[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004[1]]
There is hereby established and constituted an Office of Cultural
Development in accordance with the provisions of this article.
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also repealed former Art.
XXXVI, Commission of Cultural Affairs, adopted 4-10-1985 by Ord. No.
503, as amended.
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004]
The office established by section 2-189 shall be known as the Office of Cultural Development.
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004]
(a)
The Cultural Development Board shall consist of not fewer than seven and not more than 15 members, one of whom shall be a Pittsfield City Councilor. In accordance with Article 2, Section 2-10, Article 3, Section 3-3 and Article 6 of Chapter 72 of the Acts of 2013, the Mayor shall appoint all of the members to the Cultural Development Board, subject to City Council approval. The member who is a City Councilor shall serve as long as he/she continues to hold office; and the remaining members shall serve a term of three years. In the event of a vacancy, the Mayor shall appoint a successor as soon as practicable, subject to city council approval, and said successor shall fulfill the unexpired term of the member whose seat was vacated. The members shall serve without compensation except that the Secretary may be compensated in the amount provided therefor by an appropriation made by the City Council. The Mayor has the authority to discharge any member of the Board of the Office of Cultural Development, or, at the request voted by the Board of the Office of Cultural Development, to discharge any member of the Board of the Office of Cultural Development.
[Ord. No. 1117, § I, 3-10-2015]
(b)
Director of Cultural Development.
(1)
In accordance with Article 2, Section 2-10 and Article 3, Section 3-3 of the City Charter enacted by Chapter 72 of the Acts of 2013, the Mayor shall appoint, subject to the confirmation of City Council, a Director of Cultural Development who shall serve until a successor is duly appointed and qualified. The Director may be removed at the sole discretion of the Mayor.
[Ord. No. 1142, § XLIII, 9-29-2015]
(2)
The Director of Cultural Development shall serve as an ex officio
member of the Board of the Office of Cultural Development.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Sec. 2-183.3, Vacancies, added 3-23-2004
by § I of Ord. No. 926, was repealed 3-10-2015 by § II of
Ord. No. 1117.
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004; Ord. No. 1142, § XLIV, 9-29-2015]
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004; Ord. No. 1142, § XLV, 9-29-2015]
In accordance with Article 10, Section 10-6(b) of the City Charter enacted by Chapter 72 of the Acts of 2013, the Board of the Office of Cultural Development shall meet as frequently and at such times and places, within the City, as it may deem necessary for the proper exercise of its powers and discharge of its duties.
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004; Ord. No. 1142, § XLVI, 9-29-2015]
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004; Ord. No. 1142, § XLVII, 9-29-2015]
In accordance with Article 10, Section 10-6(c) of the City Charter enacted by Chapter 72 of the Acts of 2013, the Board of the Office of Cultural Development shall keep a detailed record of its acts and proceedings, and upon the discharge of such Board, the records shall be filed with the City Clerk.
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004]
The Board of the Office of Cultural Development shall have the
following powers and duties:
(a)
The Board shall promote the expansion of the arts in the City by
sponsoring cultural events and programs and by working with and supporting
local cultural institutions, programs and artists. Its work may include
the following:
(1)
Develop a cultural plan for the City that welcomes new artists
and ideas and contributes to the economic development of the City.
(2)
Bring together on an on-going basis representatives of local
cultural organizations and institutions to exchange ideas and develop
coordinated activities and programs.
(3)
Establish an annual arts and cultural agenda in coordination
with these local arts organizations.
(4)
Develop ways to celebrate Pittsfield’s ethnic heritage
and support programs and events that promote artistic development
in the local minority communities.
(5)
Oversee the operations of the Liechtenstein Center and utilize
its space to support the needs of Pittsfield artists and provide access
to, arts programming and exhibitions for residents and visitors.
(6)
Identify funding prospects and secure grant funds to promote
the arts.
(7)
Provide informational assistance to other arts organizations
and initiatives on funding opportunities.
(8)
Incur liabilities which shall not be excess of the sums that
may from time to time be appropriate for the use of such Board.
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004]
All departments, boards and committees of the City having records,
information, material or services required by the Board of the Office
of Cultural Development in the discharge of its duties shall, if practicable,
make the same available to such Board; and all such departments, boards
and committees shall cooperate with such Board in the discharge of
its duties.
[Ord. No. 926, § I, 3-23-2004]
(a)
Create an atmosphere that attracts, welcomes and supports existing
and new artists of all disciplines into Pittsfield.
(b)
Mobilize the talents and strengths of local artists and cultural
institutions to make Pittsfield the center of the creative arts in
Berkshire County.
(c)
Serve as the Mayor’s contact person for cultural organizations
and new artistic enterprises and projects and bring together local
cultural organizations to coordinate programs and activities.
(d)
Serve as a liaison with the Pittsfield School Department to foster
new programs and mentoring programs between students and local artists.
(e)
Identify and secure funding for arts activities.
(f)
Serve as a proactive arts administrator and plan, coordinate and
successfully initiate and implement programs and events that celebrate
the arts in Pittsfield.
(g)
Coordinate with the City’s Tourism Commission, Historical Commission,
Berkshire Athenaeum and City departments to promote the arts in Pittsfield.
(h)
Initiate and implement an on-going marketing program and establish
working relationships with local and regional media to promote arts
programs and activities in Pittsfield. Write press releases, develop
brochures and collateral materials, and develop and maintain an arts
section on the City’s Web page.
(i)
Develop cultural themes for Pittsfield consistent with its past,
present and future.
(j)
Serve as public spokesperson and advocate for the arts in Pittsfield,
ensure timely, positive and proactive communication with the artistic
community, media and general public on arts-related activities and
opportunities.
(k)
Ensure Pittsfield’s representation, either personally or through
a designated representative, in county, regional and statewide arts
and cultural initiatives.
(l)
Initiate and facilitate support for the arts among the local business
community through art exhibitions, sponsorship opportunities and other
initiatives.
(m)
Serve as a liaison to neighborhood, community and youth organizations
in support of arts and cultural programming.
(n)
Oversee the operations of the Liechtenstein Center.
(o)
Maintain the Pittsfield Mural Program.
