REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community & Library Services
PREPARED BY: Marisa Rodriguez, Community & Library Services Manager
Subject:
title
Approve and authorize execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Huntington Beach and the Art League of Huntington Beach for use of space at the Huntington Beach Central Library
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Statement of Issue:
There is a need to approve a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Huntington Beach and the Art League of Huntington Beach since the prior license agreement has expired.
Financial Impact:
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund associated with approval of the proposed MOU.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the “Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Art League of Huntington Beach for Use of Space at the Huntington Beach Central Library.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center (Library) and the Art League of Huntington Beach (Art League) have a long and successful history of partnership in support of community arts. Founded in 1962, the Art League is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to support and promote the arts and artists through art education and community exhibition, and to stimulate creative activity, interest, and enjoyment of art. This mission aligns closely with the Library’s commitment to welcome, empower, and enrich the community through cultural, educational, and artistic experiences that inspire transformation and growth.
Since October 1, 2022, the City and the Art League have operated under a License Agreement granting the Art League access to designated gallery spaces within Huntington Central Library for rotating art exhibitions. These exhibits have enriched the Library’s programming, strengthened its role as a community gathering place, and provided local artists with accessible opportunities to display their work.
The proposed MOU establishes a three-year term. Under this MOU, the City will continue to provide, at no cost, portions of the Library’s gallery areas, identified as the “Upstairs Art Gallery” and the “West End Art Gallery” for Art League exhibits. The City retains the right to determine gallery locations and to remove or relocate displays as necessary. The Art League will be responsible for coordinating, installing, and maintaining exhibits; ensuring compliance with City fire, building, and insurance requirements; and hosting optional opening receptions at its own expense.
There is no fiscal impact associated with this MOU. No funds will be exchanged between the City and the Art League, and each organization will bear its own costs in carrying out its respective responsibilities.
This partnership continues to advance the City’s broader cultural and educational goals by offering residents and visitors free access to rotating art exhibitions, showcasing the talents of local artists, and fostering civic pride and cultural engagement within the Huntington Beach community.
Environmental Status:
Administrative Items:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. RCA Contract Agreement Summary Form
2. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and the Art League of Huntington Beach for use of space at the Huntington Beach Central Library.