The Arts and Culture Commission discussed 2026 World Cup programming, Festival Beverly Hills and a new art installation, among other topics, at the April 14 meeting.
Recreation Services Manager Matthew Brown gave a presentation to the commission regarding plans for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Reprising the presentation he gave at the City Council meeting on March 4, he highlighted an interactive soccer goal, branded photo opportunities and commemorative city of Beverly Hills World Cup pins. Brown also mentioned a community watch party at the Roxbury Park Community Center.
Multiple council members raised concerns about the location of the watch party, stating that it may lead to a smaller turnout from the community. Brown stressed that these concerns had already been discussed during the March 4 City Council meeting, and explained the location had been determined due to “operational and logistical concerns.”
Recreation Supervisor Corrina Lesser provided updates on Festival Beverly Hills, which will take place on July 12.
“The cultural dynamism of the region projects the energy that the festival has,” she said. “We have a powerful name.”
Jenny Palo, Director of Similien Art Gallery, presented a piece of art to be placed at 8913 Olympic Blvd., and it will be visible from the street. The untitled art piece by Francesca Lalane will be 32 feet by 90 feet and engraved in brass.
The last spring Artwalk, a guided tour through the Beverly Gardens, will take place on April 26. Following a brief break, the tours will start again for the summer on June 14 and 28, coinciding with the World Cup.
The Concerts on Canon series will begin again on June 4 and the website will go live on May 4. The series takes place weekly from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings, June through August. Senior Recreation Supervisor Paul Paolone spoke about how this year’s process for choosing artists has been different. In the past, he has taken inquiries throughout the year, but this year, a webpage was created for artists to apply. The application was open for a few months, and Paolone reported that he had received nearly 50 applications. The full lineup will be announced at next month’s commission meeting.
