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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 Desert X ExhibitionSTAFF REPORT CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEETING DATE: October 29, 2020 PREPARED BY: Amy Lawrence, Management Analyst REQUEST: Consideration for approval of a sponsorship request from Desert X for the 2021 Exhibition. Recommendation By Minute Motion, consider sponsorship request from Desert X for the 2021 Exhibition. Commission Recommendation At its regular meeting of October 14, 2020, the Art in Public Places (AIPP) Commission recommended that the City Council approve a sponsorship request from Desert X for the 2021 Exhibition with a vote of 6-1-0, with Commissioners Adney, Boren, Campbell, Darby, Hauer, and Miller voting aye and Commissioner Myrland opposed. The dissenting vote was cast by Commissioner Myrland who expressed concerns with Desert X's involvement with Saudi Arabia for their AIUla Exhibition during the discussion. Strateqic Plan Obiective Sponsorship of the 2021 Desert X Exhibition would be in line with the Arts & Culture Mini -Vision contained in the Strategic Plan, which states: "Arts and culture give a community its soul. Palm Desert is the cultural core of the Coachella Valley. Cultural tourism drives economic growth in Palm Desert. The community is host to internationally recognized cultural events that bring significant economic benefits to the City. Palm Desert is a leader in arts education, ensuring a well-rounded population that possesses high levels of creativity and critical thinking skills." Discussion The City has received a sponsorship request from Desert X for its 2021 Exhibition, which is scheduled to run from February 6 to April 11, 2021. For 2021, Desert X is proposing three potential installations to be sited on City -owned property in Palm Desert at the following locations: — Northeast corner of Frank Sinatra and Portola (former site of Phillip K. Smith's The Circle of Land and Sky) — Homme Adams Park (former site of Claudia Comte's Curves and ZigZags and Superflex's Dive -In) October 29, 2020 - Staff Report 2021 Desert X Sponsorship Request Page 2 of 2 — Empty City owned lot between La Spiga Restaurant and the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce According to Desert X's 2019 exhibition report, there were over 400,000 site visits to the various installations located throughout the Coachella Valley and approximately 10,000 visits to the information hub on El Paseo. Many visitors that attended the 2019 exhibition cited dining and overnight stays within the Coachella Valley. Some of these stays took place at Palm Desert's Hotel Paseo as a result of a partnership between Desert X and the hotel. Additionally, there was a great amount of international press coverage and social media activity. With regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, Desert X is planning to hire a security team to serve as "health ambassadors" at each installation ensuring those attending wear face coverings and practice social distancing. Fiscal Analvsis Desert X is working with the cities of Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage on potential site installations. While no commitments from other cities have been made funding requests have been requested. Desert X is requesting a City sponsorship in the amount of $20,000 ($10,000 / year) for the 2021 Exhibition to be paid over the next two years. In addition to the monetary request, it should be noted that in past years the City waived permitting fees and provided a great deal of in -kind staff support to Desert X through the permitting process of each installation and throughout the exhibitions. If the City Council wishes to sponsor this Exhibition funds are available in both the Public Art Fund and Marketing budgets. LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW N/A Robert W. Ryan Stendell Hargreaves Director of Community Janet M. Moore City Attorney Development Director of Finance Interim City Manager, Randy Bynder: fZGif14G / 9,vn ew ATTACHMENTS: 1. Sponsorship Request 2. Desert X 2019 Exhibition Report ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER -Andy Firestine Andy Firestine Assistant City Manager February 6 — April 11, 2021 Palm Springs, October 61h, 2020. Gina Nestande Mayor City of Palm Desert Dear Ms. Nestande, As you might already know, we have been laying the groundwork for Desert X 2021, which will open February 6, 2021 and close April 11, 2021 with sites across the Coachella Valley. I hope that the City of Palm Desert will again participate and be one of our sponsoring cities. To date, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Indio and Coachella have committed their support, and we have reason to believe that several more of the cities will be on board before the end of the year. We would like you to consider a grant of $20,000, to be paid over two years. We already have commitments equal to that from some of the cities mentioned above. At this time, Desert X has three installations that it would like to hold within the City limits of Palm Desert and to activate our participation with one or two virtual public programs involving the artists, the curators or the Desert X team. We would love to work with your team to plan these programs in a meaningful way for everyone. There is no doubt that Desert X accomplished its mission: it brought wonderful, high -quality art to the desert, and as a result, brought new visitors as well as residents to places they had not previously explored, where they learned about the beautiful place you and I are lucky enough to call "home." At this link you will find a presentation that indicates some of the media and audience numbers we were able to capture. I would be remiss in not mentioning, too, that in 2017 and 2019 Palm Desert was a great city to work with, from the permitting process to the wonderful assistance we received from everyone in your team. Look forward to hearing from you with any questions you might have and to welcoming the City of Palm Desert on board for 2021. All my best, Jenny Gil Schmitz Executive Director Desert X M. ienny@desertx.orq C. 760-567-3284 DESERT X2019 EXHIBITION REPORT FE BRUARY 7 - APRI L 21, 2019 COACH ELLA VALLEY, CA POSTCOMMODITYI IT EXISTS IN MANY FORMS 73697-73745 SANTA ROSA WAY. PALM DESERT I DESERT X 2019 SUPPORTED BY STAY NER ARCHITECTS SUPERFLEX I DIVE -IN 72500 THRUSH ROAD, PALM DESERT/ DESERT X 2019 DESERT X 2019 IN NUMBERS EDITORIAL COVERAGE More than 400 print, broadcast, and online stories ran with a combined impression of 1.23B. Media outlets in the US, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. VANITY FAIR, WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES, PALM SPRINGS LIFE, ARTNEWS, FORBES, ARTNET NEWS, DESERT SUN, ART FORUM, FINANCIAL TIMES, ARCHITECTURE DIGEST, LA WEEKLY, VICE, WALLPAPER, AMERICAN AIRLINES MAGAZINE, VOGUE FRANCE, SURFACE "The landscape is changing in Southern California, where an exhibition called "Desert x" will bring art to 19 sites across the Coachella Valley." Brenda Cronin, The Wall Street Journal "Now in its second edition, Desert X has already established a reputation for showing work that interacts with the landscape in ways that are conceptually audacious and visually arresting." -- Jonathon Keats, Forbes "1n addition to the individual works programming includes live performances, film projects, and a lecture series in and around the Valley, all of which are geared toward enhancing our understanding and appreciation of the unique landscape.- - Caroline Goldstein, Artnet "Desert X is more than just an art exhibition. It's a journey into our beliefs and our perception of the world." — Liddy Berman, Architectural Digest "Desert X is here again, turning the Southern California desert into a hotspot for art installations that goggle the mind.- - Jonathan Lloyd, IBC LA "desert X. worth the mileage. The drive through the Coachella Valley might be long, but this outdoor show will surprise and entreat." — Christopher Knight, The Los Angeles Times ,...as striking as so many photographs of installations have been, the whole point of the Desert X paradigm is to be in the presence of the work. lt's not necessarily the art itself but rather the context of all that in-between space that's truly immersive." — Shana Nys Dambrot, LA Weekly "Desert X — where the dry land blooms with art. Works by t8 artists have sprung up across California's Coachella Valley as part of an ambitious biennial" -- Gareth Harris, Financial Times AUDIENCE & PARTICIPATION Over 400,000 site visits 100% larger audience than during the inaugural exhibition in 2017 +38,000 visits to our hubs Palm Springs 24,000 I palm Desert 10,000 / Indio 4,500 + 1000 V1P visitors during opening weekend 2,150 people took a bus tour +41,000 Desert X App downloads +13,000 Podcast listeners SOCIAL MEDIA + 56,900 Instagram followers 150% increase since the end of Kill:] + 75,000 hashtags mentioning Desert X + 10,000 Facebook followers 15 % from Los Angeles 74% in the 25-54 age range, twice as many women as men in that category. u/I Vrdme ♦ "02 M r + < past 0 6 kandalljpnner ••• iP i Liked by su andavisps ar d 3,410,124 Mhers formawellhea rty 49mg what tho Aack� MARC$r 79 a a a a Traffic 7ue, San t - A+m May 27. 76F9 unk Nevwwm vivo f o9ev�cWS 408k 261k 1.27m «692.5%yyyr •4864 yflyf yrlyr DO 4K nk 90k hOk 2[}t 1� Fee my 2014 DESERTKORG Hk:•�I'•ly •• Desert X 2019 Survey 1102 total responses 45% visited the Coachella Valley specifically to see Desert X 66% stayed overnight 70% dined out during their visit Will you visit Desert X again? NQ 0% 10% M% M% 40% W% W% 70% M% W% i00li Thank You 1 • j I o jyf, ,:tti RAUL RUIZ, M.D. Member of Congress 36th District of California C0110 O of the M111tO 6tates. Pottsie of iLkerprcgientattues; W. AS Ijti19tolit INE 205 15 -.3005 September 9, 2020 To Whom It May Concern: Washington, D.C. Office: 2342 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: ')0z')I5.53;0 I write in support of Desert X's February 2021 outdoor art exhibition. Since 2017, Desert X has celebrated the rich history and art of the Coachella Valley by creating a remarkable art experience in our desert community. Every day, our community is working together to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to affect families, workers, businesses, and organizations here in California's 36th Congressional District and across the nation. This year, Desert X is working to continue its tradition of celebrating our local art and culture by creating a safe and socially distanced exhibition in the Coachella Valley. This year's Desert X exhibition will be entirely outdoors, require face coverings, include hand sanitation stations, and enforce social distancing protocols. Furthermore, Desert X plans to hire "health ambassadors" who will be stationed throughout the event to assist visitors. This free exhibit will feature artwork and installations from contemporary artists —providing safe educational opportunities for students while supporting economic recovery. Furthermore, this event will allow Coachella Valley residents and visitors alike to engage with art and culture to enrich the Coachella Valley. During these unprecedented times, socially distanced and safe outdoor activities —especially ones that families can participate in together —are needed now more than ever to benefit lift community spirits and improve people's mental health. Desert X is a deserving candidate for this grant program. I strongly support their efforts, and urge full and fair consideration, consistent with all relevant rules and regulations. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact my Palm Desert office at 760-424-8888. Sincerely, 1q0Wj%*_ V L. Raul Ruiz, M.D. o _ Member of Congress C7 —+ J1' C J .•'`• Cn T, ,w ._ , �..�. lQ _ r- Sanchez, Gloria To: Rocha, Grace Subject: RE: Desert X 2021 proposal - Mtg. of 10/29/2020 - Action Calendar 13 From: SUSAN MYRLAND <susan@silverRate.us> Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2020 11:34 AM To: Nestande, Gina <gestande@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Kelly, Kathleen <kkelly@citvofpalmdesert.orp,>; Harnik, Jan <iharnik@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Jonathan, Sabby<sionathan@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Weber, Susan Marie <sweber@citvofpalmdesert.org> Cc: Bynder, Randy <rbvnder@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Stendell, Ryan<rstendell@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Lawrence, Amy <alawrence@citvofr)almdesert.org.>; darbv1932@msn.com Subject: Desert X 2021 proposal Dear Mayor Nestande and Council Members Kelly, Harnik, Jonathan, and Weber, Regarding the sponsorship request from Desert X to the Palm Desert Art in Public Places (AIPP) Commission and City Council, I'd like to further clarify my comments made at the AIPP meeting on October 14. It was a difficult decision to vote against Desert X, and I anticipate the Council may feel equally conflicted on whether to accept the Commission's recommendation to support the project. The purpose of this email is to share my analysis in order to be helpful to your deliberations and to provide recommendations should you decide to move forward. First: Desert X has been a wonderful event for the Coachella Valley. That's indisputable. I was an enthusiastic supporter from the beginning and would like to see it continue. The event's growth is reflected in attendance, press coverage, website traffic, and social media mentions. These are valid metrics from a marketing standpoint and Desert X does a superb job of achieving them. The artistic quality of the first year was outstanding and the second year, while mixed, still delivered exceptional pieces, positioning the Coachella Valley as an international art destination. Unfortunately, the decision by Desert X leadership to partner with the Saudi Arabian government will hang over next year's local biennial. As you recall, the Saudi Royal Commission for Al-Ula funded Desert X Al-Ula, held earlier this year. That prompted some prominent Desert X board members to resign including Tristan Milanovich, philanthropist and Agua Caliente tribal member; renowned artist Ed Ruscha; and art historian and curator Yael Lipschutz. One of Desert X's earliest donors pulled out and the project received significant criticism from the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and London Times, among others. Concern over negative media coverage should not drive important decisions — but by funding Desert X 2021, we are saying that an organization can engage with governments that oppress free speech and refuse to allow freedom of religion; target first responders and civilians with phosphorous gas and airstrikes; imprison and execute human rights workers; torture and murder journalists and LGBTQ citizens — and the City of Palm Desert will look the other way because we need tourist dollars. I realize the city may not be applying the same scrutiny to other contractors with questionable ties. I also realize that the ramifications of your vote extend beyond this proposal. If the City Council were to refrain from funding Desert X 2021, would it also close city -owned property to planned art installations? Would the decision apply just to 2021 or future years? That could potentially hurt local businesses that benefit from foot traffic. As I said in the meeting, this is a no -win situation. I wish that Desert X had been more forthcoming about their reasons for furthering the goals of the Saudi Arabian government. After listening to the Desert X Al-Ula podcast, I understand the organization's desire to amplify the voices of artists, but that's only half the story. Desert X Al-Ula was a PR effort from the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to portray his country as more progressive than it is. Did Desert X accomplish that goal? If so, should they be celebrated? Lack of transparency extends to Desert X's finances. Prior to our meeting, I asked for a copy of their current budget showing how much they received from the Saudis. Executive Director Jenny Gil outlined expenses for 2021 but did not include revenue, so we have no idea of the nonprofit's overall financial health. By not revealing this information, they give the impression there's something to hide. City funding may not even be necessary. If the Council decides to continue participating in Desert X, I recommend holding the organization to reasonable standards of fiscal accountability, and requiring that they document impact. If an event claims to foster dialogue on weighty topics such as climate change and cultural understanding, those discussions should extend beyond private receptions and VIP tours to engage the broader public in meaningful ways. Desert X has shown that it can accumulate Facebook "likes," Instagram followers and celebrity selfies. Now, in order to justify continued public funding and maintain its status as a groundbreaking art biennial, they must aim higher. Alternatively, art can be a respite. Perhaps the 2021 event isn't meant to tackle the tough stuff. It's still important for visitors and residents to get outside and experience artwork in the beautiful setting of the Coachella Valley. That's the core of Desert X's mission. Whether the event will be able to thread the needle, shaking off the global implications of associating with a repressive regime to focus on hyper -local "desert as journey" artistic labyrinths — and whether the City of Palm Desert will be seen as being on the wrong side of this linkage — is unknown. It's a fundamental question for these times. Does it matter if we're complicit in something that took place 8,000 miles away? Or is it all about putting "heads in beds" right now, because Palm Desert's hotels and restaurants are hurting? These are hard, real, controversial issues, and the Council should be prepared for backlash either way. As mentioned at the beginning, this was a difficult decision for me. I believe art should venture into unknown territory and take risks. However, when spending public dollars, it requires trust that the risk is worth it. Ultimately, based on insufficient answers from Desert X, I'm sorry to say it was not the case. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Susan Myrland Commissioner, Palm Desert Art in Public Places a .' Silvergate Projects www.silver2ate.us -� 619. 316 . 6022