Arts Commission

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Arts Commission Contact: Stephanie Johnson 360.709.2678 Thursday, December 14, 2023 6:00 PM Online or via phone Register to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H0GeF245RUeLHuoI3BBkvA 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Burlingame called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Chair Jim Burlingame, Vice Chair Kathryn Dorgan, Commissioner Joe Batt, Commissioner Rose Clifthorne, Commissioner Coral Garey, Commissioner Jace Hoag and Commissioner Tracy Schreiber Absent: 1 - Commissioner Katherine Ransom 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5.A 23-1070 Approval of November 9, 2023 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT - None 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioners shared information about past and upcoming arts events. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 6.A 23-1071 Recap of Artist in Residence Pilot Project at Drexel House Housing Stability Case Manager Red Starr shared impressions of the pilot Artist in Residence program at Drexel House, noting the drumming gatherings provided a chance for residents to feel human and productive. Bobby Williams, who was the 2023 Artist in Residence instructor, noted that while participants were working on learning to drum and keep the beat, it was about more than music in bringing people together. Commissioners City of Olympia Page 1 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes December 14, 2023 appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from participants in the program. Ms. Johnson and Commissioner Dorgan noted they would recap about what they learned together and return with a proposal for the 2024 Work Plan. The report was received. 6.B 23-1072 Arts & Economy Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) Executive Director Michael Cade led off with a slide of a couple dancing at the Heritage Park Fountain, noting "Economic Development can be a wonderful dance" of community partnerships. He shared the intent of the EDC is to be not transactional but transformative with a strong return on investment built by developing partnerships. He shared an economic development model/matrix that helped them identify partners and gaps. He finds the Armory project to be one of those transformational projects, with partnerships that will reach deep into our community. He also shared snapshots of regional artist concentrations, arts and culture establishments and occupations. The report was received. 6.C 23-1073 Review of Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project candidate short-list Ms. Johnson shared statements and images of the three applicants recommended by the jury to move forward in the selection process. They include the team of Lin McJunkin and Milo White, Abe Singer and Jennifer Weddermann. Commissioners discussed next steps in the process moving forward. Commissioner Batt moved, seconded by Commissioner Clifthorne, to approve the recommendation of three short listed candidates for interview by the jury committee. The motion was approved. 6.D 23-1080 Review and Feedback on Arts Walk 2024 Cover Art Ms. Nava shared concept ideas and drawings provided by the artists for spring and fall Arts Walk covers. Staff and Commissioners provided feedback. The discussion was completed. 7. REPORTS - None 8. OTHER TOPICS - None 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned. City of Olympia Page 2