Art Specialist Megan Gardner presented a monthly report on city arts programming, reviewing ArtVenture attendance, upcoming exhibition schedules, the arts-grant calendar and a museum transition update.

Gardner said the commission's arts-grant award amount for this fiscal year is $12,500. The application window will open in January and close in March, with a funding review likely in April 2026 and a final report on the 2024 6 grants planned for May or June 2026.

On ArtVenture metrics, Gardner reported roughly 350 people attended the awards ceremony, about 500 attended the community arts day, and approximately 600 visited the juried art exhibition. She said staff is considering moving the award ceremony to Lions Park and combining the opening day and reception into a single outdoor experience, with events distributed across the exhibition run.

Gardner also updated the commission on the announced UC Irvine/Orange County Museum of Art transition: staff and ACMA employees have been transitioned to UC employment systems and the museum's official name is the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art (variously shortened to Langson Museum in internal communications). She said the museum is searching for a director and that scheduled programs will continue under interim staffing for the next two years.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the museum transition and encouraged staff to consider ArtVenture logistics and audience access when finalizing plans.