Matthew Goudeau, San Francisco’s first-ever leader of a newly consolidated arts and culture agency, is a veteran of City Hall. Beginning as an intern under Mayor Willie Brown in 1999, Goudeau has spent more than two decades working for S.F. mayors.

Goals and Priorities

Goudeau discussed his goals for the new agency, his plans to rebuild trust with artists and arts organizations, and changes to proposed grant-payment rules that have raised concerns about whether local artists can afford to make public art.

Goudeau’s priorities for the first six months include restoring trust, repairing and rebuilding systems, and establishing a process for completing a strategic plan for the agency. He hopes to create a more transparent and efficient process for artists and organizations to receive funding and support.

Public Art and Community Engagement

Goudeau emphasized the importance of public art and community engagement, stating that he wants to focus on making art accessible to all neighborhoods and communities. He also discussed the need for public-private partnerships to support the arts and make them more sustainable.

Goudeau acknowledged concerns about private funding and the potential for wealthy donors to dictate public art. He stated that the Arts Commission can help offset these criticisms by using public dollars to support artists and organizations that may not be as significantly supported by private funders.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.