Vacaville Unveils First Arts and Culture Master Plan
On August 13, the Vacaville City Council made a significant decision by unanimously adopting the city’s first-ever Arts and Culture Master Plan. Alongside this, the council also approved a revised Arts Advisory Committee Policy and a Public Arts Program Policy during its evening meeting. This new plan aims to establish a comprehensive framework for expanding public arts initiatives throughout the city. However, it is important to note that the plan does not include additional funding for these efforts.
Melody Land, the Recreation Manager, presented the plan to the council. As part of the development process, the city organized community arts workshops titled “Weaving Our Future.” These events brought together over 100 residents who created pieces of art to be displayed at City Hall. Additionally, an online survey was conducted, which received responses from 107 participants.
The survey results highlighted the community’s desire for public art that is welcoming, inclusive, diverse, fun, and exciting. Respondents expressed a strong interest in seeing more art installations in downtown areas and parks, as well as an increase in murals across the city. The data also revealed that 67% of respondents do not engage with arts and culture due to a lack of events or insufficient awareness of existing ones.
Key Facilities and Programming Needs
The master plan identifies several key facility needs, including rehearsal spaces, outdoor performance venues, black box theater spaces, and community art spaces. One of the proposed projects is the construction of an “Andrews Park Arts Plaza and Path.” This initiative could involve relocating restrooms and playgrounds to make way for a full-time bandshell and a path connecting to the Vacaville Art League and Gallery near the Georgie Duke Sports Center.
In terms of programming, the plan emphasizes events targeting individuals aged 18 to 30. It also suggests the creation of an arts grant program to support local nonprofits. Organizationally, the plan calls for increased staffing for the arts department, improved branding, and the establishment of a full departmental structure dedicated to arts and culture.
Community Feedback and Vision
Councilmember Mike Silva praised the plan for reflecting the growing diversity of the city and commended Mayor John Carli for his efforts in promoting art downtown. He noted that the master plan could create unique spaces that attract the community, especially in the Markham neighborhood.
The plan sets a goal to place artworks in all 37 parks within the city and to expand the reach of arts initiatives. Councilmember Roy Stockton raised concerns about how art is often neglected during economic downturns. He asked if the city could encourage local businesses to participate in art projects. Stockton also suggested illuminating the banks of the creek along the Creekwalk to display art there.
“If there are things that this council can do to streamline the process or incentivize those things, please bring them to us,” Stockton said. “We know there are no more district dollars, or very few, to do some of those things, but I still like seeing the art pop up.”
Councilmember Jeanette Wylie mentioned that Visit Vacaville already has an art trail planned and encouraged collaboration with the organization. She also inquired about potential security concerns regarding public art. Staff responded that they aim to encourage interaction with the art, as public art is typically not defaced in most cases.
Perspectives from the Arts Community
Brooke Fox, former chair and current vice chair of the Vacaville Arts Committee, expressed her satisfaction with the plan. Fox advocated for a “one percent for arts” approach, where a portion of funding from new development projects is allocated to a public arts trust fund. She hopes this will elevate the Arts Advisory Committee to a commission level, as originally envisioned.
“I’m very hopeful that it will move the Arts Advisory Committee forward, potentially into commission territory where it was originally envisioned,” Fox said. “I am a proponent of the committee meeting more frequently and doing more work, and getting more involved. To do that, though, we do need more funding sources.”
