Report Recommends Cultural District in Downtown Ventura

The city of Ventura needs more culture, local artists and businessmen say.

That’s the gist of a report by 26 artists and business leaders that was commissioned to guide the development of cultural programs and services in the city, said Sonia Tower, the city’s cultural arts coordinator.

The 44-page report, called the Community Culture Plan, is scheduled to be considered by the City Council on Monday, Tower said.

The plan recommends designating downtown Ventura as a cultural district, with the goal of making it a destination for residents and visitors.

It also calls for establishing an area downtown to allow relaxed zoning and parking requirements for artists and cultural activities.

“It doesn’t require the council to cough up great sums of money,” Tower said. “It identifies what needs to happen. If we really want to be proactive, we go after state and federal funding.”

Approval of the plan means the city will be eligible to apply for grants from the state and federal governments, as well as from private foundations, Tower said.

Deputy Mayor Todd Collart, who helped draft the plan, said the city spends at least $1 million a year on cultural activities and programs. The city spent about $55,000 on consultants to prepare the report, Tower said.

Supporters of the plan hope it will be a financial boon for the city. “It’s not in spite of the economic picture, but because of the economic picture,” Tower said.

“Economic and cultural development have gone hand and hand in many communities,” she said, citing Santa Barbara and Santa Monica as examples.

According to a study last year, at least $300,000 is spent annually in the city on cultural activities and related expenses, such as parking, souvenirs and snacks. The study estimated that about 32,000 people attended performing arts in the city last year, while about 70,000 people attended visual arts exhibitions.

The plan also calls for building small, medium and large performing arts centers in Ventura. According to the study, 46.5% of Ventura residents surveyed said they would support a city tax hike to build a cultural center. The same study reported that 22.8% of those surveyed said they donate to arts organizations.

Other recommendations in the plan include:

* Increasing arts instruction in the Ventura Unified School District.

* Establishing an annual arts festival.

* Developing programs to promote historical and cultural landmarks.

* Increasing funding for public art.

* Offering more technical assistance for artists and arts organizations.

“The fact that there is a plan shows commitment to culture,” said Pamela Pilkenton, who owns a performing arts studio in downtown Ventura. “One has to go through the politics when you’re talking about a city venture that’s trying to satisfy everyone.”