2024-03-04 Arts Commission MinutesAedmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES 5:30 pm March 4, 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: Richard Chung, Harry Kirchner, Tanya Sharp, Ashley Song, Lily Kamilla-Student Representative
STAFF: Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Manager; Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
GUESTS: Ute-Christiane Freund, Katie Leute
The meeting was called to order at 5:32pm by Sharp
Chung 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
Chung Moved the February 5, 2024, minutes be approved with grammatical corrections. Song Seconded.
Approved.
INTRODUCTIONS / PUBLIC COMMENT
Sharp introduced guests Leute and Freund. Both guests are recommended to the Mayor and City Council
for appointment to the Arts Commission to fill two of three vacant positions. The Mayor has interviewed
them and they will interview with City Council before its March 19, 2024 business meeting.
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
Nominations: Kirchner reported four applicants for the third open EAC position were
interviewed February 29t" by the nomination committee (Kirchner, Song and Chung). The
committee recommends applicant Elizabeth Henkes, citing her literary arts background as
well as her other professional related qualifications in performing arts and in project
management. Sharp called for a motion. Kirchner Motioned the commission recommend
Elizabeth Henkes for appointment to the commission. Song seconded. Approved.
Creative District (ECD): Sharp reported the Washington State Creative Industry Economic
Impact Study was presented to the ECD committee by Washington State Dept. of
Commerce's Shannon Halberstadt. Discussion followed regarding how the state program
works with the state's Creative District program. Chapin announced the ArtsWA Capital
Grant was contracted with the ECD for the public art project at Anway Park (with matching
funds from EAFF). Next steps will be discussed at a later date.
Banner Project: Chapin reported the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Call to Artists was
posted and distributed last month. Deadline for submission is March 28. A link to the RFQ is
on the EAC Opportunities web page. Commissioners are asked to share this information with
their contacts and networks.
4. Literary Arts: Kirchner reported the Poet's Perspective committee meets this week to select
the six poems by adults and three poems by youth writers for the 2024 program. Discussion
followed regarding the placement of the poetry posters. Kirchner reported that the Write on
the Sound planning committee continues its review process of conference proposals. They
will complete their process in April.
Tourism Promotion Awards (TPA): Chapin reported all the 2024 applicants recommended for
funding by EAC were sent contracts in the past week. The 2025 grant cycle will be
announced in April.
B. Capital Projects (none)
C. Funding and Administration
EAC Retreat: Sharp reminded the commission that May 9t" 4-8pm is scheduled for the annual EAC
retreat. The first part of the agenda will cover EAC and City board and commission administration and
governance as outlined in City Code and EAC Ordinances. The next part of the agenda are topics for
discussion, including the impact of EAC in all Edmonds neighborhoods. Sharp added that future funding
for summer concerts and the land acknowledgement statement might be potential topics for discussion
at the retreat.
STAFF REPORT
Chapin reported the following:
• Staff installed a selection of artworks from the Hekinan Sister City Public Art Collection in the
Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation Gallery. The artworks will be on exhibit during the month of
March.
• The Sea Level Rise temporary public art project through the City's Development Services has
contracted artist Carol Williams. Williams is at the beginning of her process to design an
installation scheduled for the fall. Chapin asked the commission to inform their contacts and
networks about participating in the artist's community outreach.
Rose reported the next On the Fence artworks will be installed this week on the Main Street fence and
Artworks fence. Installations are on display through August.
NEW BUSINESS
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Sharp at 6:24 pm.