Arts Commission

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Arts Commission Contact: Stephanie Johnson 360.709.2678 Thursday, July 11, 2019 6:00 PM Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Dobler called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Vice Chair Frederick Dobler, Commissioner Kathryn Dorgan, Commissioner Diana Fairbanks, Commissioner Stacy Hicks, Commissioner Kathy Murray and Commissioner Katherine Williams Absent: 3 - Chair Timothy Grisham, Commissioner Jim Burlingame and Commissioner Kevin McManus 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Johnson asked to move Reports ahead of Business Items as one of the invited speakers was stuck in traffic. The agenda was approved as amended. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 19-0615 Approval of June 13, 2019 Arts Commission Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT - None 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioners shared information about past and upcoming arts events. 7. REPORTS 19-0526 Policy and Program Recommendations to City Council Ms. Johnson noted the Arts in City Recreation Camps Committee met at 5:00 p.m. She shared some of the outcomes of that meeting: the Committee decided that focus of art enhancements would be Elements of Visual Art. They hope to support curriculum for 2 hours a week, and are considering commissioning an art specialist to either develop City of Olympia Page 1 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes July 11, 2019 curriculum and/or assist during classes. The report was received. 19-0527 Arts Program Support Ms. Johnson reported on: - Percival Plinth votes to date were 891 with 2 weeks left to vote. Last year's total count was 699. - The draft Call for Art for City Hall Exhibitions; Commissioner Dorgan volunteered to be on the jury. - A reminder that the Art Crossing concept plan presentation goes to City Council Tuesday, July 16. The report was received. 19-0528 2019 ArCH Support Ms. Johnson reported the City's application for Creative District designation has been approved by ArtsWA, and a formal presentation will take place at City Council on Monday, August 5. The report was received. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 19-0614 Theater Meet & Greet Commissioners welcomed representatives from the following community theaters: Jen Ryle, Artistic Director, Olympia Family Theater - Going into their 14th season overall, the 5th in their own theater. - 100 seat theater focuses on theater for youth and their families, along with workshops, theater camps and education. However "You don't need to have a kid to attend, you just need to have been a kid." Kendra Malm, President & Artistic Director, Olympia Little Theatre - Oldest theater in Olympia and one of the oldest in the state, going into their 80th season. - With a bit over 100 seats, OLT "provides great theater at affordable prices." In choosing their season, they select among directors who already have their show when applying. Amy Shephard, Development and Advertising Sales Coordinator, Harlequin Productions - Going into their 29th season, bumping up their schedule to 9 shows. - 200+ seat theater champions "Real. Live. Theater." and are bringing back their summer youth education program "Shakespeare Experience" along with after school programs. In answer to the question "What should the Arts Commission be aware of regarding theater in Olympia?": - Olympia has a strong theater community within which each has their own niche. There City of Olympia Page 2 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes July 11, 2019 has been an explosion of theater recently and the groups are really supportive of each other. - You meet your community when you attend live theater. - Theater is a mirror to society and it's important for artists to respond to current times. - Theater is ephemoral. Once that production is over, it's gone forever. In answer to the questions "What can the community do to better support local theaters?": - Come see shows! All offer Pay-What-You-Can and discounts. - Rent meeting space there! Harlequin and Olympia Family Theater can host meetings in their spaces, depending on schedule. - Rehearsal space is a common need in the theater community. Not every theater group has their own space. The discussion was completed. 8. OTHER TOPICS - None 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. City of Olympia Page 3