Agenda Item Wording:
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Arts Consortium Presentation - Presentation by the Arts Consortium of the activities undertaken in 2025 as part of a contract for services with the City of Visalia and approval of a contract for services for January 2026-December 2027, effective as of January 1, 2026.
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Prepared by: Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director, (559)713-4042, jason.glick@visalia.gov.
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Visalia City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a two-year contract with the Visalia Arts Consortium for services in 2026 and 2027. The contract totals $46,029 for 2026, which includes $30,529 for general service delivery and $15,500 for event and public art production. For 2027, the contract totals $46,944, including $31,444 for general services and $15,500 for event and public art production. The general service allocation reflects a 3% increase for general services in 2026, and a 3% increase in 2027. Staff are recommending that the contract be effective as of January 1, 2026.
Summary:
Extension of contract with Arts Consortium for January 2026 - December 2027. The proposed two-year contract includes a 3% increase in each year for general services, consistent with amounts currently included and proposed in the appropriate City budgets. The contract is divided into two sections: one covering general services as defined in the agreement, and $15,500 allocated specifically for events and art production.
The proposed contract calls for the Consortium to:
• Secure the services of an administrator or executive director to work on Visalia-related arts programs and planning for a minimum of 16 hours per week.
• Implement, to the extent feasible within the administrator’s 16-hour per week schedule, the following elements of the City’s Cultural Plan:
1. Develop, maintain, and distribute an annual coordinating calendar.
2. Update the community calendar at least weekly and provide the same information to appropriate media outlets, hotels, and other community partners.
3. Maintain the Arts Consortium website with weekly updates.
4. Maintain an active Facebook page.
5. Assist with at least five arts-related events annually in Visalia by performing at least two of the following activities for each event: distributing information or publicity materials; meeting with key organizers and providing organizational information or data such as forms, applications, and agreements; providing calendar listings; providing mailing lists; providing facility or venue information and guidelines; and serving on the organizing committee.
In addition, the Consortium will produce the Taste the Arts special event in the fall of 2026 and 2027.
Background Discussion:
The Visalia Arts Consortium serves as the official arts council for Tulare County. As a nonprofit organization, it advocates for the arts, promotes creative expression, and provides meaningful opportunities for both artists and art enthusiasts. Its mission is to ensure that the arts are an integral part of daily life by fostering community connection, celebrating cultural diversity, and linking artists, organizations, and the public through a wide range of programs and events.
Key functions of the Arts Consortium include:
• Advocacy: Championing the role of the arts as an essential component of a vibrant, thriving community.
• Promotion: Showcasing local artists and cultural events throughout Tulare County, including major initiatives such as the South Valley Art Tour and the monthly First Friday Art Walk.
• Opportunities: Offering programs, community grants, and creative platforms that encourage participation in and celebration of the arts.
• Community connection: Acting as a central hub where artists, organizations, and art lovers can collaborate, network, and grow.
• Membership: Providing membership options for individuals and organizations, which may include benefits such as discounted booth space at special events.
Since 2008, the City of Visalia has partnered with the Arts Consortium through an annual service contract that provides funding for arts programming and event coordination. Through this collaboration, the Consortium delivers cultural programs, projects, and services that the City would otherwise need to produce using its own staff, facilities, and resources.
Traditionally, City staff have allocated funds to support established arts events, including the annual Taste the Arts festival, set for October 14, 2026 (with the 2027 date still to be announced), and the First Friday art walks held each month in Downtown Visalia. While funding has occasionally supported new initiatives in past years, staff recommend continuing support for these well-loved and consistently successful recurring events over the next two years.
Fiscal Impact: 2026 $46,029 and 2027 $46,944
Prior Council Action: None
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
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I move to authorize the City Manager to enter into a two-year contract with the Visalia Arts Consortium for calendar years 2026 and 2027 in the amounts of $46,029 and $46,944 respectively.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 12/15/2025
Attachments: Arts Consortium Agreement and Presentation