2023-03-06 Arts Commission Minutesedmonds
:-A ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES 5:30 pm March 6, 2023
The Edmonds Arts Commission is dedicated to the arts as an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Community, Cultural and Economic Development Department
PRESENT: Richard Chung, Lily Kamila (student rep), Harry Kirchner, Lisa Palmatier, Rhonda J Soikowski,
Ashley Song
EXCUSED: Paul Cogley, Tanya Sharp
STAFF: Frances Chapin, Arts and Culture Manager; Laurie Rose, Arts Program Specialist
AUDIENCE/GUESTS: (none)
The meeting was called to order at 5:31pm by Song
Land acknowledgement read by Palmatier:
"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."- City Council Land Acknowledgment
MINUTES
Following discussion of corrections Soikowski Moved approval of February minutes as corrected,
Chung Seconded. Approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/INTRODUCTIONS: (none)
REPORTS
A. Creative Programs
1. Visual Art Program update: Palmatier reported the committee reviewed submissions for the
Frances Anderson Display Case and has set the schedule for April 2023 through March of
2024. The schedule will be posted online. Chapin reported that the Edmonds Library
confirmed it will have an art exhibit space at the front near the entrance. Exact dimensions
of available exhibit space and date of the library reopening will be available at a later date.
Write on the Sound (WOTS) update: Kirchner reported the WOTS steering committee met to
discuss potential presenters and to review the session/workshop proposals that have been
received thus far. Conference schedule will be finalized in April.
3. Creative District update: Chapin reported the Creative District Advisory Group (past and
present members) met recently in a half -day facilitated retreat with staff. The three main
EAC Minutes March 2023 pg. 1 of 3
areas of discussion were accomplishments to -date; leveraging the Creative District in
citywide marketing initiatives; and moving the 4th Avenue Cultural Corridor forward. The
discussion of marketing and the Edmonds brand was led with a presentation by DVA
consultants who are now under contract with Economic Development. The outcomes of the
retreat will be reviewed at Creative District meetings in March and April as a draft of the
next 5-year plan is developed as part of the application for recertification at the end of the
year. Sharp is the new EAC representative on the Creative District Advisory Committee.
A consultant has been selected for the next conceptual design phase of the 4th Avenue
Cultural Corridor project, which includes the northern most segment in front of the
Edmonds Center of the Arts (ECA). The scope of work is being finalized. The Arts Commission
will be asked to assist with public engagement. Discussion followed regarding Creative
District recertification process and requirements.
4. 2024 Tourism Promotion Awards (TPA): Chapin reported the announcement for the opening
of the 2024 TPA program will go out next month. The cycle must be completed by June to be
ready for the City's 2024 budget planning cycle. Chapin requested the EAC consider raising
the grant allocation amount from the current $2,600 per grant request. Ending -cash funds
from previous years' Lodging Tax is available to use, with approval from City Council. Exact
amount will depend on current Lodging Tax allotment, which is not yet determined.
Motion to raise the per grant allocation to $2,800. Soikowski Moved, Palmatier Seconded.
Approved.
Discussion followed, including how to best assist grant recipients capture required statistical
information about attendance from out-of-town and overnight stays.
EAC Annual Retreat: Chapin asked for a suggested agenda for the annual retreat on April 24.
A conversation followed regarding previous discussions about EAC's messaging plan as the
agenda topic. Chapin will forward minutes from previous two retreats and asked EAC to
email their comments and suggestions by the end of March for report at the regular April
meeting.
B. Capital Projects
(reviewed 4th Avenue Cultural Corridor in Creative Programs #3, above)
C. Funding and Administration
(none)
STAFF REPORT
Rose reported on the following items:
• Poet's Perspective Call will close on March 10. The review committee will select poems and
Kirchner will report at the April EAC meeting.
• Summer concert schedule has been set and will be posted online later this spring.
Chapin reported on the following items:
• Annual report will cover the end of 2022 to mid 2023. A draft will be sent to EAC prior to the
retreat on April 24
• 2024 is EAC's 501h anniversary.
EAC Minutes March 2023 pg. 2 of 3
• Civic Park public art project "cascadia: lifeboat and seawall" is still on schedule to be
installed later this spring.
• Chapin discussed the Highway 99 permanent light pole banner funding with the Edmonds
Festival Foundation. They are interested in contributing some funding.
• The book drop at the entrance to the Edmonds Library, unused for over a decade, has been
removed and the brick wall will be repaired. Landscaping will be determined by the Parks
and Recreation Department. If the discussion regarding a public art project for the site is
renewed, the Edmonds Festival Foundation and Friends of the Library have both expressed
interest in contributing to the project.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
(none)
Meeting Adjourned 6:46pm
EAC Minutes March 2023 pg. 3 of 3