. Planning grants.
   4. Evaluations.
   5. Building out the program.
   6. Providing guidance to emerging cultural districts.
4. Requires CAC to create an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts.
   1. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with other agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation and, particularly, the Department of Transportation to facilitate signage for state-designated cultural districts.
   2. Requires the interdepartmental advisory group to work with the California Travel Association and Visit California to promote state-designated cultural districts as tourism destinations and to highlight California’s richly diverse cultural communities.
   3. Requires the California Travel Association and Visit California to feature state-designated cultural districts in at least one publication per calendar year.
   4. Requires the California Travel Association and Visit California to work with the CAC to develop an online interactive map and visitor’s guide for each state-designated cultural district.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Creates the CAC, consisting of 11-members who serve four-year, staggered terms. Nine members are appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, and the Speaker of the Assembly and the Senate Committee on Rules appoint one member each. (Government Code (GOV) Section 8751)
2. Directs CAC to encourage artistic awareness, participation, and expression; to help independent local groups develop their own arts programs; to promote employment of artists and those skilled in crafts in the public and private sector; to provide for exhibition of artistic works in public buildings; and, to enlist the aid of all state agencies in the task of ensuring the fullest expression of artistic potential. (GOV 8753)
3. Authorizes CAC to hold hearings, execute agreements, and perform any acts necessary and proper to carry out their designated purposes. (GOV 8753)
4. Authorizes CAC to accept federal grants and unrestricted gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of funds from private sources and public agencies (GOV 8753)
5. Defines a “state-designated cultural district” as a certified geographical area with a concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or arts venues that do any of the following:
   1. Attracts artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural enterprises.
   2. Encourages economic development and supports entrepreneurship in the creative community.
   3. Encourages the preservation and reuse of historic buildings and other artistic and culturally significant structures.
   4. Fosters local cultural development.
   5. Provides a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the community.
   6. Promotes opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality. (GOV 8758)
6. Directs CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts. In executing its powers and duties under this chapter, the council shall do all of the following:
   1. Establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district.
   2. Provide technical assistance for state-designated cultural districts from, among others, artists who have experience with cultural districts and provide promotional support for state-designated cultural districts.
   3. Collaborate with other public agencies and private entities to maximize the benefits of state-designated cultural districts. (GOV 8758)
7. A geographical area within the state may be certified as a state-designated cultural district by applying to the council for certification. 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. (GOV 8758)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This measure has been keyed fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS:

1. Author’s statement. According to the author, “In 2017, the California Art Council announced the first 14 state-designated cultural districts. In addition to being recognized for highlighting the cultural legacy of our state, these districts receive the benefit of technical assistance and branding materials that increase the visibility of local artists and communities. By creating an interdepartmental advisory group to support state-designated cultural districts, and dedicating a permanent ongoing staff person to help grow the program, this bill seeks to help other areas of the state by providing them with the tools and resources needed to sustain and promote their own thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities.”
2. Background. CAC was created in 1975 under then Governor Jerry Brown to increase access to the arts for all Californians. CAC’s impact has grown over the years, especially through efforts that brought arts programming to underserved communities and populations across the state (such as rural communities, inner city neighborhoods, prisons and schools).

Examples of programs the CAC has offered over the years include:

• Artists in Schools – Support for arts organizations that partner with schools and/or school districts to facilitate artists-in-residence activities in the classroom and after-school programs.
• Creating Public Value – Support for arts organizations in rural or underserved areas to implement projects making a positive contribution to their communities.
• Statewide Service Networks – Support for discipline-based arts service organizations and statewide arts networks to strengthen their constituencies and promote the public value of the arts in their communities.
• State-Local Partnership – Support for local arts agencies designated by county boards of supervisors to provide arts in local communities.
• My California Story Slam – Encourages educators to explore creative writing in their high school classrooms and to draw upon the expressive skills of their students.
• Poetry Out Loud – National recitation contest that encourages high school students to experience poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Poetry Out Loud is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
• California Music Project – To help restore music education in public schools, K-12.
• Convenings – Annual statewide arts conference, professional development sessions, with the multicultural infrastructure (9 discipline-based arts service organizations) and statewide service network organizations (6 organizations).
• Poet Laureate – Overview, nomination process, eligibility and criteria for two-year gubernatorial appointment to the position of Poet Laureate and related literary tour.
• Marketing: Public Awareness – Using social change models, marketing & advocacy to reframe the arts as a public value--essential to a healthy society, as critical as free speech.
• Cultural District Programs – Marketing program for local cultural districts which are well-recognized, labeled areas of a city and in which a high concentration of cultural facilities and programs serve as the main anchor of attraction and business development.

1. Existing state-designated cultural districts. In July 2017, CAC announced the 14 districts that became California’s inaugural state-designated cultural districts, highlighting thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across California. No additional cultural districts have been designated since that time. Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2023-24 state budget proposal included $10 million in one-time funding to support California’s existing Cultural Districts.

California’s 14 inaugural state-designated cultural districts:

1. Prior and related legislation:
   1. AB 189 (Bloom), Chapter 396, Statutes of 2015, required CAC to establish criteria and guidelines for state-designated cultural districts, as defined, and established a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a state-designated cultural district.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

There is no support on file.

Opposition

There is no opposition on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Brian Anderson / A.,E.,S., & T. / (916) 319-3450