Pasadena Arts Commission To Elect New Leadership And Review Funding Updates

The Pasadena Arts & Culture Commission will elect new officers for fiscal year 2025-2026 and receive arts funding updates at its regular meeting Wednesday evening.

The commission will hold elections for chair, vice-chair, and other leadership positions. Current Chair Robert Crook from District 5 has led the nine-member commission alongside Vice-Chair Joe Feinblatt, who represents the Mayor, and Parliamentarian Gabriel Lizardo from District 2.

The commission operates with geographic representation across Districts 1 through 7, plus one at-large position held by Blair Hansen from District 1.

Staff will present arts funding updates during the meeting. The Cultural Affairs Division, led by Manager Rochelle Branch and supported by Public Art Coordinator Corey Dunlap and Senior Office Assistant Patricia Valencia, typically provides updates on funding opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations.

The commission will hear reports from its subcommittees, including the Public Art Subcommittee, Grants Subcommittee, Community Development Subcommittee, and Design Commission.

Commissioners will approve minutes from the May 14 meeting. The commission’s work aligns with the city’s mission: “The City of Pasadena is dedicated to delivering exemplary municipal services, responsive to our entire community and consistent with our history, culture, and unique character.”

Wednesday’s session begins at 5:30 p.m. in Grand Conference Room S038 in City Hall’s basement, located at 100 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. The meeting is open to the public, with time for public comment on matters not listed on the agenda.

Meeting materials are available online at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/arts-culture-commission/. Materials submitted after agenda distribution are available for public inspection at the Planning & Community Development Department at 175 N. Garfield Avenue during normal business hours.

The Arts & Culture Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council, supporting Pasadena’s artistic heritage through public art installations and community grant programs.