The Arts Commission’s arts and culture master plan subcommittee presented its status report Oct. 2 and recommended four priority initiatives to pursue over the next year: a trail‑art program, connections between the artist registry and schools for career exposure and internships, fostering artist–business partnerships and civic participation, and a cultural tourism marketing plan in collaboration with Visit Carlsbad.

Program Manager Crystal Roher summarized the subcommittee’s review of the master plan’s 49 tasks: 17 items considered complete, 18 ongoing or in progress, 13 not started, and one reviewed as not feasible. The subcommittee considered the 13 not‑started items and narrowed the list to six, then consolidated those into four concrete priorities the group judged feasible for near‑term work.

Subcommittee members described potential next steps: continued meetings, targeted research and outreach to city departments, and evaluation of whether the city should adopt a five‑year planning horizon rather than a 10‑year master plan to increase flexibility. Commissioners raised questions about where “trail art” might be placed (rail trail versus recreation trails), possibilities for transportation‑related art at transit stations and roundabouts, and how to pursue external funding. Staff noted that the subcommittee’s work will inform Cultural Arts Office priorities and that more detailed project scoping will be required for each initiative.

The commission received the report; no formal action was taken at the meeting. The subcommittee indicated it will continue meeting to develop implementation steps and timelines for the four priorities.