Arts Commission

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Arts Commission Contact: Stephanie Johnson 360.709.2678 Thursday, December 10, 2020 6:00 PM Online or via phone Register to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H0GeF245RUeLHuoI3BBkvA 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Grisham called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Commissioner Timothy Grisham, Chair Frederick Dobler, Vice Chair Jim Burlingame, Commissioner Kathryn Dorgan, Commissioner Rose Clifthorne, Commissioner Stacy Hicks and Commissioner Kathy Murray 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Grisham asked to switch items 6A and 6B in the agenda. The agenda was approved as amended. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.A 20-1002 Approval of November 12, 2020 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC HEARING 3.B 20-0997 PUBLIC HEARING - Eastside St. Art Crossing Public Art Concept Plan Art Crossing Project artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo shared her concept presentation for the Eastside Street location. Commissioners and staff asked technical questions about placement, lighting, and sealing of the wood. Chair Grisham opened public hearing. There were no attendees signed up in advance, and when asked if anyone wished to speak, Kasia Pierzga said they appreciated the proposal. Chair Grisham closed the public hearing. City of Olympia Page 1 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes December 10, 2020 Commissioner Burlingame moved, seconded by Commissioner Hicks, to accept the concept plan and forward it to City Council to recommend approval of the concept plan. The motion passed. 5 PUBLIC COMMENT - None 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 6.B 20-1007 Farewell to outgoing Poet Laureate Sady Sparks Outgoing Poet Laureate Sady Sparks led Commissioners through a brief poetry activity, shared a poem, and expressed her appreciation to the Arts Commission and staff, for the opportunity and experience. Commissioners thanked her for her service. The discussion was completed. 6.A 20-1006 Poet Laureate Process Recommendation Ms. Johnson provided an overview of the staff report and the recommendation to modify the Call for Poet Laureate with an emphasis on addressing diversity, inclusion and community. Commissioners discussed various aspects of the recommendation, specifically their preference to have two Arts Commissioners on the panel. Given the necessity of having the current Poet Laureate, the City Strategic Communications Director, and a majority Black, Indigenous People of Color representation among a five person jury, staff will move forward with one Commissioner this time. Staff will make modifications to the Call for Poet Laureate and bring to the January 14, 2021 meeting for Arts Commission approval. Vice Chair Dobler moved, seconded by Commissioner Burlingame, to make modifications to reopen the Call for Poet Laureate following the January 14, 2021 Arts Commission meeting with a focus on addressing diversity, inclusion and community. The motion passed. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Johnson and Chair Grisham shared that the 2021 Grants to Arts and Culture Organization recommendation was approved by Council, along with the Plinth Project People's Choice Award purchase. Ms. Johnson shared that due to utility and placement issues, along with imminent future development, the salmon component of the West Bay Art Crossing would be installed, and the heron sculpture held until the projected frontage improvements were completed. She also noted that City Council approved moving forward with further research on the Armory building. 8. REPORTS 8.A 20-0999 Policy and Program Recommendations to City Council City of Olympia Page 2 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes December 10, 2020 The report was received. 8.B 20-1000 Arts Program Support The report was received. 8.C 20-1001 ARCH Support The report was received. 9. OTHER TOPICS - None 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m. City of Olympia Page 3