2014-12-01 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 1, 2014
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Samantha Saether Kevin Conefrey STAFF AUDIENCE
Lois Rathvon Beverly Shaw Starkovich Frances Chapin
Joanne Otness
Suzy Maloney, Marni Muir —excused
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM by Samantha Saether, Vice Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
AGENDA -
MINUTES — Nov 3, 2014— Conefrey MOVED approval, Otness SECONDED, MOTION Approved.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. WOTS — Otness reported that the next Steering Committee meeting will be Dec 8 and she
encouraged interested Commissioners to attend since this is her last year as Chair and another
Commissioner will need to take over that function for 2016. She mentioned that the brochure size
will be further reduced for next year and the ECA is not available use. A summary of evaluations for
presenters shows that 90% were rated good to excellent. Chapin reported that the financials show
net revenue of about $17,000 for WOTS and noted that this is important for supporting other Arts
Commission programs including public art.
2. Community Calendar —.Saether reported on the newly launched Visit Edmonds website which
includes the calendar. A number of volunteers have been trained and a second training will take
place this week for entering event information. It is important to encourage participation in providing
information for the calendar. Saether noted that the current Economic Development Department
seems to have a stronger focus on tourism. That department is the contact for event information and
questions about the calendar. Commissioners noted that the full calendar of events is not obvious on
the opening page and wondered if there could be a link that says Calendar.
3. Community Cultural Plan — Chapin reviewed the updated work plan for implementation of the
Community Cultural Plan (CCP) strategies that she worked on with consultant Bach following the
discussion at the last EAC meeting. She asked Commissioners to review the document and get back
to her with comments or suggestions. She will start working on setting meeting dates in January.
Bach will attend the January EAC meeting to discuss further the implementation process and the role
of Commissioners. The goal is to have a joint meeting of all the work groups in July 2015 to report on
progress with implementing strategies.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 12/1/2014
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B. Capital Projects
Potential Public Art Projects — Chapin reviewed projects that have been discussed recently,
including the Library, 41h Avenue, gateways, and flower basket poles. She asked Commissioners
to think about priorities for public art in the next 2-5 years in preparation for a more indepth
discussion at the February meeting or at the retreat.
2 228th St. Project — Chapin reviewed the project and the proposed railing. Railing concept
has been approved but final design needs to be created. EAC will contract for the
design. The railing will be an add alternate in the bid documents but if the bids for this
exceed the budget then EAC may consider providing funding. Commissioners noted the
importance of the site, adjacent to the International District artwork already in place.
C. Funding & Administration
Potential Grant Opportunities - Chapin updated Commissioners that the Art Place grant and the
NEA Our Town grant are both under consideration for submitting applications for 2016. Both of
these grants emphasize "placemaking" and include focus on art events and public art elements
and both require community partnerships. Chapin suggested that Commissioners review the
online information about these grants and contact her with any ideas or interest in participating
in upcoming discussions.
Nominations — Chapin reviewed the nomination process for EAC Chair and Vice. The past Chair
and one other generally contact Commissioners and officials will be elected at the January
meeting.
STAFF REPORT — Chapin shared information about the Cultural Access statewide legislation that will be
considered by the State legislature this year.
OTHER BUSINESS — A question was raised about "branding" for the City and the relationship between general
branding and the efforts of the BID to brand downtown retail. Discussion followed and Chapin suggested that
the topic might be included on the retreat agenda in the spring.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS —
Meeting Adjourned at 7:29 PM