HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/2/2023 - Minutes
RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 – 6:00 pm
Renton City Hall – Conferencing Room (726) or via Zoom
Members Present: Amelia Ossorio, Bill Huls, Dave Samek, Evelyn Reingold, Janna Kushneryk, Kaie Wise,
Marsha Rollinger, Marvin Rosete, Mary Clymer
Staff Present:
Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Staff liaison
April Alexander, Executive Assistant
Guests Present:
Ben Andrews, Dragon City Concept presentation
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Vice Chair, Bill Huls at 6:04pm.
Introduction of Guests:
Ben Andrews proposed a community endeavor based on an official dragon motif in Renton, but the
Arts Commission had mixed responses. Some members were concerned and unclear about what the
actual proposal was, his role in the proposal, its specific connection to Renton, as well as its potential
to constrain artists. They also expressed a preference for a variety of artwork instead of a focus on a
dragon theme, including the possibility of introducing other mythical creatures instead of more
dragons. Ben plans to further develop the idea and define specific milestones, deliverables, and
implementation methods. RMAC decided to take no further action until the idea is more clearly
defined by Ben and presented again at a later time. The Arts Commission suggested creating a poll on
RMAC social media to gather feedback from the community on the idea of themes, etc.
Correspondence & Announcements:
• Upcoming RMAC-funded events:
o May 6 - Celebrating Tagore: Multi-Art Festival
o May 13 - Renton Downtown Historic and Mural Walking Tour
o May 13-14 – Renton City Retro
o May 20 - City-wide Grad party/Jobs focused
o May 20 - First Annual P.A.L Anniversary
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and carried to approve the minutes from the April meeting. MSC
(Kaie/Marvin)
Budget Update:
The remaining budget in the Arts & Culture project account is $15,209.89.
$11,000 Sustained Support award from 4 Culture (to support the grant program)
$15,000 (Capital Art Project – potential use for Williams Streetscape art project or a Renton Connector
project)
Promotions Committee update:
The committee has assigned sponsorships to Renton City Retro ($500), BLM Art Walk ($500), and
Juneteenth ($1,500) from the previously approved budget for sponsorships. The Committee will provide art
engagement activities at both the Art Walk and the Juneteenth event.
Roadshow Committee update:
The first roadshow for 2023 was Sunday, April 23 at the Neighborhood BBQ at Teasdale Park. The schedule
for 2023 has been added to the Arts Commission webpage at rentonwa.gov/RMAC and will be updated as
shows continue to be scheduled.
Grants Committee update:
The Committee has recommended the approval of three grants from the grant cycle that closed on April 21:
• $3,000 to United Creatives for artistic services as listed on the budget for the Seattle Film Summit
proposal.
• $2,750 to the Bryn Mawr Elementary PTA for a mural project, with the stipulation that the RMAC
logo be included in the final mural design.
• $2,500 to Renton Schools Foundation for their middle school theatrical production licenses, with
the stipulation that they include the RMAC logo on programs/signage for all productions RMAC is
supporting.
A motion was made and carried to approved the grant funding for the third round of the 2023 Art
Grant program in the amount of $8,250.00 as recommended by the Grants Committee. MSC
(Evelyn/Mary)
Old Business:
• AEP 6 Study Update – The deadline for the survey collection is May 31. Volunteers are needed to
help collect this month. A sign up link has been created and shared with the Arts community.
There are 166 surveys needed (and an additional 151 from BIPOC organizations) to meet the
program goals by May 31.
Surveys were sent to 38 organizations in Renton. The deadline to respond was April 28. Nine of
the organizations completed the survey. The remaining organizations will be sent an abbreviated
version of the survey to complete before the end of the month.
• Arts Master plan update – The deadline to respond to the RFP for the update to the 2010 Arts &
Culture Master Plan was April 27. Seven responses were received. A selection team will be
formed to review and make a final decision on the award of the contract before the end of May.
• Arts & Culture Space RFP – The Request for proposals to activate the future Arts & Culture space
in the City Center Parking garage was posted on Friday, April 28. The deadline to respond is June
9. There will be two opportunities to visit the site: Tuesday, May 9 from 10am to 2pm and
Tuesday, June 3 from 3pm to 7pm. The full RFP is available online at rentonwa.gov/bids
New Business:
Proposed Mural (323 Williams Ave S) – The property owner at 323 Williams Ave S submitted a design
proposal for a mural installation on the south-facing brick wall of the building (the Renton Licensing Agency).
The artist is Craig Cundiff, who recently completed the mural at 711 S 4th St). The design was reviewed and
approved by the Commission for installation as proposed. MSC (Marsha/Bill)
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:17pm.