HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/6/2024 - Minutes
RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 – 6:00 pm
Renton City Hall – Conferencing Room (726) or via Zoom
Members Present: Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Evelyn Reingold, Kaie Wise, Mary Clymer, Nadya Helt, Sara
Palmer, Susan Jessick
Staff Present:
Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Staff liaison
Guests Present:
• Paul Metivier: Guest, studied arts at Green River College in 2005.
• John Taylor: Guest, graduated from UW Arts Department in 1996, currently manages Seward Park Clay
Studio.
• Mia Foldvik: Prospective commission candidate (youth), sophomore at Renton High School.
• Clara Affleck: Prospective commission candidate (youth).
• Chad Alsager: Prospective commission candidate, local filmmaker.
• Emily Brooker: Prospective commission candidate, local business owner.
• Samray Estifanos: Prospective commission candidate, graphic designer with 2 years of experience.
• Derrilyn "Derri" Klym: Guest.
• Sarah Steen: Landmarks Coordinator at King County Historic Preservation Program.
• Jennifer Meisner: Historic Preservation Officer at King County Historic Preservation Program.
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Mary Clymer at 6:02pm.
Correspondence & Announcements:
Deadlines:
• Open Call to fill RMAC vacancies ends: March 1 (there are currently three* vacant positions,
including one youth position). *Janna Kushneryk has tendered her resignation from the
Commission, effective immediately.
• Grant Application (current round) Deadline: April 19
Meetings:
• Tuesday, Feb 13 (10am) Black River Cultural Arts Center- SoCoCulture meeting
• Tuesday, March 5 (6pm) - Next Commission Meeting
Events:
• Saturday, Feb 10 (11:30 to 4) RTC - The Art of Cultivating Community
• Wednesday, Feb 21 (4 to 7pm) – Black River Cultural Arts Center - Renton Art Lounge:
• Saturday, Feb 24 (5 to 9pm) – Black Makers and Creatives at Hyatt ($75)
• Friday, Feb 16 – Mar 2 – Renton Civic Theatre - Plaza Suite
Approval of Minutes: No meeting minutes from January.
Budget Update:
• $102,950
• Flexibility in utilizing unspent funds
Metrics Committee (Sara):
The Metrics Committee, tasked with guiding data collection to support the arts and represent the Arts
Commission's work, discussed the importance of interpreting data effectively. They emphasized relevance
and impact and raised questions about the value of data collection. Examples highlighted the influence of
art on community and tourism. Plans were made to track website visits and social media metrics, with
collaboration expected from the City webmaster. The committee also outlined methods for collecting
volunteer hours. Input was sought on data collection priorities, including art cataloging and grant metrics, to
ensure alignment with the Arts Commission's objectives.
The Committee shared ongoing efforts to create processes and procedures for various Arts Commission
functions, such as public art processes, mural processes, city collection maintenance, and documentation.
These initiatives aim to streamline operations and enhance documentation practices for efficient
functioning.
Promotions Committee update:
The Promotions Committee has submitted a budget request for various events and initiatives in 2024. This
includes expenses for the Renton Art Lounge, Erasmus 5th Anniversary event, Community Picnics, Olde
Fashioned Halloween, Small Business Saturday, tabling opportunities, and promotional items. Specific costs
include monthly artist stipends, event facilitation services, marketing/graphic design, scavenger hunt items,
photography, fair activities, costume contests, craft activities, and sponsorship. Additionally, funds are
allocated for sustainability efforts, celebrating AAPI month, graduation fairs, and supporting local
businesses. The total budget request amounts to $30,000.
Roadshow Committee update:
The Roadshow Committee has submitted a budget request for various events throughout 2024. This
includes expenses for Farmers Market appearances, Dragon Anniversary Celebration, Renton Art Lounge
sessions, Neighborhood Picnics, Halloween, Concerts in the parks, Return to Renton Car Show, Renton River
Days, Summerfest, and Small Business Saturday. Costs include artist fees, sound support fees,
marketing/graphic design, and other event-related expenses. The total budget request of $23,475
encompasses a range of events and initiatives, with allocations tailored to each specific event's needs.
Grants Committee update:
The Grants Committee provided an update, stating that they have received 13 funding requests totaling
$77,200 in the recently closed second round of funding for 2024 projects. They also announced that the next
deadline to apply for grants is April 19.
Old Business:
As a reminder for "old business," the focus remains on prioritizing projects identified during the January
Retreat. These include establishing clear processes for the "advisor" role within the City, understanding
departmental procedures for incorporating art into projects, and evaluating approval processes such as the
Rainier Ave/S 3rd project to ensure Commission involvement. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to define
city-owned art, catalog and systematically approach cataloging, update the city website's public art section,
review the Eden list, and capture relevant photos for initiatives.
New Business:
There is an opportunity to showcase local artists on the screen at Renton Civic Theatre before each show.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:52pm.