Arts Commission

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Arts Commission Contact: Stephanie Johnson 360.709.2678 Thursday, September 10, 2020 6:00 PM Online or via phone Register to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83110507299? pwd=d0FvaXJaV05MblFOSjVIMzZrdm9YQT09 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Grisham called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 8 - Chair Timothy Grisham, Vice Chair Frederick Dobler, Commissioner Jim Burlingame, Commissioner Kathryn Dorgan, Commissioner Rose Clifthorne, Commissioner Stacy Hicks, Commissioner Kathy Murray and Commissioner Katherine Williams 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Johnson asked to add fall Arts Walk as a Business Item under the Armory Briefing. The agenda was approved as amended. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 20-0693 Approval of August 13, 2020 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Ms. Pareigis introduced themself as a Heritage Commissioner. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioners shared information about past and upcoming arts events. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 20-0684 Briefing on the Armory Creative Campus Business Plan City of Olympia Page 1 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes September 10, 2020 Program Specialist Angel Nava made a presentation on the concept of the Armory as a Creative Campus. It was noted that this presentation has been shared with the General Government Committee and the Heritage Commission, and will be shared with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and at a City Council Study Session in the coming months. Commissioners shared general support for the idea, with Commissioner Dorgan noting the idea is encouraging for artists in the community who are really suffering right now. The report was received. 20-0730 ADDED DURING THE MEETING - Fall Arts Walk Update Ms. Nava updated the Commission on plans to present Arts Month instead of Arts Walk in October, highlighting in-person displays of art, as well as virtual programs and activities presented by participating locations and artists. Keeping with the current CDC and State guidelines, in-person performances and gatherings will not be part of this Arts Month. The report was received. 20-0692 Review and recommendation of Percival Plinth Project Peoples’ Choice Award Ms. Nava noted there were issues that came up with the program used this year for the voting, which the City typically uses for surveys. In the interest of making sure the vote is straight, above board and fair, the vote will be held again, during the month of October, in association with Fall Arts Month. The report was received. 20-0685 Artist in Residence Draft Policy Review Ms. Johnson shared the draft Artist in Residence policy as put together by Commissioners Dorgan, Murray and Williams. Commissioners had no edits. Chair Grisham suggested having a sample Call for Art in place before communicating with the General Government Committee. Ms. Johnson will have a draft ready for the Committee at the October 8 meeting. With Commissioner Williams stepping down as of this meeting, Commissioner Hicks will take her place on the Committee. The discussion was completed. 20-0686 Grants to Arts & Culture Organizations 2021 Ms. Johnson began the conversation with an update on the 2020 GACO projects, which are all in the process of contract extensions to 2021. This is the time of year when the opportunity goes out, so Ms. Johnson asked Commissioners for guidance regarding the 2021 application process. Commissioners responded that it was important to continue the opportunity and to encourage arts and culture organizations to meet the challenge of COVID 19 in their proposals, working in the community in a safe way. Ms. Johnson will add a preface to the application and share with Chair Grisham and Vice-Chair Dobler for City of Olympia Page 2 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes September 10, 2020 review. Commissioners also recommended a workshop speaker who has experience in transitioning events to meet COVID restrictions. The discussion was completed. 7. REPORTS 20-0681 Policy and Program Recommendations to City Council No report. 20-0682 Arts Program Support Public Art Assessment - Commissioners Burlingame and Dorgan returned their binders. Ms. Johnson will take the Olympia Center and City Hall binder. Poet Laureate - 21 poems by Sady Sparks and Zyna Bakari have been installed along the "Big W" waterfront sidewalks. Olympia Art Crossings - The West Bay Drive contractor will soon begin work, and the Eastside St. artist met recently with the City Historic Preservation Officer and Transportation Engineers to learn about the site. The report was received. 20-0683 ArCH Support Support Creative District Designation - Ms. Johnson noted the City submitted a matching grant application for the Creative Districts Capital Project Grant in partnership with the Washington Center for new stage lighting. The report was received. 8. OTHER TOPICS - None 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. City of Olympia Page 3