2016-09-06 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 6, 2016
The Edmonds Arts Commission: dedicated to the arts, an integral part of community life.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
PRESENT:
Beverly Shaw Starkovich Suzy Maloney STAFF AUDIENCE
Samantha Saether Lesly Kaplan Frances Chapin
Kevin Conefrey Lois Rathvon
Absent:
Excused: Marni Muir
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Beverly Shaw Starkovich, Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
MINUTES —Approval of 7/6/16 special meeting minutes, Rathvon Moved, Saether Seconded, Approved.
Approval of 8/1/2016 meeting minutes, Saether Moved, Kaplan Seconded, Approved.
AGENDA—
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
1. WOTS Update and Marketing — Kaplan reported that the conference is basically full and that the
room block at the hotel is also full. Discussion followed. Chapin asked Commissioners to review
volunteer assignments. She reported that the application for Snohomish County Hotel/Motel funding
for additional marketing to attract overnight stays at WOTS in 2017 had been submitted.
2. Concert Series— Chapin provided total numbers for concert attendance, and discussed funding and
sponsorships with the Commissioners. Commissioners commented on the goal to serve a diverse
community, noting that success isn't just measured by total numbers, but it was good that more
people attended events this year than in the past. One limitation mentioned was the difficulty of
seeing performers at Hazel Miller because the plants are very large. Commissioners suggested that a
request be made for next year to keep the plantings lower and off of the planter walls where people
like to sit. Various ideas were discussed for the free summer concerts in 2017.
3. Arts Education — Conefrey discussed the importance of arts education in the schools. He gave an
overview of needs including docent programs, supplies, and bringing artists into the schools, and
how resources have diminished within the school districts. Chapin added that the Edmonds Arts
Festival Foundation has a small grant program for visual arts in the schools and their application
process is in early Fall. The Arts Commission manages a small program in the 117 fund that was
earmarked for literary arts education programs when the former scholarship program ended.
Commissioners discussed a number of ideas about utilizing these funds in the future. The literary
artist workshop program at College Place Middle worked well for several years but staff has changed.
Last year the program supported Mina's Dream presented by the ECA. Ideas for the future included
working with ECA, EPIC or NalloWriMo, utilizing the WOTS keynote for a special workshop, working
with journalism, and playwriting. The 2016 funds could be used in 2017 if they are not used in 2016.
Chapin noted that Sept. 11— 17 is national Arts Education week.
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes — 9/6/2016
2
4. Exhibits — Starkovich reported that the incoming Library exhibit is Barbara Beneditti Newton,
followed by Susanne Werner. Commissioners requested that they receive notice about new exhibits.
Press releases will be sent to them for each exhibit change.
B. Capital Projects
1. Dayton Street Plaza — Chapin reported that she is working with a designer on the park signage
and artwork elements.
2. Civic Master Plan meetings — Kaplan provided an update and Commissioners who attended the
open house in August provided additional comments. The next open house is on October 12 at
6:00 pm.
C. Funding & Administration
1. Economic Impact of the Arts — Chapin briefly presented the idea that has been discussed over the
years of doing an economic impact of the arts study and suggested this might be a good time to further
explore that idea. Such a study would fall under Goal 5 of the 2014 Community Cultural Plan, Strategy 5.2.
Commissioners raised questions about how it would be used, to what extent an assessment of the economic
impact of arts & culture has been done before, examples of other similar communities, and how it would
serve the mission of the EAC. Chapin suggested that Commissioners think about these questions and come
prepared to discuss at the October or November meeting.
2. 2017 Budget — Chapin went over a few minor changes in the budget for 2017. Saether Moved,
Maloney Seconded approval of the 2017 budget, motion Approved.
STAFF REPORT— Chapin informed Commissioners that application forms and information about the Student
Representative position have been sent out. Arts & Humanities month is October and a proclamation will be
made at City Council on October 11. A press release will go out.
OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS -
Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 PM