Interim cultural-arts manager outlines budget stance, Shulman Auditorium bid and public-art plans

Interim Cultural Arts Manager Fiona Everett updated the Carlsbad Arts Commission on staffing, the department budget and multiple upcoming projects at the May 2 meeting.

Everett said the department submitted a ‘‘hold-steady’’ budget with no additions or cuts, though two vacant positions—the genealogy librarian and a production technician who supports the Shulman Auditorium and meeting-room programming—were listed among positions the city manager’s office is considering for reduction. She reiterated that final budget decisions rest with City Council, which will receive a preliminary citywide budget presentation on May 21 and adopt a budget at a June 18 public hearing.

Everett also said the Shulman Auditorium is likely to close temporarily for a capital-improvement project to replace lighting, audiovisual and streaming systems. A bid for the Shulman project is on the City Council agenda May 7; if approved, Everett said the department will plan for the auditorium’s temporary closure and seek alternative venues, including the Golan Meeting Room, the Cole Community Room and outdoor courtyard screenings during summer months.

On programming, Everett noted that TGIF concert planning is underway, summer arts camps are already sold out with waiting lists, and a new 3D fiber-arts exhibition and related community workshops are planned for July. She reported that four finalist artists have been selected for a Veterans Memorial Park public-art commission and will present live on June 12; staff also released a California-only call for artists for the Barrio traffic circle with a budget of roughly $100,000.

Everett said the Chestnut Underpass public-art project is in progress in partnership with Caltrans and SANDAG, and a draft contract has been returned by Caltrans to the city. ‘‘We have to navigate both our city processes as well as Caltrans and SANDAG,’’ Everett said, describing the additional bureaucratic steps required for that multi-agency project.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about how performances and films would continue during the Shulman closure and whether camp counselors would be hired; staff said they will seek alternatives and that arts-education staff and supplemental helpers will cover programming needs.

Everett’s presentation concluded with routine calendar items and reminders about opportunities for commissioners to observe awardee events and community presentations.