SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Controversy over recent Lunar New Year murals painted by non-AAPI artists boiled over into a Sacramento art commission meeting Monday when attendees called on commissioners to investigate the practices of nonprofit Wide Open Walls.
Sacramento artists shared their experiences painting murals for Wide Open Walls and said the public backlash against the nonprofit is nothing new.
But what power does the commission actually hold over nonprofit art organizations that receive funding in Sacramento?
Sacramento Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Commission
Previously the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, the Sacramento Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Commission provides advice and recommendations for uplifting art and the economy around it.
The commission can act as liaisons to city officials on local artists, cultural groups and other arts throughout the city. Commissioners can also provide input on the policies and artistic programs.
Artist Franceska Gamez, who is featured on the Wide Open Walls artist page, said the commission should investigate the organization for its alleged failure to uphold the commission's cultural equity statement.
"They have failed to listen to constructive criticism and as much as we would love to see a mural festival in Sacramento thrive, [Wide Open Walls] unfortunately does not exist to improve the livelihood of artists," she said. "Many artists are afraid to speak for fear of being blacklisted by the organization."
According to the race and culture equity statement adopted by the commission in June 2020:
"The ACCE Commission will hold itself accountable by acknowledging that equity does not currently exist in the arts. The ACCE Commission will provide transparent and inclusive processes in the selection and allocation of all arts funding, resources and the development of policies and practices."
Sacramento convention and cultural services director Megan Van Voorhis suggested to the commission they should take up further discussions on the artists' concerns in a future meeting. Commissioners agreed.
In July 2022 the Sacramento City Auditor investigated allegations that Wide Open Walls — along with a separate organization run by Wide Open Walls founder David Sobon — mishandled funds provided by city officials.
Sobon denied the allegations. The city's attempt to audit Wide Open Walls was unsuccessful when officials discovered there was no written agreement — and checks for the $50,000 in funds were made out to Sobon's separate organization.
"Executing a contract with the wrong entity and awarding funding without written agreements compromised the city's ability to audit Wide Open Walls and David Sobon Events," the city auditor wrote.
