COMMISSIONERS
MISSION
The mission of the Arts and Culture Commission is to enrich the human experience, reinforce Glendale’s identity and civic pride through arts and culture, and to recognize the importance of arts to our quality of life and to the local economy. This is accomplished by consciously integrating arts and culture into the daily life of the people of Glendale through urban design, planning, economic development, and education.
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The Arts and Culture Commission meets every third Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the City Council Chambers located at 613 E. Broadway. If you are interested in seeing previous Commission Meetings and agendas for upcoming meetings, please click this link.
MEET YOUR COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson Sue Bell Yank; Term Expiration: 2026
Sue Bell Yank is Executive Director of Clockshop which produces free public programming and commissions contemporary artist projects on public land to better connect Angelenos to the land we live on. She was previously Deputy Director at 18th Street Arts Center. She has worked in arts, entertainment, and public schools for over a decade, including as Associate Director of Academic Programs at the Hammer Museum, where she formed city-wide partnerships triangulating communities, the arts, and schools. She created an online education platform for the Oprah Winfrey Network, and has worked as a teacher and curriculum specialist in and out of public schools. Her interest in urban planning and affordable cities led her to create a six-episode podcast about housing in LA called Paved Paradise. She teaches at UCLA, frequently writes about socially engaged art practice and pedagogy, and has been a Field Researcher for A Blade of Grass and Asian Arts Initiative. Yank received a BA from Harvard University and an MA in Public Art Studies from the University of Southern California.
Vice-Chair Sevana Zadorian; Term Expiration: 2026
Sevana Zadorian is a life-long resident of Glendale and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Loyola Law School. Zadorian has also served as Campaign Strategist for various political campaigns and holds the position of Co-Chair for the City's Annual Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Her commitment to public service is further exemplified by her prior roles as a judicial extern at the Los Angeles Superior Court and as a policy intern for the Los Angeles Mayor's office. With a passion for the arts and experience in curating, Zadorian has dedicated herself to promoting and supporting the vibrant world of creativity that enriches our community.
Commissioner Mark Marat Hay; Term Expiration: 2028
Dr. Mark Marat Hay is a beloved member of the Glendale community. He is a musician, singer, composer, symphonic conductor, musicologist and Doctor of Arts. His previous job in Arts & Culture was adviser to the minister of culture of Armenia where he advised on making decisions involving activities of theaters, concert halls, art schools, movie theaters, and exhibitions; promoting cultural workers; nominating art workers for state awards; assisting the minister with cultural activities; organizing events; and leading art delegations to other countries for cultural events while supervising those events on behalf of the minister. His other previous job in Arts & Culture was as a cultural adviser to the consul general of Armenia in Los Angeles where he advised on arts and culture both in the City of Glendale and in the state of California, giving reports about workers of arts & culture living here in the US, suggesting names of those for recognition and awards, and assisting in organizing cultural events in city of Glendale and in the state of California.
Dr. Hay received extensive education in music, painting and acting classes, and sang in 2 different choirs. He graduated from Yerevan State Conservatory with a Masters Degree in musical composition and another Masters Degree in symphonic conducting. He then became a post graduate student in musical composition and musicology and afterwards defended his PhD thesis in 2010 at the Institute of Arts of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. Supreme Certifying Commission of Armenia by the resolution of the council of Institute of Arts has been awarded him the degree of Doctor of Arts.
Commissioner Inessa Kasumyan; Term Expiration: 2028
Inessa Kasumyan is a professional figure skating coach with a lifelong passion for film, music, and the performance arts. As a coach, she has more than a decade of experience nurturing the artistic expression of both children and adults. Her love of film has also seen her work behind the scenes on major productions for HBO, Netflix, Warner Media, and Amblin Partners. As a line producer and stage manager she seamlessly oversaw concert productions, creating vibrant experiences for talent, crew, and audiences. With her nonprofit initiatives, Kasumyan is passionate about inspiring communities to connect with arts and culture.
Chairperson Arlene Vidor; Term Expiration: 2026
Arlene Vidor is serving her third term on the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission. She currently serves on the Boards of Antaeus Theatre Company and Adams Hill Neighborhood Association, as well as on The Glendale Historical Society’s (TGHS) Advisory Council. She is the recipient of TGHS's Zelia Blanton Preservation Award and Carol Dougherty Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a past president of both TGHS and the Associates of Brand Library & Art Center. Vidor served two terms on the Glendale Historic Preservation Commission and successfully nominated four City owned properties to the Glendale Register of Historic Resources during her commission tenure, including Wallace House, Brand Park Entrance Gates, Brand Cemetery and the Adams Square Richfield Gas Station (now a city public art space). Vidor has been an advocate for both the arts and historic preservation for over 20 years. She is a practitioner of digital photocollage and a member of the chamber music group, Cantabile.
Student Ex Officio Commissioner Milena Ataian; Term Expiration: 2025
Milena Ataian is a senior at Glendale High School and is the student ex-officio commissioner representing all GUSD schools this year. She is a dedicated ASB student at her school and is on the CTE pathway for Cinematography. Her favorite pastime is visiting art museums around her where she can study how art has evolved over time and changed communities for the better. As a kid she used to love painting and creating in any way she could and she still continues to be the same today! Ataian's goal is to make sure all of the students at GUSD have a representative voice for the art endeavors that occur in Glendale. She is always involved in the arts and willing to bring positive change to the community.
Student Ex Officio Commissioner Sofia Kazorian; Term Expiration: 2025
Sofia Kazorian is the Operations Director at Modest Fly Art. She graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. Her lifelong passion for the arts has driven her to promote art education and cultural enrichment within the community. With years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kazorian has played a pivotal role in organizing art galas that not only highlight local talent but also support the growth of nonprofit organizations. Her dedication to bringing art education into schools across Los Angeles reflects her commitment to fostering creativity and accessibility in the arts. Known for her outgoing personality and dynamic leadership, Kazorian thrives in collaborative environments where she can connect with artists, educators, and community leaders. Her work is centered on ensuring that art remains an integral part of education and community engagement. Through Modest Fly Art and other initiatives, she continues to advocate for the transformative power of the arts in shaping vibrant, inclusive communities.
APPLY TO BE A COMMISSIONER
Those interested in serving on a board or commission are encouraged to complete an application form from the office of the City Clerk, which also accepts the completed forms and maintains a list of applicants for all boards and commissions. Individuals who are interested in applying to serve on a city board or commission may download, print, and complete an application from the City’s website or pick up the application from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall located at 613 E. Broadway, Room 110.
All applicants must be electors of the City of Glendale. When a vacancy occurs, a press release is issued advising of the filing period established to receive additional applications. The City Clerk verifies voter registration and sends all qualified applications to City Council for review and nomination. Effective June 19, 2023, two councilmembers will be selected to nominate an individual to fill a vacancy on a board or commission, with exception to the Civil Service Commission. All members must then be appointed by City Council. An applicant may serve no more than two four-year terms per board and commission. Those who are currently serving on a Board or Commission and are interested in being reappointed should also submit the application form above with an updated resume.
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All City Board, Commission and Committee members serve without compensation. No individual shall serve on more than one Board, Commission or Committee at the same time. Individuals may serve on other Boards, Commissions or Committees after serving two terms on a prior Commission. All applicants must be an elector of, and actually reside in the City of Glendale, with exception of the Audit Committee (GMC Section 2.82.030). An elector is someone who is registered to vote in the City of Glendale.
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For more information or to submit an application, please email the City Clerk's Office at CityClerk@GlendaleCa.gov or call (818) 548-2090.