The Save Oxnard’s Art Committee & the Carnegie Art Cornerstones’ Recommendations for the Permanent Collection
This paper addresses what we would like to see done concerning the Permanent Art Collection currently stored at the Carnegie Art Museum. The committee’s stated commitment is to the art therein.
1. We want the City of Oxnard to commit to support the preservation of the Permanent Collection’s diverse art collection, which includes works of California Plein Air, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, and Contemporary artists.
2. We want the City of Oxnard to ensure that the art collection is accessible to all residents of Oxnard and the community beyond, allowing them to experience and appreciate art created by artists from their own and other cultural backgrounds which encourages citizens to see beyond what they have known or lived.
The preservation of the collection and access to it by the public for cultural and educational opportunities are integrally tied to the Carnegie Art Museum Building.
It is the City’s responsibility to preserve the art collection that belongs to the people of Oxnard and make it accessible to that community and beyond. That said, we believe that maintaining this valuable city asset requires a collaborative effort encompassing political, fiscal, and community-based partnerships. There are a myriad of approaches to accomplish this, which require a professional with experience in art, grant writing, fundraising, finance, the evaluation and implementation of public-private partnerships, and a broad look to the future.
3. To that end:
The City of Oxnard will hire a qualified, experienced consultant to research and assess what it will take to preserve the collection and return its access to the community on an ongoing basis. That consultant will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from the Carnegie Art Cornerstones and the Save Oxnard’s Arts Committee, along with appropriate community members.
Areas to be assessed by the consultant include:
- Appropriate renovations to the building and the maintenance thereof
- Expansion of the museum “footprint” to allow for growth
- The management of the collection to ensure continued access by the public for educational and cultural enrichment
4. That consultant will, in collaboration with representatives from the Carnegie Art Cornerstones and the Save Oxnard’s Art Committee, and other appropriate community members:
A. Research and secure grants, foundation support, and other funding sources available to city agencies and/or non-profits for the support of the arts and municipal art museums (such as the National Grants, Institute of Museum & Library Services: Inspire Grants for Small Museums, their Museum for American, Native American/Native Hawaiian Services Program, and their Museum Empowered Professional Development Opportunities for Museum Staff; National Endowment for the Humanities; State Grants like Cal Arts grants; the Ford Foundation: Funding for Collections Care; the American Alliance of Museums’ Assessment Program; and the Bank of America Art Conservation Project, to name a few).
B. Develop a plan for the City of Oxnard to acquire the Social Security building to expand the museum’s capacity for educational, cultural and community activities.
C. Evaluate options with non-profits and public-private partnerships for the ongoing financing, management and operation for access to the collection.
D. Work with the City of Oxnard’s Finance Department to create an appropriate balance of funding from the city and outside sources for both initial and ongoing expenses.
5. Additionally, we want the City of Oxnard to include in its five-year plan the museum’s assets in the areas of educational, cultural, and economic value for the Downtown Merchant District and community.
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Note:
While the draw of the museum will bring financial benefits to downtown, the Museum itself is not a money-making source for the city, but a cultural and educational resource that enhances the quality of life for the community and attracts tourists and businesses considering Oxnard. |
In support of the Collection, the City, and the community at large, the Save Oxnard’s Art Committee and the Carnegie Art Cornerstones will provide institutional knowledge, connections to artists and the arts and cultural communities, linkages with educational institutions, and outreach to community groups. We encourage the City to embark on a collaborative approach to maintain these wonderful community assets.
