HUNTINGTON BEACH : Task Force to Bridge City’s Cultural Gaps

A city task force has begun work on a master plan that will advise the City Council on ways to bolster cultural programs over the next 20 years.

The group is expected to study putting sculpture and other artworks in public places, developing a bandstand so the city’s concert band can play in Central Park, forming a chamber music group and building a downtown theater.

The task force of more than 20 members also will seek ways to work with schools to make up for cuts in arts and cultural programs.

“We will be looking at current resources and developing a blueprint on where we should be going,” said Michael Mudd, cultural services manager for the city.

“We do not intend to duplicate the Orange County Performing Arts Center or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, but we do want to improve the cultural well-being of the city.”

Residents will have an opportunity during meetings in January and February to tell task force members what cultural improvements they want.

Residents also may make their cultural wishes known by calling Mudd at (714) 536-5258.

Task force member Jerry Chapman said past cultural pursuits have taken a back seat to recreation programs and other activities and that the master plan will identify ways for culture to catch up.

Past city councils and administrations have put cultural priorities “at the bottom of the list,” Chapman said.

“The current City Council is much, much more aware that if the city is to improve its image and to develop better economically, it can’t ignore cultural activities,” he said.