2015-07-06 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES July 6, 2015
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Kevin Conefrey
Samantha Saether
Joanne Otness
Lois Rathvon
Excused: Suzy Maloney
Marni Muir
Beverly Shaw-Starkovich
Kyla Blair, Student Rep
STAFF AUDIENCE
Frances Chapin
The meeting was called to order at 6:11 PM by Kevin Conefrey, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
AGENDA —
MINUTES — June 1, 2015 —Rathvon MOVED approval, Saether SECONDED, MOTION Approved.
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
WOTS — Otness reported that the brochure has been printed and sent and all the information is up
on the website. Commissioners complimented Rose on her work on the new brochure.
2. Tourism Promotion — Muir reported that the committee including Rathvon and Otness reviewed the
seven applications and recommended the following allocations to be forwarded to the LTAC for
approval: Cascade Symphony - $2,000 for radio advertising; Olympic Ballet - $2,000 for radio and
print advertising; Edmonds Arts Festival - $2,000 ($1,000 for the Festival program and $1,000 for the
Studio Tour program brochure); Driftwood Players - $2,000 for printing the season brochure; Sno-
King Chorale - $1,500 for print advertising; DeMiero Jazz Festival - $2,000 for print and radio
advertising; and Phoenix Theatre - $1,500 for print, TV, and radio advertising. A total of $14,800 was
requested and $13,000 is recommended. Shaw Moved and Otness Seconded approval of the
recommended allocations to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for the 2016 budget, Approved.
Otness reported that the committee also discussed the situation for new organizations without the
track record to provide all the requested information in the regular application process. The
committee suggests that EAC institute a program specifically for Tourism Promotion Support for
Emerging Organizations, basically seed funding for the first year. Discussion followed with
Commissioners agreeing that $1500 should be budgeted in 2016 through the 123 fund to support
new organizations for a maximum of $750 per organization. The application process would include
eligibility as a nonprofit or state not for profit, project eligibility and estimated attendance numbers
requested in the longer application process. Organizations could apply by letter for the first year and
after that would be expected to apply through the regular Tourism Promotion Award process. Two
organizations that might be considered are Cascadia Museum which will open in September and
Edmonds Art Walk which although an existing program would qualify as a new 501c3 organization.
Chapin will discuss funding for these organizations at the July LTAC meeting. Rathvon Moved and
Muir Seconded that Tourism Promotion Support for Emerging Organizations be established as a new
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EAC program, Motion Approved. Further discussion addressed the early deadline and problem of
organizations that miss the application deadline in June for the following year. Commissioners agreed
that established organizations need to meet the deadline and exceptions should not be made.
Concerts — Reviewed procedure and information contained in the concert box for City Park. Asked
Commissioners to count HMP concert audiences when possible.
4. Temporary Art/On the Fence — Muir and Saether reported that they are proposing adding two new
fence locations to the On the Fence program. The idea is that having more locations downtown will
make the opportunity more attractive to artists because there is more for people to come and see.
New locations might include the Frances Anderson Center fence and the Civic Playfields fence on 6th
across from Public Safety. Three sites with exhibits three times a year would require $4500 annual
funding. After discussion Otness Moved and Shaw Seconded that the possible sites be explored with
the goal of increasing the program to include three sites. Commissioners also suggested that the
2016 budget for On the Fence be increased to $4500 but that $1500 of revenue from
contributions be budgeted and $1500 of the total would only expended if the revenue is
received. Consideration of applications will be deferred until the number of available sites is
confirmed.
Interpretive Signage — Chapin reported on interest from HPC and others in creating at least one
interpretive sign for the waterfront. Since the Commission has long discussed interpretive signage
for artwork, and recently discussed creating a plaque to commemorate the northwest school artists
who lived or worked in Edmonds, Chapin suggested that the Arts Commission might work with
Historic Preservation and with Parks to ensure that there is some continuity in the aesthetic of
interpretive signage placed near the waterfront and downtown. Muir noted that Cascadia Museum is
enthusiastic about having the northwest school plaque installed near the Museum. Although not one
of the Stages of History signs, Saether suggested that those plaques might inspire future interpretive
signage in the downtown. Commissioners agreed that it is important to be part of the conversation
since the waterfront is a key visual corridor with a variety of key artwork.
6. Hekinan Delegation —Chapin confirmed the August 12 date for the reception and will send any
additional information later in the month.
7. 125`h/History Book —The interim Museum Director Caitlin Kelly and Chapin propose that the 1975
"Brackett's Landing: A History of Early Edmonds" book be reproduced for the 125th celebration. The
book was written by early Arts Commissioner Joan Swift and illustrated by local artist Martha Morris.
Both Swift and the family of Morris have agreed to have it copied. It is a way to make the book
available and honor Edmonds artists as part of the 125th celebration. Muir Moved and Otness
Seconded that the Commission fund reproduction of the book with the goal of recouping most of the
expenditure through making the book available to the public at cost, Motion Approved.
B. Capital Projects
C. Funding & Administration
I . Budget Process — Chapin reviewed the Arts Commission funds and a proposed budget for 2016.
Commissioners discussed fund balances and agreed that part of 117 100 ending cash funds be
used for a major public art installation at the Library exterior entrance area when the landscaping
is renovated in 2016. The 117 200 fund is percent for art funds which are restricted to use for
public art but the revenues have only been averaging about $5 — 7,000/year so it is difficult to
accumulate adequate funding for larger projects. The commission previously agreed that a
budget of approximately $100,000 is needed for the Library project. 117 200 funds will be budget
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and the remainder to reach a funding level of $80,000 will be budgeted from 117 100 which is
unrestricted in its use for visual, literary and performing arts. Commissioners discussed other
details in the budget . Saether Moved and Muir Seconded that the draft 2016 budget be
approved as presented with the addition of the proposed expenditure and revenue for On the
Fence expanded program, Motion Approved.
2. Student Representative — Chapin reported that Kyla Blair who has was appointed the Student
Representative in February has requested that her position be renewed since she will be
attending college locally in the fall. Muir Moved and Rathvon Seconded that Blair be reappointed
as Student Representative for the 2015 —16 school year, Motion Approved.
3. Community Cultural Plan Work Groups & July 20 Meetings — Chapin reported that the draft
agenda for the July 20 Arts Mini Summit has been developed. Each work group area will report
back on their work in 10 minute presentations. Following this there will be breakout sessions
with specific questions to consider. The Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation and Shooby Doo
Catering are partnering to provide light refreshments.
4. Annual Report— Conefrey will present the 2014 Annual Report at City Council on July 28 and all
Commissioners are encouraged to attend.
STAFF REPORT — Chapin reported that the Stages of History Project was noted in the most recent issue of
Northend Metro magazine.
OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS —
Meeting Adjourned at 8:31 PM