Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 6:00 PM March 5, 2024 Mayor's Boardroom & Zoom https://meetings.cob.org Commission members Present: Amy Chaloupka; Kate Clark, Paul George, Eric Shew, Phillip Freytag, Patricia McDonnell and Jody Bento Commission Members Absent: Staff Members Present/ Presenters: Shannon Taysi, PCDD - Call to Order The Arts Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. One percent for the Arts project for Bellingham Central Library renovation phase 2 Carol Rofkar and Russ Islay from Public Works presented the approach for artwork for the children’s library remodel at the Bellingham Central Library. They are recommending to purchase interactive early learning functional artwork created by Burgeon Group, a company that produces interactive installations specifically for libraries. The company’s approach to their installations is to have moving and interactive pieces and paint various designs onto the pieces based upon the client’s request (to some degree). There isn’t a lot of customization ability for projects of this size. The project has $65,000 of percent for art dollars. Additionally, there is a potential donor who may contribute up to $40,000 to this project. The Commission was concerned that this is an “out of the box” purchase of artwork. They also didn’t feel this was necessarily artwork. They also commented the proposal read that only projects over $100,000 would have the possibility of artwork customization. They felt this isn’t the appropriate use of the percent for art dollars. The Commission recommended they develop a call for artwork that gives artists the ability to analyze the space and develop proposals  that meet the goal of the library and benefit the public. They also had different opinions about if it is necessary to narrow it down to interactive artwork. Shannon Taysi said the donor money could be used to purchase this interactive product and an artist can develop something different. Public Works will come back to the Commission with a different approach at a future meeting. It was also discussed the benefit of the artist being able to see the architectural designs and once those are available to include with a request for qualifications. Amy Chaloupka moved and Eric Shew seconded the recommendation for Public Works to return to the Commission with a draft request for qualifications. All in favor, motion carried. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period 2. For the Good of the Order and Announcements