Cultural Arts Commission highlights Artlands Reach garden, $105,000 grant and master plan coming to council

The chairman of the Cultural Arts Commission presented an annual report on the commission’s public art efforts, special projects and future goals, including the Artlands Reach regional eco‑arts hub and an artist‑in‑residency program tied to a community garden at Sylvan Park.

The commission reported it received a $105,000 grant to support build‑out of the Artlands Reach project and described partnerships with the University of Redlands, the Redlands Conservancy and several local nonprofits to provide studio space and free programming. The project includes demonstration garden beds, raised beds and a gathering space for arts programming; the commission said two free classes per month will run March through June as part of the initial programming.

The commission also reported it has completed a Cultural Arts Master Plan that, when presented to council for approval, would aim to strengthen public art infrastructure, create sustainable funding sources, explore dedicated staffing or contracted expertise to support arts programming, and consider an 8% for art ordinance for future capital projects. Commissioners said preserving the city’s cultural heritage and expanding arts education and public engagement are central goals.

Council members thanked commissioners for their work and encouraged continued partnerships with the university and local nonprofits. The commission indicated it will forward the master plan to the city council for final approval.