Minutes 12-3-98 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Civic Cuhural Commission Paqe 2 Minutes of December 3, 1998 ITEM 2 - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING VISUAL ARTS MUSEUM IN THE 1939 PORTION OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY COURTHOUSE Superintendent Centeno read a memo from Commissioner Dale stating his support of a visual arts museum in Redwood City. Ruth Waters of ArtShare stated she had come to the Commission last January and received the Commission's conceptual support of a visual arts museum in the 1939 portion of the San Mateo County Courthouse. Due to political changes in the County, she is asking for the Commission's conceptual support for a visual arts museum in downtown Redwood City, and not specifically the courthouse facility. She noted ArtShare is very interested in the courthouse site but is also looking at other downtown Redwood City locations and is watching the real estate market should any potential site become available. Ms. Waters explained the history of the 1939 courthouse building and also gave some history about the ArtShare organization. She noted that ArtShare has obtained over 3,700 signatures on a petition in support of having a visual arts museum in Redwood City. Commissioner Pierce asked Ms. Waters how much funding would be needed to renovate the 1939 courthouse site and Ms. Waters estimated between S3 to $5 million plus operating expenses. Commissioner Saye asked about the present inventory of the museum and Ms. Waters stated there is no permanent collection at this time but ArtShare is asking for letters of intent from various donors. ArtShare is also meeting with directors of other museums to determine the needs of this type of facility. M/S Saye/Schenone: That the Civic Cultural Commission support the concept of a visual arts museum in downtown Redwood City. The Commissioners discussed not limiting their conceptual support to only the 1939 courthouse annex building, but leaving it open to other location options. Commissioner Britschgi volunteered to be the Commission's representative to ArtShare's San Mateo County Art Museum Committee. She will attend the monthly meetings and report back to the Commission. Motion passed unanimously. Staff will prepare a letter to ArtShare stating the Commission's conceptual support of the visual arts museum. ITEM 3 - SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS -Cultural Commission Sponsored Events - Tis the Season Superintendent Centeno announced the Tis the Season events begin Friday, December 4 with the tree lighting at City Hall at 5:OOpm; the parade, fireworks and post-parade show will be held on Saturday, December 5. The Chamber of Commerce also placed a Tis the Season insert in their newsletter. Over 9,000 flyers were delivered to public and private schools in Redwood City.