Politics & Government

City Appoints Arts Administrator for Coronado's Cultural Arts Commission

Kelly Purvis will assist the Cultural Arts Commission in fulfilling its mission to strengthen, coordinate and connect the arts with the citizens of Coronado.

Editor's Note: The City of Coronado released the following announcement.

A local arts supporter and community volunteer has been selected to be the new Arts Administrator for Coronado's Cultural Arts Commission, City Manager Blair King announced Thursday.

Kelly Purvis, who has volunteered countless hours over the years to various Coronado organizations, including recent work with the Cultural Arts Commission and Coronado Arts Forum Committee, will assist the Cultural Arts Commission in fulfilling its mission to strengthen, coordinate and connect the arts with the citizens of Coronado.

"We narrowed down a list of 40 applications to three top candidates and held extensive interviews over the past few weeks. Kelly Purvis rose to the top," King said. "Kelly is energetic, organized and will deliver results immediately."

Purvis has worked as director of development for the Coronado Historical Association and did event coordination for Dorsee Productions. Her volunteer experience includes stints with the USC Trojan League, the Coronado Unified School District, as well as the City's Residential Standards Improvement Committee and Coronado MainStreet Ltd., among many other organizations.

Purvis said she looks forward to supporting the work of the Cultural Arts Commission, as well as promoting the Coronado arts community.

"A vibrant arts community creates a prosperous and healthy community which not only attracts visitors but serves the residents," Purvis said. "The arts are not only good for business, they are good for the soul."

The Coronado City Council approved the new position of an Arts Administrator in June to provide administrative support to the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission and its seven program working teams. The contracted, part-time position pays $36,000 per year.

The Cultural Arts Commission was established by the City Council in September 2011. The Commission is tasked with recognizing and encouraging groups and organizations that enrich Coronado life by bringing cultural and artistic works of art to the community. The Commission also recommends to the City Council policies and practices that develop and promote the arts.

Purvis will assist the Commission in developing long-range plans and policies for program development and provide guidance on setting arts goals. She will work to build relationships with artists, arts organizations, businesses, media and other related local and regional groups and maintain the inventory of the City's Public Art collection.

Purvis also will monitor the Commission's website: CoronadoARTS.com, prepare applications for private and public grant fund programs, and oversee special events.

"This is the first time we have had a position dedicated to coordinating and promoting the arts," King said. "It's a key role and we're sure Kelly will help expand the arts profile in Coronado."


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