2017-09-06 Arts Commission Minutesy edmonds
ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
Sept 6, 2017
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 Lesly Kaplan STAFF
Lois Rathvon Marni Muir Frances Chapin
Tanya Sharp Jonathan Walzer —S Rep
Excused: Beverly Shaw Starkovich, Suzy Maloney
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Kevin Conefrey, Vice Chair
INTRODUCTIONS —
MINUTES —7/17/17 minutes — Muir Moved, Kaplan Seconded, Approved.
AGENDA—
REPORTS -
A. Creative Programs
AUDIENCE
1. Write on the Sound Update/Volunteers — Kaplan and Chapin reported that registration filled during the
first week. This means it is more difficult to engage new participants because they have to be very quick
about registering. The advertising done this year resulted in many new people on the email list so it may
be these will be new attendees next year. Discussion about the issue included revisiting other conference
fees in the region. Important to stay current in terms of fees, but still affordable. Commissioners reviewed
the schedule and signed up to volunteer for various tasks during the conference.
2. Rain Works Project — The sites and poetry fragments were selected and the plan is to have them installed
before WOTS. Commissioners discussed ways to highlight the program during WOTS, especially if it isn't
raining.
Summer Concerts — Commissioners made various comments about the concerts in the parks, generally
noting that it was a successful summer and people seemed to enjoy the variety. Performers often add
interesting information but it is important that they not talk too much or do too much verbal self -
promotion. The suggestion that one concert be added at City Park in 2018 was discussed. Suggestions
included a summer musical or dance — is there another organization, like Driftwood, to partner with? Over
3,000 attended the concerts with a total of almost 700 attending the Hazel Miller Plaza concerts. The total
concerts program annually costs EAC about $22,000 for 19 concerts and $12,000 of that is contributed by
sponsors, with the Hazel Miller Foundation providing $8,000 for the Hazel Miller Plaza Concerts and
Lynnwood Honda and Acura each providing $2,000 for the City Park concerts.
4. Arts & Humanities Month Proclamation —The annual proclamation will beat City Council on October 3.
Commissioners are encouraged to attend if possible. Discussion followed of past presentations and
Commissioners concurred that this year with the timing right before WOTS the presentation should be
kept simple, just highlight WOTS and economic impact study.
S. On the Fence/Dayton St— Chapin and Commissioners discussed the budget for temporary art installations
and the challenges of attracting younger artists. Suggestion made to contact professors at different art
departments, ask them to encourage students e.g. UW art installation program. Commissioners have
Edmonds Arts Commission Minutes - 9/6/2017
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been pleased with the variety of work to date but would like to interest a greater number of artists. The
current work by Carrico has attracted a lot of attention. The Commission likes the temporary piece at
Dayton Street Plaza and suggests keeping it in place as long as it holds up.
6. Gateway Signage — Chapin reported that the replacement of the large sign on 5t" Ave S and SR 104 will
take place this year. She will be scheduling a meeting for an advisory group and Sharp volunteered to
serve on that committee. The site is restricted since it is on WSDOT property but a replacement sign can
adhere to the general parameters and still create a different look and use different materials. The group
will advise on the design process and review a request for fabrication proposals.
B. Capital Projects
C. Funding & Administration
1. Economic Impact Study Update — Chapin reported that over 700 surveys have been submitted for the
resident and visitor survey and they will continue to collect the online surveys through late October. The
organizational survey link has been sent to arts and culture nonprofits and businesses. The advisory group
will meet in December to discuss preliminary findings and the final report will be presented at City
Council.
2. 2018 Budget Discussion — Chapin reviewed the 2018 budget for the three special funds highlighting
changes from the past year. Some projects have not moved ahead so the funds will be reallocated for
2018 (e.g. Library public art project). Following brief discussion Kaplan Moved and Muir Seconded
approval of the 2018 Budget, Approved.
3. EAC Positions for 2018 — Rathvon is completing her second term and Conefrey his first term at the end of
December and both will be going off the EAC. This means there will be two vacancies starting in 2018. At
least one position should be filled by a person having professional experience in the performing arts. The
positions will be advertised in October and anyone interested should be referred to the Arts Office.
Student Representative Position —Jonathan Walzer will be attending UW this year and the student
representative opportunity will be advertised at the schools. Commissioners and Chapin thanked
Jonathan for his outstanding service, complimenting him on his creative ideas and willingness to engage in
thinking through challenges.
STAFF REPORT—
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS —
AUDIENCE COMMENTS -
Meeting Adjourned at 8 PM