[Adopted 1-7-1991]
There is hereby established and created a commission of City government to be known as the "Commission on the Arts." The purpose of said Commission shall be to enhance the programming, administrative, fundraising and governance capacities of arts organizations throughout the City.
A. 
The Commission shall consist of no fewer than 12 nor more than 15 members, who shall be appointed by the Mayor and serve at the Mayor's pleasure. All Commission members shall have a demonstrated interest or knowledge in graphic arts, fine arts or the performing arts and shall include representatives of local government, business, education, the arts and the community.
[Amended 5-15-2017 by Ord. No. 26.31.17]
B. 
All members shall be appointed for three-year terms but shall continue to serve beyond such term until a successor is appointed. Members may be reappointed for succeeding terms.
C. 
The Mayor shall designate one member of the Commission as its Chair and one member as its Vice Chair. The Vice Chairman shall act in the absence of the Chair.
D. 
The presence of a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum, and the concurring votes of a majority of those members voting on a particular matter shall be required to carry out actions of the Commission.
E. 
A vacancy in the membership of the Commission for any cause shall be filled by Mayoral appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.
F. 
The Commission shall meet as often as is necessary to discharge its business in a timely fashion and/or at the call of the Chairman.
The Commission shall have the following powers, duties and functions:
A. 
To provide cooperative administrative arrangements for arts organizations.
B. 
To assist in providing funds as needed for arts entertainment and culture organizations.
C. 
To receive and disburse dedicated revenues for shared administrative, marketing and public information services.
D. 
To coordinate the continuing development of the City Arts District.
E. 
To encourage broad participation from the public and private sectors, the professions, educational institutions and community leaders.
F. 
To help to plan, develop and oversee management of a multiuse performing arts facility.
G. 
To develop, maintain and operate arts and supporting facilities under ownership or through lease, as appropriate.
H. 
To help arts groups encourage all levels of government to maintain and increase their commitment to the arts.
I. 
To provide suggestions on areas of need for governmental support.
J. 
To assist in the implementation of a public art program.
K. 
To expand volunteer involvement.
L. 
To support the planning and completion of arts and cultural memorials.
M. 
To promote Albany's leadership role as the hub of Capital Region arts activity.
N. 
To advise the City on the appropriateness of the proposed location of any proposed donations of physical art to the City in a manner consistent with federal and state constitutional protections of free speech and expression.
[Added 5-15-2017 by Ord. No. 26.31.17]
O. 
To advise the Department of Planning and Development on the time, place, and manner of any proposed long-term or temporary mural or building or wall graphic that exceeds the size, height, shape, or format of a sign in a manner consistent with federal and state constitutional protections of free speech and expression.
[Added 5-15-2017 by Ord. No. 26.31.17]
This article shall take effect immediately upon final passage and signature into law.