Arts and Culture Master Plan 2024

City of Glendale — Regular Meeting (2024-11-26)

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Building upon our rich history 
to create new opportunities 
that uplift our community.
Arts & Culture
Master Plan 2024

Table of Contents
Acknowledgments..................................................................................................................................1
Mayor and City Council...........................................................................................................................2
Administration........................................................................................................................................2
Participating City Departments................................................................................................................2
Arts and Culture Master Plan Taskforce....................................................................................................3
Arts Commission....................................................................................................................................3
Consultant Team....................................................................................................................................3
Purpose and Background........................................................................................................................4
City of Glendale Arts & Culture Program....................................................................................................6
City of Glendale Relevant Initiatives..........................................................................................................8
Engagement and Research....................................................................................................................10
Engagement Methodology.....................................................................................................................11
Engagement Results Highlights..............................................................................................................13
Implementation....................................................................................................................................20
Plan Goals..........................................................................................................................................22
Goal 1| Stimulate and sustain economic growth through a robust arts and culture program..........................24
Goal 2| Promote and enhance Glendale’s unique identity through arts and culture.......................................26
Goal 3| Enliven and activate places throughout the city with arts and culture...............................................27
Goal 4| Develop downtown Glendale as a cultural district..........................................................................28
Goal 5| Expand and diversify public art throughout the city........................................................................29
Goal 6| Establish protocols for Public Art Program...................................................................................31 
Funding...............................................................................................................................................32
Appendix A...............................................................................................................................................35
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Table of Contents
i

Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the
stakeholders, experts, and 
community members for 
their invaluable contributions, 
which significantly enhanced 
the development of our
Arts and Culture Master Plan.
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Acknowledgments
1

Acknowledgments
Mayor and City Council
Mayor Jerry P. Weiers
Vice Mayor Ian Hugh
Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro
Councilmember Joyce Clark
Councilmember Ray Malnar
Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff
Councilmember Bart Turner
Administration
Kevin R. Phelps
Vicki Rios
Jamsheed Mehta
Brent Stoddard
Rick St. John
Jessi Pederson
Daniel Sabillon
Chris Taylor
Participating City Departments
Budget and Finance Department
City Attorney’s Office
Community Services Department
Development Services Department
Engineering Department
Field Operations Department
Parks and Recreation Department
Transportation Department
Water Services Department
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Director of Economic Development
Deputy Director, Economic Development
Arts & Culture Administrator
Cactus District
Ocotillo District 
Yucca District
Sahuaro District
Cholla District
Barrel District
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Acknowledgments
2

Arts and Culture Master Plan Taskforce
Nellie Andrade
Thomas Barr
Michael Denson
Chris DeRose
Robert Heidt
Ivy Jarvis
Nancy Lenox
Dawn Marquez
Kate Marquez
Gabby Ochoa
Don Smith
Shea Torres
Jessi Pederson
Daniel Sabillon
Arts Commission
Nancy Lenox
Jose Aguinaga
Derrell Barber
Paige Hyde
James Smith
Anne Marie Chaney
Dalaina Hand
Consultant Team
Cultural Planning Group
   Linda Flynn, PhD., Partner
   David Plettner-Saunders, Partner
Chair 
Vice President - Business Development
Director
Developer
CEO 
Librarian - Programming Manager
Chair
Special Events - Program Manager
Executive Director
General Manager
Music Department Chair
Director of Social Media & Marketing
Director, Economic Development
Deputy Director, Economic Development
Commission on Diverse Cultures
Local First Arizona
West Valley Arts Council
CivicGroup, LLC
Glendale Chamber of Commerce
City of Glendale
Glendale Arts Commission
City of Glendale
Southern Arizona Arts & Culture Alliance
Arrowhead Towne Center
Glendale Community College
Glendale Chamber of Commerce
City of Glendale
City of Glendale
Chair
Vice Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Barrel District
Mayoral
Cholla District
Cactus District
Yucca District
Sahuaro District
Ocotillo District
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Acknowledgments
3

Purpose
& Background
“This Arts & Culture Master 
Plan will be a roadmap for the 
City’s Arts and Culture
Division for advancing arts 
and culture for the 
community.”
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Purpose & Background
4

Purpose and Background 
This Arts & Culture Master Plan will be a roadmap for the City’s Arts and Culture Division for advancing arts 
and culture for the community. The plan was developed with the assistance and insight of City of Glendale 
leadership, the City of Glendale Arts Commission, a community taskforce, stakeholders and residents.  
The plan addresses priorities relating to the arts, placemaking and the integration of public art into new 
development; public art and placemaking in parks and city-owned properties; equitable distribution and 
access to the arts, and updates to the Performing Arts Grant Program.  
The City of Glendale is a suburb of Phoenix with a current population of over 250,000 experiencing rapid 
population growth. The annual population growth rate for the City (1.5%) is predicted to remain on par with 
the growth rate of the state of Arizona (1.8%), and greater than the U.S. average (0.8%) between 2023 and 
2028. This plan will help the City meet the demand for a vibrant, culturally rich city for current and future 
residents and businesses. As part of the Phoenix metro region, it is imperative to define cultural priorities 
in relation to the major cultural resources and offerings in Phoenix and other nearby cities. 
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Purpose & Background
5

City of Glendale Arts & Culture Program
Arts Commission
A seven-member commission advises the City Council on the administration of arts initiatives, commission 
of public art, and the Performing Arts Grant Program.  Members are appointed by City Council for two-
year terms. 
City of Glendale Public Art Program
The city boasts a large public art collection with 53 public art pieces, 356 portable art pieces, and 
temporary art installations. The public art pieces are primarily outdoor sculptures, murals and site 
specific installations. There are also two- and three-dimensional indoor works (oil paintings, sculptures, 
etc.). Artworks are located in public parks, libraries, fire stations, the airport and other public buildings 
and places. They are concentrated in and near downtown and in the northern area of the city, with fewer 
works in the western area. A program objective is to place public art in locations where the largest 
audiences are anticipated, including major gathering places and high visibility sites. 
City of Glendale Performing Arts Grants
Currently, the City funds performing arts grants which is an annual project grant program providing 
awards for performing artists, organizations, schools and colleges to provide free public projects and 
performances in Glendale. 
Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest
An annual daylong arts festival that provides immersive and experiential activities throughout downtown: 
artisan market, interactive arts activities, pop-up performances and live art. This event is a collaboration 
of the City of Glendale, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Local First Arizona. 
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Purpose & Background
6

City of Glendale Public Art Map
The city boasts a large public art collection with 53 public 
art pieces, 356 portable art pieces, and temporary art 
installations.
For more info visit:
City of Glendale Public Art Map 
Rising Together
by Miguel Angel Godoy and 
Edgar Fernandez
The Sun and the Moon
by Dale Chihuly
For Every Drop of Blood
by Joe Tyler
1
2
3
2
3
1
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Purpose & Background
7

City of Glendale Relevant Initiatives
Downtown Campus Reinvestment Project
https://www.glendaleaz.com/your_government/downtown_campus_reinvestment_project
Project Overview
The City Hall campus is located in downtown Glendale. It serves as a public gathering place, a central 
point for residents to interact with their local government, and a conduit into our downtown corridor. 
The campus was constructed in 1984 and needs significant reinvestment to remain usable for future 
decades. The renovation and investments into Glendale’s Downtown Campus include Glendale’s City Hall 
and parking garage, Council Chambers, the E. Lowell Rogers amphitheater, and the adjacent Murphy 
Park.  This initiative provides ample opportunity to integrate art into the development of the buildings 
and activation of the campus. 
City of Glendale General Plan: Glendale Envision 2040
The General Plan provides vision and policies for Glendale to grow and develop in the future. The City 
of Glendale’s General Plan is a long-range comprehensive plan that guides development in the City by 
addressing various elements such as land use, housing, growth areas, urban design, military and aviation, 
open space, circulation, fiscal public health, environmental planning, energy, etc. This Arts and Culture 
Master Plan aligns with the General Plan key goals including:
•	 Dynamic community spirit
•	 Friendly, nurturing and safe for all
•	 Well-maintained, clean, visually attractive neighborhoods
•	 Family values including education, outdoor enjoyment, culture, and economic vitality
Rendering from Downtown Campus Reinvestment Project
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Purpose & Background
8

City of Glendale Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update (2021)
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides an opportunity for alignment with arts programming, 
public art, and cultural tourism initiatives. Compared to a cohort of similar cities, Glendale had the highest 
number of park acres per resident and currently provides select arts programming at the Glendale Adult 
Center and Glendale Aquatics Center. Arts and culture appear in recommendations to:
•	 Celebrate Glendale’s diverse community with well-designed and financially resourced 
City-hosted special events. 
•	 Hold additional special events and festivals with cultural aspects that aim at sharing 
cultural elements through food, storytelling, dance and arts.
•	 Use focus groups and liaisons within representative cultural communities in Glendale to 
determine the type of events that will appeal to the diverse population.
Photo from Arts Programming at the Glendale Adult Center
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Purpose & Background
9

Engagement
& Research
An engagement strategy that 
highlights key opportunities, 
complemented by research 
that ensures dynamic and
effective execution of our 
plan goals.
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
10

Engagement and Research
Engagement Methodology
City of Glendale staff and leadership, stakeholders, residents, and community leaders helped to shape 
the goals of this plan. The planning process began in Summer 2023 with stakeholder and community 
input gathered through interviews, discussion groups, Zoom meetings, and a community survey. The 
City convened an Arts and Culture Master Plan Taskforce to assist with guiding the planning process 
and the plan goals. 
The overall topic questions asked throughout the planning process focused on:
What is the current state of arts, culture, and creativity for Glendale?
Where are the opportunities for Glendale to advance arts and culture?
Where are the opportunities to grow the creative community?
What type of public art do you want to see as part of an evolving public art program?
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
11

Engagement Activities
The following is a summary of the engagement activities conducted during the planning process.
Group
Engagement Activity
Description
Arts and Culture Master
Plan Taskforce
Four meetings throughout the 
planning process and plan
development.
Provided expert guidance for the 
plan engagement and plan content.
These meetings explored the
Council’s goals and alignment with 
the Arts and Culture Master Plan.
These meetings identified
opportunities for public art, arts 
programming and potential
departmental intersections with
art projects.
Meetings with community leaders, 
organizations, and artists to
understand potential collaborations 
and opportunities for Arts and
Culture Master Plan.
The survey participants provided 
information about their vision and 
opinions for the arts in Glendale 
and priorities for public art and 
the plan.
Discussions with six City Council 
members.
City departments participated in
interviews or mini-group           
discussions.
Individual interviews and group 
discussions  were conducted with 
community arts organizations,  
individual artists, higher education 
leaders, and business owners.
477 participants completed the 
Arts and Culture Master Plan 
survey.
City of Glendale
Departmental Staff
Community Stakeholder
Engagement and Discussion
Groups
Community Survey
City of Glendale City Council
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
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Engagement Results Highlights
Highlights from the engagement and survey are provided below. The priorities for the plan identified by 
all the participating groups provide a foundation for the plan recommendations.
Glendale’s Strengths
•	 Supportive city government that demonstrates support for the arts
•	 A layered history, preservation efforts, and inclusivity
•	 A community rich with diverse cultures
•	 Strong community partners for plan implementation
•	 A strong public art program and collection
•	 Artists and arts organizations in the community
Glendale’s Opportunities for Planning
•	 Creating a unique identity for the city
•	 Spurring economic development with arts
•	 Activation of downtown/arts district/hubs
•	 City departmental cross collaborations
•	 Diversify and expand the public art program and arts programming
•	 Plan for arts facilities
•	 Improving marketing and networking
•	 Addressing access issues (permits, insurance, police involvement, etc.)
•	 Grants and funding opportunities
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
13

Reflecting Community Values In Arts Programming 
•	 Art should enhance safety, community cohesion, and the 
connection between residents and the City government. 
•	 Arts programming should reflect the inclusive and diverse 
history of Glendale. It is important to focus on all neighborhoods, 
highlighting the unique cultures of each.
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
14

Arts Programming and Places  
•	 The current programs can be updated to 
increase access and elevate the awareness 
of current programming. 
•	 Utilize Glendale’s outdoor spaces for venues 
for art and/or arts programming. 
•	 Provide more interactive and discovery-based 
art and more engagement with the City’s art 
collection. 
•	 Use the arts for gateways to the city, explore 
artist in residency programs, create more 
vibrancy downtown and throughout Glendale. 
•	 Create a Downtown Arts District/Hub.
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
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Provide more arts and cultural 
events/activities in Glendale
Create a more vibrant 
downtown Glendale
Provide more opportunities for 
teens and young adults
Provide more opportunities 
for children
Install more public art 
throughout the city
Use the arts as a way to 
attract more business
Other
10%
24%
34%
35%
45%
58%
75%
Resident Priorities
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
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Importance of Arts and Culture Events
To your family?
Color/Answer Key:
To your community?
To you personally?
Not much/at all
Neutral
Somewhat
Extremely
3%
7%
5%
12%
16%
9%
27%
32%
26%
58%
45%
60%
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
17

28%
34%
41%
48%
62%
64%
Create and enliven public gathering 
spaces and public buildings
Create gateways and identify 
different areas of Glendale
Celebrate the history of Glendale
Raise awareness of the 
value of the arts
Enhance experiences of parks 
and open spaces
Make downtown a destination
I want Public Art to...
Public parks, trails, and open 
spaces around the city
Connecting the different parts 
of the city
Other
Gathering spaces around the city
All throughout the city
Downtown Glendale
63%
60%
54%
54%
32%
5%
Places for Public Art
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
18

Artist Priorities
Artists place an emphasis on exhibition, performances, and sales opportunities in 
Glendale and more opportunities for working artists.
Ranking in Order of Priority:
1. More exhibition, performance, and sales/work opportunities in Glendale
2. More opportunities for working on art projects in Glendale
3. More recognition of artists in Glendale
4. Better options for workspace and/or live workspace in Glendale
5. Professional development assistance
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Engagement & Research
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Implementation
A framework that includes
goals, strategies, and actions 
to ensure a clear path to 
transforming Glendale’s
arts and culture landscape 
over the next decade.
20
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Implementation

Implementation
How to Use This Master Plan 
This is a comprehensive long-term planning document outlining the overall strategy and vision for arts 
and culture for the City of Glendale over the next 10 years.
Goals (1-6) 
The goals represent the desired future state or outcomes the plan aims to achieve. They are broad, 
overarching statements that provide direction and focus for the strategies and actions. 
Strategies (I, II,III, IV…) 
The strategies are the approaches or methods to achieve the goals. They are more specific and actionable 
than the goals, and they outline the general paths or means for accomplishing the desired outcomes. 
Actions (Subsequent Bullet Points) 
The actions are specific initiatives, projects, or tasks that will be undertaken during implementation. 
They are the concrete steps or activities that will be carried out by various City staff and partners. 
Plan Implementation  
Using this plan as a comprehensive framework, developing annual implementation plans with associated 
budgets will be the next step in plan implementation. The annual implementation plans will specify the 
action steps required to accomplish the goals and strategies for a 12-month period. By using annual plans, 
staff can effectively work toward achieving the plan goals, while adapting to changing circumstances, 
and accounting for current resources available for implementation.
For more detailed information, please refer to Appendix A: Glendale Arts and Culture Master Plan 
Implementation Grid.
21
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Implementation

Plan Goals
Based on extensive research, 
engagement and feedback, 
our team has crafted goals
aimed at enriching the city’s 
cultural landscape to elevate 
the quality of life.
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
22

Plan Goals 
The plan’s recommended goals and actions represent city leadership goals for arts and culture and 
reflect the aspirations of the community to experience a different level of arts and culture within the city. 
With assistance from Economic Development staff, the planning team heard from community leaders, 
artists, business owners, arts and cultural leaders, and residents about what they wanted this plan to 
accomplish for the city. 
Stimulate and sustain economic growth 
through a robust arts and culture program.
1
GOAL
Promote and enhance Glendale’s unique 
identity through arts and culture.
2
GOAL
Enliven and activate places throughout the 
city with arts and culture.
3
GOAL
Develop downtown Glendale as a cultural   
district.
4
GOAL
Expand and diversify public art throughout 
the city. 
5
GOAL
Establish protocols for the Public Art Program. 
6
GOAL
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
23

I.	 Recognize and plan for Glendale’s creative economy as an integral part of 
the Economic Development strategy.  
•	 Incentivize and welcome arts organizations, artists and arts businesses to locate in Glendale. 
•	 Introduce current and potential organizations and creative businesses to the City Arts and 
Culture Division, and the Arts Commission. 
•	 Provide a list of space options and rate incentives.  
•	 Provide an opportunity for the Arts Commission to play a formal role in welcoming organizations 
and businesses. 
•	 Provide small business assistance and training tailored to the needs of creative businesses and artists. 
•	 Identify the needs through discussions and surveys. 
•	 Work to develop specific assistance programs and/or partner with others. 
•	 Become a member of the NonProfit Learning Lab.
II.	Identify and incentivize creative spaces and venues in the city. 
•	 Invest accumulated Arts Fund resources in purchase, renovation and incentives for small space/
venue development, such as a city art gallery, small venues for live arts, community arts learning 
spaces, etc. 
Stimulate and sustain economic growth 
through a robust arts and culture program.
1
GOAL
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
24

•	 Example: Bell Arts Factory, arts center and artists studios: 	
	
	
	
	
     	
https://bellartsfactory.org  
•	 Example: Low Key Piano Par, one of multiple small music venues in Tempe:	 	
	
	
https://www.lowkeypianobar.com  
•	 Example: City-run art gallery in Round Rock, Texas:	
	
	
	
	
	
	
https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/city-departments/arts-and-culture/downtowner-gallery/   
•	 Explore a long-term objective for the development of cultural facilities (such as a cultural center or 
performing arts center) with community partners.
III.	Create City guidelines that encourage and facilitate community partnerships 
for arts and culture. 
•	 Create the guidelines in partnership with community organizations and institutions. Prioritize artistic 
or educational quality in programming and investments. Select and incentivize providers committed 
to artistic or educational excellence. 
•	 Clearly identify the goals of the partnership and roles and responsibilities of each partner 
agency as it relates to providing arts and creative services. 
•	 Sample Partnership Agreement 
IV.	Build the capacity of the City’s arts and culture staff and program. 
•	 Provide ongoing professional development opportunities and travel allowances for professional 
conferences, training, etc. 
•	 Codaworx (Public Art) 
•	 Americans for the Arts  
•	 American Planning Association 
•	 Allow staff time to participate in networking and building regional relationships in support of the arts 
and culture program.  
 
V.	Create ongoing relationships and guidelines for interdepartmental collaboration 
for arts and culture events, public art, and economic development. 
•	 Identify one or more liaisons in each department interfacing with arts and culture. 
•	 Conduct periodic meetings of the departmental liaisons to stay informed on plans and activities 
relevant to the arts and culture program.  
•	 Develop guidelines to facilitate and improve interdepartmental collaborations, as needed. 
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
25

I.	 Highlight Glendale’s history, cultural diversity, and ongoing evolution in arts 
and cultural programming, initiatives and marketing.  
•	 Create a communitywide arts marketing program. Highlight and promote arts and cultural events 
and activities that tell a desirable narrative about Glendale. 
•	 Example: https://artsbizmiami.org/mamp/ 
•	 Highlight Glendale’s cultural strengths and identity through programming choices. 
II.	Support the organizational development of local arts and culture nonprofits 
and businesses. 
•	 Create regular networking and collaboration opportunities for creatives, businesses, and nonprofit 
arts and culture organizations. 
•	 Hold capacity building workshops for nonprofits and small creative businesses. 
•	 Create a new grants category of general operating support for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations 
and small creative businesses.
•	 Example: Arts and Business Council Miami https://artsbizmiami.org/ 
•	 Example: Springboard for the Arts Saint Paul, MN https://springboardforthearts.org/
Promote and enhance Glendale’s unique 
identity through arts and culture.
2
GOAL
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
26

I.	 Adapt a comprehensive approach to programming and public art.
•	 Utilize community partnerships in developing arts and cultural programs (Glendale Community College, 
downtown businesses, chamber of commerce, event producers, West Valley Arts Council, artists and 
arts organizations, and others). 
•	 Provide and facilitate arts and cultural educational programming for families and residents of all ages, 
including children, youth, adults, seniors, and families.  
•	 Example: Creative Like Me Partnership 
•	 Example: Public Art Futures Lab 
•	 Continue and expand arts and cultural programming at the City Hall (Lowell) Amphitheater once it 
reopens.  
II.	Create and connect hub gathering places in the city. 
•	 Build on existing assets and identity to enhance those gathering places with additional arts and 
cultural events, activities, and spaces.  
•	 Consider parks and employment centers as additional potential hubs for activation. 
III.	 Evolve the Performing Arts Grant Program to better serve the community. 
•	 Continue the focus on project grants that provide publicly accessible arts events and activities in 
Glendale. 
•	 Expand eligibility to performances with paid admission and to all artistic disciplines, including visual, 
media and literary.  
•	 Increase the grant amounts to fund the expenses of projects more realistically. 
•	 Increase the total amount of available annual grant funding.
Enliven and activate places throughout the 
city with arts and culture.
3
GOAL
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
27

Resources for Cultural District Planning 
I.	 Develop a downtown cultural district.  
•	 Expand sponsorship and facilitation of arts and cultural events in downtown Glendale, building on 
the success of LiVE! Events and the annual Downtown Glendale Arts and Culture Fest (diversify the 
artistic programming). 
•	 Promote and incentivize new or expanded arts spaces in downtown Glendale, such as performance 
venues, art galleries, event spaces, and arts-related businesses. 
•	 Promote and facilitate development of artists live workspaces.  
•	 Identify and promote opportunities to locate or program in downtown Glendale. “Lay out the welcome 
mat” to event producers, arts organizations, artists, developers and others to encourage their 
participation.  
•	 Address the culinary gaps in downtown through incubators or incentives for culinary entrepreneurship. 
II.	Develop a comprehensive downtown cultural district plan. 
•	 Support actions to develop a downtown cultural district with development of a strategic plan. 
•	 The strategic plan should include an asset inventory, identification of geographic boundaries, 
development of a clear identity, goals and strategies, a program plan, a management plan, a plan 
for sustainable funding, identification of partners, a marketing plan, and other elements that will 
strengthen development of the district as a successful and sustainable entity.  
•	 Engage downtown and other community stakeholders in development of the strategic plan.  
III.	Create a citywide placemaking strategy. 
•	 Develop a plan with specific impact measurements for a series of activations and installations, creating 
opportunities for social connection in underutilized areas. 
•	 Example: Activate Downtown Brampton  
Develop downtown Glendale as a cultural   
district.
4
GOAL
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
28

Expand and diversify public art throughout 
the city. 
5
GOAL
I.	 Adopt new public art policies and procedures to align with national best 
practices. 
•	 Define roles and responsibilities for staff, Arts Commission, and City Council. 
•	 Detail process for appropriation and allocation of public art funds.
•	 Define comprehensive program guidelines for the acquisition, management, and maintenance of 
public art in the City collection. 
II.	Adopt an updated percent for art ordinance.
III.	 Ensure appropriate staffing for the Public Art Program. 
•	 As the public art program and collection grows, assess the need for a public art administrator versed 
in public art program management. 
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
29

IV.	Create a distinct name for the program, separate from the arts and culture 
program. 
•	 Define the public art program as a subset of the City Arts and Culture Division. 
•	 Brand the program through City communications and program materials, with a goal of elevating the 
awareness of the City program to Glendale residents and regional artists. 
V.	Build a sustainable, diverse collection of public art.  
•	 Widely promote the artist selection opportunities to ensure a diverse pool of artists. 
•	 Provide public art mentorships and training for emerging public artists.  
•	 Focus new public artworks in places prioritized by the community: downtown, public gathering places, 
public buildings, parks, trails. 
•	 Create a recognizable citywide program of small-scale public artworks, such as benches, utility boxes, 
light poles, crosswalks or other infrastructure enhancements.   
•	 Specifically expand the practice of temporary installations as part of the public art program. 
VI.	Utilize public art to connect Glendales’ communities and neighborhoods.
•	 Create a framework for community engagement including approaches and outcomes.  
•	 Create a community- or neighborhood-initiated program.  
•	 Encourage community and neighborhood groups, and artists, to propose public artworks and 
art projects for public places.  
•	 Create public art at gateways to the city.  
•	 Create a public art festival, possibly in collaboration with neighboring cities.
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
30

I.	 Identify current and future city planning projects where public art will enhance 
the project including park development and City capital projects.  
•	 Best Practices for Integrating Art into Capital Projects 
•	 For capital projects, engage City arts staff at beginning of planning to identify potential artist 
collaborations.  
•	 Engage public artists with specific qualifications for a City capital project beginning in the design 
phase. 
•	 Ensure consideration of placemaking for smaller area plans, as appropriate, creating the opportunity 
for public art throughout the City of Glendale. 
•	 Integrate art into the new City Hall Campus.
•	 Working with the project planning team and integrate functional public art as part of the campus:
•	 Regional Example: Reach 11 Sports Complex Phoenix 
•	 Regional Example: Civic Space Art Phoenix 
•	 Regional Example: Little Canyon Trail Connection
II.	Align with Parks and Recreation Plans. 
•	 To promote cultural and creative tourism, identify park renovations and park events where permanent 
functional art, artist-designed playgrounds, and temporary public art offer opportunities for departmental 
collaboration to establish destination art. 
III.	Develop long-term collections management and maintenance plans. 
•	 Continue to document all public art and detail in current database. 
•	 Conduct a comprehensive maintenance and conservation study of the city art collection at the adoption 
of this plan, and subsequently every five years. 
•	 Contract with a qualified professional or firm to conduct a full conservation review of the public art 
collection and develop a future maintenance program. 
•	 Example: WESTAF Public Art Archive
Establish protocols for the Public Art Program. 
6
GOAL
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Plan Goals
31

Funding
“The following 
recommendations provide
options for both additional 
arts funding and
diversification of funding 
sources.”
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Funding
32

Funding 
The City of Glendale currently funds its arts programming by allocating 1% of qualifying capital improvement 
project budgets to the arts and transferring these monies to the Municipal Arts Fund.  
Implementing this Arts and Culture Master Plan will require multiple funding sources, including industry 
partnerships, beyond the current balance of the Arts Fund. Also, as a policy matter it is advisable to 
have diversified funding sources to protect against disruptive fluctuations in any one revenue source.  
The following recommendations provide options for both additional arts funding and diversification of 
funding sources:  
•	 Engage the development community in discussions to consider a mutually acceptable 
process to include art in private real estate development. 
•	 Consider a future increase from 1.0% to 1.5% or 2.0% the percent of capital improvement 
projects allocated for the arts and transferred into the Arts Fund, in line with national 
best practice. 
•	 Build relationships with industry supporters and private partnerships that will provide 
sustainable endowments to fund the development and operation of arts and culture 
facilities. 
•	 Consider supplementing the capital improvement contributions to the Arts Fund with 
annual General Fund allocations to meet identified objectives and needs as recommended 
in this plan and advised by the Arts Commission. 
•	 Consider shifting the Arts and Culture Division staff salaries from the Arts Fund to the 
General Fund. 
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Funding
33

Arts &
Culture
Master
Plan
2024
34
Arts & Culture Master Plan

Goal/Strategy 
Lead
Partner(s)
Timing
Cost 
(Estimated)
$ Source
I.	
Recognize and plan for Glendale’s creative economy as 
an integral part of economic development strategy.
A&C
ED, Arts 
Commission
Year 1
Allocation of 
staff time
N/A
•	
Incentivize and welcome arts organizations, artists and arts 
businesses to locate in Glendale.
•	
Provide small business assistance and training tailored to the 
needs of creative businesses and artists.
II.	 Identify and incentivize creative spaces and venues in 
the city.
ED
A&C
Years 
1-10
TBD
Arts Fund, 
other capital 
funding
•	
Invest accumulated Arts Fund resources in purchase, 
renovation and incentives for small space/venue development 
(city art gallery, small venues for live arts, community arts 
learning spaces, etc.).
•	
Explore a long-term objective for the development of cultural 
facilities (such as a cultural center or performing arts center) 
with community partners.
III.	 Create City guidelines that encourage and facilitate 
community partnerships for arts and culture.
A&C
ED, Arts 
Commission
Years 
1-2
Allocation of 
staff time
N/A
•	
Create the guidelines in partnership with community 
organizations and institutions. 
IV.	 Build the capacity of the City’s arts and culture staff and 
program.
ED
Years 
1-10
$5,000/year
General Fund
•	
Provide ongoing professional development opportunities and 
travel allowances for professional conferences, training, etc.
•	
Allow staff time to participate in networking and building 
regional relationships.
V.	 Create ongoing relationships and guidelines for 
interdepartmental collaboration for arts and culture 
events, public art, and economic development. 
A&C
Other City 
departments
Years 
1-2
Allocation of 
staff time
N/A
•	
Identify one or more liaisons in each department interfacing 
with arts and culture.
•	
Conduct periodic meetings of the departmental liaisons to stay 
informed on plans and activities relevant to the arts and culture 
program. 
•	
Develop guidelines to facilitate and improve interdepartmental 
collaborations, as needed.  
Goal 1 | Stimulate and sustain economic growth through a robust arts and culture program.
LEGEND
LEGEND
A&C
A&C
ED 
ED 
TLT
TLT 
-  City of Glendale Arts & Culture Division
-  City of Glendale Economic Development Department
-  Tourist Lodging Tax
Appendix A
Glendale Arts and Culture Master Plan Implementation Grid
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Appendix A
35

Goal/Strategy 
Lead
Partner(s)
Timing
Cost 
(Estimated)
$ Source
I.	
Highlight Glendale’s history, cultural diversity, and 
ongoing evolution in arts and cultural programming, 
initiatives and marketing.
A&C
Visit Glendale
Years 
3-10 
TBD
Art Fund, 
General 
Fund, TLT
•	
Create a communitywide arts marketing program.  
•	
Highlight Glendale’s cultural strengths and identity in 
programming choices. 
II.	 Support the organizational development of local arts and 
culture nonprofits and businesses. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission
Years 
1-10
$25,000/year 
Arts Fund 
•	
Create regular networking and collaboration opportunities 
for creatives, businesses, and nonprofit arts and culture 
organizations. 
•	
Hold capacity building workshops for nonprofits and small 
creative businesses. 
•	
Create a new grants category of general operating support 
for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and small creative 
businesses.   
Goal 2 | Promote and enhance Glendale’s unique identity through arts and culture.
Goal 3 | Enliven and activate places throughout the city with arts and culture.
Goal/Strategy 
Lead
Partner(s)
Timing
Cost 
(Estimated)
$ Source
I.	
Adapt a comprehensive approach to programming and 
public art. 
A&C
ED
Years 
1-10 
TBD 
Arts Fund
•	
Utilize community partnerships in developing arts and cultural 
programs. 
•	
Provide and facilitate arts and cultural educational 
programming for all residents.  
II.	 Create and connect hub gathering places in the city. 
ED
A&C
Years 
1-10
N/A 
N/A 
•	
Build on existing assets and identity to enhance those 
gathering places. 
•	
Consider parks and employment centers as additional potential 
hubs for activation.  
III.	 Evolve the performing arts grants program to better 
serve the community. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission
Year 1
TBD
Arts Fund
•	
Continue the focus on project grants that provide publicly 
accessible arts events and activities in Glendale. 
•	
Expand eligibility to performances with paid admission and to 
all artistic disciplines, including visual, media and literary.  
•	
Increase the grant amounts to fund the expenses of projects 
more realistically. 
•	
Increase the total amount of available annual grant funding. 
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Appendix A
36

Goal/Strategy 
Lead
Partner(s)
Timing
Cost 
(Estimated)
$ Source
I.	
Develop a downtown cultural district.  
ED
A&C, 
other City 
departments
Year 
3-5
TBD
Arts Fund, 
General Fund
•	
Continue to expand sponsorship and facilitation of arts and 
cultural events in downtown Glendale. 
•	
Promote and incentivize new or expanded arts spaces in 
downtown Glendale, such as performance venues, art galleries, 
event spaces, and arts-related businesses. 
•	
Promote and facilitate development of artists’ live/workspaces. 
•	
Identify and promote opportunities to locate or program in 
downtown Glendale for event producers, arts organizations, 
artists, developers, etc. 
•	
Address the culinary gaps in downtown through incubators or 
incentives for culinary entrepreneurship. 
II.	 Develop a comprehensive downtown cultural district 
plan. 
ED
A&C, 
downtown 
stakeholders
Year 
5-6
$150,000
General Fund
•	
Support actions to develop a downtown cultural district 
with development of a strategic plan that will strengthen 
development of the district as a successful and sustainable 
entity. 
•	
Engage downtown and other community stakeholders in 
development of the strategic plan.  
III.	 Create a citywide placemaking strategy. 
ED
A&C
Years 
3-10
$100,000/
year
General 
Fund, Arts 
Fund
•	
Develop a plan with specific impact measurements for a series 
of activations and installations, creating opportunities for social 
connection in underutilized areas. 
Goal 4 | Develop downtown Glendale as a cultural district.
Goal 5 | Expand and diversify public art throughout the city.
Goal/Strategy 
Lead
Partner(s)
Timing
Cost 
(Estimated)
$ Source
I.	
Adopt new public art policies and procedures to align 
with national best practices. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission, 
City Council
Year 1
Allocation of 
staff time
N/A
•	
Define roles and responsibilities for staff, Arts Commission, 
and City Council.
•	
Detail process for appropriation and allocation of public art 
funds.
•	
Define comprehensive program guidelines for the acquisition, 
management, and maintenance of public art in the City 
collection. 
II.	 Adopt an updated percent for art ordinance. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission, 
City Council
Year 1
Allocation of 
staff time
N/A
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Appendix A
37

Goal/Strategy 
Lead
Partner(s)
Timing
Cost 
(Estimated)
$ Source
III.	 Ensure appropriate staffing for the Public Art Program. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission, 
City Council
Years 
3-10
TBD
General Fund
•	
As the public art program and collection grows, assess the 
need for a public art administrator versed in public art program 
management. 
IV.	 Create a distinct name for the program, separate from 
the arts and culture program. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission
Year 1
Allocation of 
staff time
N/A
•	
Define the public art program as a subset of the City Arts and 
Culture Division.
•	
Brand the program through City communications and program 
materials. 
V.	 Build a sustainable, diverse collection of public art.  
A&C
Arts 
Commission
Years 
1-10
Allocations of 
existing public 
art budget
Arts Fund
•	
Widely promote the artist selection opportunities to ensure a 
diverse pool of artists. 
•	
Provide public art mentorships and training for emerging public 
artists.  
•	
Focus new public artworks in places prioritized by the 
community. 
•	
Create a recognizable citywide program of small-scale 
public artworks, such as benches, utility boxes, light poles, 
crosswalks or other infrastructure enhancements.   
•	
Specifically expand the practice of temporary installations as 
part of the public art program. 
VI.	 Utilize public art to connect Glendales’ communities and 
neighborhoods. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission
Years 
1-10
Allocations of 
existing public 
art budget
Arts Fund
•	
Create a framework for community engagement.
•	
Create a community- or neighborhood-initiated program.  
•	
Create public art at gateways to the city.  
•	
Create a public art festival, possibly in collaboration with 
neighboring cities. 
Goal 5 | Expand and diversify public art throughout the city. (continued)
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Appendix A
38

Goal 6 | Establish protocols for Public Art Program.
Goal/Strategy 
Lead
Partner(s)
Timing
Cost 
(Estimated)
$ Source
I.	
Identify current and future city planning projects where 
public art will enhance the project including park 
development and City capital projects.  
A&C
Other City 
departments, 
Arts 
Commission 
Years 
1-10 
Allocations of 
staff time and 
existing public 
art budget 
Arts Fund, 
other capital 
funds 
•	
For capital projects, engage City arts staff at beginning of 
planning to identify potential artist collaborations.  
•	
Engage public artists with specific qualifications for a City 
capital project beginning in the design phase. 
•	
Ensure consideration of placemaking for smaller area plans, as 
appropriate, creating the opportunity for public art throughout 
the City of Glendale. 
•	
Integrate art into the new City Hall Campus.
II.	 Align with Parks and Recreation Plans. 
A&C
Parks & 
Recreation 
Department 
Years 
1-10 
Allocations of 
staff time and 
existing public 
art budget 
Arts Fund, 
other capital 
funds 
•	
To promote cultural and creative tourism, identify park 
renovations and park events where permanent functional art, 
artist-designed playgrounds, and temporary public art offer 
opportunities for departmental collaboration to establish 
destination art. 
III.	 Develop long-term collections management and 
maintenance plans. 
A&C
Arts 
Commission 
Years 
1-2 
$50,000 
Arts Fund
•	
Continue to document all public art and detail in current 
database. 
•	
Conduct a comprehensive maintenance and conservation 
study of the City art collection at the adoption of this plan, and 
subsequently every five years. 
•	
Contract with a qualified professional or firm to conduct a full 
conservation review of the public art collection and develop a 
future maintenance program. 
Arts & Culture Master Plan 
Appendix A
39