2024-01-08 Arts Commission MinutesAedmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES 5:30 pm January 8, 2024
The Edmonds Arts Commission is dedicated to the arts as an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Community, Culture and Economic Development Department
PRESENT: Paul Cogley, Richard Chung, Harry Kirchner, Tanya Sharp
EXCUSED: Ashley Song, Lily Kamilla-Student Representative.
STAFF: Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Manager; Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Sharp
Cogley read the City Council land acknowledgement statement:
"We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their
successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care
of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their
sacred spiritual connection with the land and water."
MINUTES
Kirchner Moved the December 4, 2023, minutes be approved with noted edits in Creative Programs Item
#3: Public Art Projects. Cogley Seconded. Approved.
INTRODUCTIONS / PUBLIC COMMENT: none
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
1. Commissioner Appointment Recommendations: Cogley reported the nomination committee
interviewed three applicants last month for the two open positions. Ute Freund is
recommended by the committee for the Performing Arts two-year vacancy. Katie Leute is
recommended for the open Visual Arts Position. Discussion followed about the candidates'
background and qualifications. Cogley Moved to recommend to the Mayor that Ute Freund
and Katie Leute be recommended to City Council for appointment to EAC. Kirchner
Seconded. Approved.
With regard to Commissioner positions, Cogley announced he will be moving out of state in
February and will therefore need to resign his EAC position. His final meeting will be
February 5, 2024. Discussion followed regarding opening another position search.
2. 2024 Tourism Promotion Awards: The EAC's request to add $12,000 from Ending Cash in the
123 Tourism Promotion Arts Fund to the baseline $20,900 budgeted for the 2024 Tourism
Promotion Awards program for events or programs that promote cultural tourism in
Edmonds was approved by Council when it passed the 2024 Budget. A second round of
applications for up to $2,500 each was opened this past week to both new arts -related non-
profit organizations presenting programs in Edmonds, as well as current awardees. February
51h, 4:OOpm, is the application deadline. Sharp asked for a selection committee to review the
applications for additional funds and make recommendation to the EAC at its February
meeting. Sharp, Kirchner, Chung will serve as the review committee.
3. Annual Report: Sharp asked for feedback on the draft of the annual report to Council for the
years of 2022 and 2023, including input for the brief Council presentation of the report on
January 23rd. EAC members are asked to forward comments and input by January 16 and are
asked to attend the January 23rd Council meeting if possible.
4. Creative District 4th Avenue Corridor Project: Chapin reported that the current 10% design
process from just south of Main Street up to 3rd Ave N has been completed by the
consultant, including cost estimates. This will be presented to Council on Janurary 23rd.
B. Capital Projects:
C. Funding and Administration:
STAFF REPORT
Chapin reported on Public Art project updates.
• ArtsWA has not yet announced awards for its Capital Grant Program. The Creative District's
application for a Public Art project for Anway Park with matching funds pledged by the Edmonds
Arts Festival Foundation is on hold until ArtsWA announces awardees.
• The Library Public Art project is still in the early stages. Further discussion with the Parks
Department about the project will probably be held later in the year.
• The Hwy 99 Banner project in the International District is still in process with banner and
fabrication specifications being updated.
Rose reported on EAC program updates:
• WOTS committee reconvenes this month to begin the presenter selection process. Author Jamie
Harrison has been contracted to be the Keynote.
Visual art rotating exhibits will be reinstated in the library later this year. Selected works from the
City's public art collection, including works previously on display in the Library, will be exhibited
for the re -opening of the library this month.
Summer Concert review of applicants is underway by Cogley and contractor Erin Arguelles. Final
selections will be made next month.
NEW BUSINESS
Chapin reported that Arts Day in Olympia is February 7. This is the annual opportunity to talk to
legislators regarding arts, heritage & science programs throughout the state.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Sharp at 6:53pm.