Spring 2014 Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys: City of Glendale City Council

Candidate order: , Paula Devine, Vartan Gharpetian

As part of its work to connect voters and candidates, Arts for LA presents these Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys to promote dialogue around issues related to arts education and its benefits.

Survey responses provided by each candidate are for voter information purposes only. Arts for LA does not endorse candidates seeking office. We are committed to fostering respectful, nonpartisan dialogue about issues relating to arts and culture. For more information, please read about our mission and values or our FAQ.

All eligible candidates were contacted to participate in the survey. If you would like to submit new or revise existing responses, please contact Charlie Jensen at [email protected] or 213-225-7580.

Arts for LA thanks Glendale Arts for supporting the survey proecess as a Local Partner. The Actors Fund, KCET Artbound, LA2050, and the Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) served as Regional Partners by promoting Arts & Culture Candidate Surveys throughout Los Angeles County.

Voting for Glendale City Council will be held on Tuesday, November 4.

1 seat is available in this election. Elections are at large; voters may vote for any of the eligible candidates in this election.

For more information on where to vote, visit the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder’s Office website.

What was the most meaningful arts and cultural experience you had growing up? (Approximately 75-100 words)

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Growing up, I always wanted to be a ballerina. So, my parents enrolled me in a dance class and I loved it. That love has remained with me, even though I never achieved my goal. I was also a singer and participated in high school choir and loved that, as well. However, my strongest creative talent I feel is in writing. I once wrote a story that my English teacher tried to get published. Needless to say, I was very proud. Also, as a child, being of Ukrainian descent, we decorated Easter eggs......I was a master....the best in the family.......love art.

My father was a very talented carpenter. When I was a child I really didn't realize how artistic and difficult his job was until I turned 13 years old and he taught me how to make my first wooden scooter. It was then when I started appreciating his woodwork and his talent as a master carpenter. My father passed away when I was in my 20's, and I still remember the beautiful furniture pieces which we made together and our family cherished them for many years. In my adult life, I have incorporated art into my life by collecting historic artifacts and memorabilia. I enjoy going to art and antique shows with my kids.

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Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in the development and support of the region's cultural infrastructure? (Approximately 75-100 words)

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As a city council member, I will continue my efforts in the community to promote and raise awareness of the Arts. As a member of the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women, I have tried to initiate a Women in Art Festival. I will continue that effort. The commission, in collaboration with Forest Lawn, presented an Art exhibit and symposium, which I was very proud of. Our Arts and Culture Commission is entrusted with the funds and the committment to use those funds to enhance our community and promote the arts. I will support this commission bymaking a strong appointment of a person who values and loves the arts, as I do. We are fortunate in Glendale to be the home of the iconic Alex Theater. Currently, we are wrestling to maintain ownership of this beautifu art-deco theater. As a council member, I advocate for the retention of this theater and will do everything in my power as a council member to ensure that that happens.

Glendale has a unique opportunity to become an arts and cultural hub in Southern California using its historic resources in more efficient way such as Alex Theater and Civic Auditorium. The value of art in our daily lives is something that we all take for granted. The City Council should do anything in its power to support and strengthen the arts and cultural infrastructure and work strongly towards encouraging and helping local cultural organizations and artists.

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Question 3: How would you champion modifications to, or expansion of the City's current funding stream for local arts and culture? (Approximately 75-100 words)

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In Glendale, we are fortunate to have Glendale Arts, which has been instrumental in reviving a Pop Orchestra and in conjunction with that, the staff at the Alex is working to provide interesting, entertaining shows. In collaboration with hteir efforts, as a council member I would gather information about their fiscal sustainability and do my best to assure that the Alex remain an important part of Glendale's cultural atmosphere. I understand a large amount of state funding is about to be discontinued, so I am aware that there could be a "situation" ahead. But, again, I am prepared to champion the theater any way I can as a council member. With the addition of the Neon Art Museum, it is clear that Glendale is making an effort to bring arts and culture of different varieties to our city. I would support the attraction of galleries to the Art District and encourage city staff to be diligent in their marketing efforts to accomplish that task.

We need to support and allow our local cultural organizations and artists by allocating more funds for arts and culture. We have a beautiful culturally rich community and it is extremely vital for our residents and our new generation to be exposed to different traditions and cultures. It would be great to work with our school district to have our young generation be more involved in arts and cultural events. I would love for our city to organize a Talent Show showcasing the talents of our residents.

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What three things would you do to deepen the City's investment in its creative economy (cultural tourism, in-direct and direct jobs, nonprofit and for profit)? (Approximately 75-100 words).

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First, I would engage the communtiy in the promotion of the arts. We have wonderful artists in our community of all media...painters, actors, TV, film, artisans, etc. I would move to promote art festivals, music in the park....different events to nurture our community along, to believe in and support the arts. Secondly, I would encourage the city to promote our wonderful historic sites. Marketing is key. Attract small businesses that deal in the arts.....I would like to see a revitalization of Brand Boulevard that would include arts and culture in its makeup. This could increase our tax base and bring the joy of the arts to our streets, businesses and our parks. Currently, there is proposal to develop Rockhaven while preserving the integrity of the historic site. I would like to see a public/private collaboration of the site which would support the historic site while attracting visitors to the community, thereby, making it self sufficient. Last, as a council member, it will be important that I examine the city budget and find ways to help support the arts financially in our city.

As a council member, I would invest in projects which would generate revenues for the city, by giving incentives to businesses with high paying jobs to move to Glendale. I believe our city should do a lot more outreach to our local artists. Annual/Semiannual arts and cultural shows is a great way of involving local artists.

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Glendale Candidates Respond to Arts & Culture Survey

Glendale Candidates Respond to Arts & Culture Survey

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Tue, 03/12/2013 - 11:43am

Photo: Glendale Arts logoEvery candidate for Glendale’s Board of Education and eight of eleven candidates for Glendale City Council have responded to Arts for LA’s semiannual arts & culture candidate surveys.  The surveys, which cover the overlap between the economy, public funding for the ar