Greetings from the Chairman of the City of Modesto's Culture Commission

Well Hello fellow Modestans!

Having recently been turned on to Modesto Famous, I felt it appropriate I bring my message concerning the City of Modesto's Culture Commission to this space. And who am I? My name is Brian Haddix and I am the Chairman of the City of Modesto's Culture Commission.

Culture Commission? In Modesto? What is that? I know, I know, many people are not aware of the fact that Modesto has an established Culture Commission and, as Chairman of the Commission, it's my mission to get that message out.

So what exactly is the Culture Commission? Article XI, Section 1110 of the Charter of the City of Modesto (http://www.ci.modesto.ca.us/council/charter/default.asp) provides that "there shall be a Culture Commission consisting of seven (7) members, five (5) of whom shall be registered electors of the City, and two (2) of whom shall live outside the City but shall be registered electors of Stanislaus County."

Among other things, the Commission has the power and duty to "act in an advisory capacity to the Council and the City Manager in all matters pertaining to art, literature, music and other cultural activities."

So what does that mean? It means we have the power and the duty to get in front of the Council and tell what we think about Culture in this city. And, for the most part, they listen. So what does that mean to you?

Well, first off, we are your mouthpiece. We are your advocates. The Commission meets the last Monday of every month at 4:00 p.m. at the McHenry Museum. The meeting is a public forum in which we discuss issues pertaining to art, literature, music, and other cultural activities. It is a place to speak your views about what this city needs, should be, and can be.

We also have money in the form of grants to local organizations involved in cultural activities - $60,000 this year and I hope to get more next year. Also, we hope to create a website soon so it is easier to apply for the money and also to get other information about the city's cultural activities out to the public.

Can we make it better? Of course! And that's why I want to get my message out - I need your input. I want to know your views because I am committed to giving those artists, poets, actors, and festival-throwers as well as every citizen in our community a louder, stronger voice in the cultural direction of this fine city.

Finally, I encourage anyone interested in shaping the future of this city to get involved - it doesn't take much time and the service you can provide is invaluable. If you care, join a commission or a forum or a group! (http://www.ci.modesto.ca.us/council/cag/)

I want to hear from you! Write me, e-mail me, or catch me downtown sometime because I'm usually out taking in the many cultural events the city has to offer. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas.

Brian Haddix
Chairman, City of Modesto Culture Commission