HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Objection - GPSCVB and Desert BiennialSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEETING DATE: December 12, 2019
PREPARED BY: Christopher Gerry, Management Analyst
REQUEST: Submission of a letter to the Greater Palm Springs Convention and
Visitors Bureau and Desert Biennial (Desert X) expressing objection
to their collaboration with Saudi Arabia on an art exhibition.
Recommendation
City staff requests City Council's direction on this agenda item.
Background Analysis
Desert X is produced by the Desert Biennial, a nonprofit organization, to create reoccurring
international contemporary art exhibitions that activate desert locations through site -specific
installations by acclaimed international artists. Its guiding purposes and principles include:
• Presenting exhibitions of art that respond meaningfully to the conditions of the desert
locations, environment, and indigenous communities;
• Promoting cultural exchange and education programs that foster dialogue and
understanding among cultures and communities about shared artistic, historical, and
societal issues; and
• Providing an accessible platform for artists from around the world to address
ecological, cultural, spiritual, and other existential themes.
The City has financially contributed a total of $60,000 toward Desert X in previous years.
The Desert Biennial recently announced its next exhibition will be held in Al-Ula, Saudi
Arabia, beginning January 31, 2020. The exhibition is funded by Saudi Arabia's Royal
Commission for Al-Ula (government entity). According to the Los Angeles Times, three
Desert Biennial board members have resigned as a protest to this partnership.
On October 10, 2019, Councilmember Jonathan requested the preparation of a letter to the
Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau and Desert Biennial expressing the
City's concern regarding their collaboration with Saudi Arabia for this upcoming exhibition.
Attached is the requested letter for City Council's consideration.
December 12, 2019
Desert X
Page 2 of 2
Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact associated with the submission of this letter.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW ASSISTANT
CITY MANAGER
N/A
Robert W. Hargreaves
City Attorney
N/A
N/A N/A
Tom Garcia Janet Moore
Andy Firestine
Director of Public Works Director of Finance Assistant City Manager
City Manager Lauri Aylaian:
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Draft Letter
CITY Of PDLMD[S[RT
73-510 FRED WARING DRIvI:
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
760 346-061I
info tl cityofpalmdesert.org
December 13, 2019
Ms. Susan Davis
Founder and Board President
Desert Biennial (Desert X)
PO Box 4050
Palm Springs, CA 92263
Mr. Scott White
President / Chief Executive Officer
Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Board
70100 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Ms. Davis and Mr. White:
Re: Desert Biennial's partnership with Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for AI-Ula
On behalf of the Palm Desert City Council, I want to first thank you for your efforts in making Desert X
such a successful exhibition throughout the Coachella Valley. It has truly been a collaborative and
mutually beneficial partnership over the past years.
Notwithstanding, it has been brought to our attention that Desert Biennial will be partnering with the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for Al-Ula, for an upcoming
exhibition known as Desert X AI-Ula 2020.
The City of Palm Desert takes exception to this partnership because of Saudi Arabia's history of human
rights violations. Saudi Arabia has faced condemnation from various international organizations,
including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Rights Watch. Consequently, such a
partnership may result in the City's reconsideration of future funding to Desert Biennial.
We hope you can understand our perspective, and reconsider current and future relationships with
agencies that are internationally recognized as having committed human rights violations.
Regards,
Susan Marie Weber
Mayor
cc: Palm Desert City Council
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