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Home My WebLink About11/7/2023 - Minutes RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, November 7, 2023 – 6:00 pm Renton City Hall – Conferencing Room (726) or via Zoom Members Present: Bill Huls, Evelyn Reingold, Janna Kushneryk, Kaie Wise, Mary Clymer, Susan Jessick Staff Present: Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Staff liaison Guests Elizabeth Stewart, Renton History Museum Annie Sieger, Sieger Consulting (7pm) Amy Hsieh, Commission Applicant Sara Palmer, Commission Applicant Elizabeth Stewart provided historical context on the recently uncovered ghost murals adjacent to Veterans Park on Main Ave S. Both the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the Renton Historical Society contributed $500 each in 1998 for the restoration of these ca. 1920s signs. Although signs on all buildings remain, they exhibit considerable wear and damage. Notably, the mural at Uptown Glassworks (now GHY Bikes) is relatively well-preserved. This marks the second time the murals have been uncovered, sparking controversy over whether to preserve them. The ghost signs and new murals can happily coexist in cities. Signs commemorating Main Ave Businesses were uncovered with the 1998 demolition of the Holmes building at Main and 2nd. Uptown Glassworks added a sign before they were covered by arborvitae. Veterans Park opened in 2000. The current condition raises uncertainties about the future of these murals. Correspondence & Announcements: • Arts & Culture Open House - Wed, Nov 8 from 4pm to 6pm – Black River Cultural Arts Center (to review the updates to the Arts & Culture Master plan process • Seattle Film Summit announced that they are cancelling the remainder of the 2023 programming. The future of the Summit is unknown. • Misfits in Motion at the Renton Civic Theatre – Sat, Nov. 11 – a fundraiser • SoCoCulture Meeting: November 9, 9:30 am to 12 pm - Auburn Postmark Center for the Arts o Focus on Art Master Planning Process Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and carried to approve the minutes from the October meeting. MSC (Mary/Bill) Budget Update: In the Arts & Culture budget for 2023, there is $1,250 that remains unearmarked. Additionally, there is funding available for promotions and a roadshow, with potential opportunities for sponsorships or funding for fall events. Promotions Committee update: The Promotions Committee provided updates on the Halloween event and shared plans for upcoming holiday festivities: 1. Halloween Event Recap: • Costume Contest: A successful costume contest engaged participants in creative and imaginative displays. • Balloon Arch: The visually appealing balloon arch added to the festive decor and created an inviting entrance. • Mikey the Rad Scientist: A captivating performance by Mikey the Rad Scientist entertained the audience with science-themed delights. • Pop-Up Dance Performances: Afterglow Fitness and Baile Dior Dance Studios contributed dynamic dance performances to the event. 2. Upcoming Holiday Events: • The committee discussed plans for participating in the Santa House event downtown during the first three weekends in December. • Further details, coordination, and promotional strategies will be addressed in preparation for the festive holiday season. The committee expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming events and looks forward to contributing to the holiday spirit in downtown Renton. Roadshow Committee update: The Roadshow Committee shared details on the upcoming performances scheduled for Saturday, November 18, in conjunction with the Eastside Made Pop-up market, Gobble Wobble Wine Walk and the tree lighting at Piazza Park. Three artists (Henry LaVallee, The Love Beats and Danny Godinez) are scheduled from 11 am to 6 pm, for the roadshow stage. Grants Committee update: 1. Andrea Meld's Painting Workshop: • Applicant: Andrea Meld, Artist, and Board Member of Allied Arts of Renton • Project: Four-class painting workshop in Renton for children aged 8 to 14 • Objective: Provide art instruction, supplies, and serve underserved communities • Alignment with Goals: Supports the goals of the Renton Municipal Arts Commission • Requested Grant: $1,000.00 2. Peer Washington's Native American Drum Making Workshops: • Applicant: Peer Washington • Project: Two Native American Drum Making workshops in collaboration with Renton's King County Library System branch • Objective: Celebrate and preserve Native American cultural heritage • Alignment with Goals: Cultural enrichment, community building, personal growth, education, and economic support • Requested Grant: $2,000.00 3. Song of Seattle Chorus' Spring Fling A Cappella Show: • Applicant: Song of Seattle Chorus • Project: Spring Fling, a free a cappella show featuring quartets and a women's chorus • Objective: Provide performance opportunities, aligning with Renton Arts Grant Program goals • Expected Impact: Attract attendees from the region, support local businesses, and become an annual Renton event • Requested Grant: $2,000.00 A motion was proposed and unanimously approved to endorse the funding recommendations put forth by the Grants Committee. The motion specifically grants approval for the allocation of $5,000 in funding to support the initial round of the Art Grants Program for the year 2024. MSC (Bri/Evelyn) Selection Committee update: The Selection committee interviewed several applicants and are prepared to recommend Nadja Helt and Sara Palmer for vacant positions on the Renton Municipal Arts Commission to the Mayor and Council. A motion was proposed and approved, recommending to the Mayor and Council the appointment of Nadja Helt and Sara Palmer to fill the vacant positions, with their terms concluding on December 31, 2026. MSC (Bill/Janna) Old Business: AEP6 Study results – The City of Renton participated in the Americans for the Arts national study (AEP6) from May 2022 to July 2023. The study, covering 373 diverse communities, including Renton, revealed that the city's nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $4.6 million in economic activity in 2022. This included $3.3 million in spending by nonprofit organizations and an additional $1.4 million in event- related spending by their audiences. The impact extended to supporting 62 jobs, generating $3.6 million in tax revenue, and providing $4.3 million in personal income to local residents. However, it's important to note that the study has limitations and doesn't encompass all aspects of arts-related spending in Renton. Arts & Culture Master Plan Process - The Commission reviewed Boards for the upcoming Open House, seeking public feedback during the outreach phase of the planning process. The presentation included a summary of observations from ecosystem mapping, key observations, and a drafted vision statement and goals: Vision: Embracing Renton's diverse community, the city becomes a hub for artistic and cultural expression, offering abundant resources and opportunities for creativity. The arts and culture landscape, along with the creative economy, amplifies voices, fosters identity, and nurtures connections. Ideas Framework & Goals: The arts and culture ecosystem is conceptualized into three pillars: Facilities, Funding, and Facilitation. 1. Formalize municipal roles and processes. 2. Cultivate leadership among artists and the community. 3. Reduce information barriers. 4. Strengthen partnerships for facility and funding access. 5. Reduce administrative barriers. 6. Ensure facilities meet current and future community needs. 7. Increase accessibility of affordable spaces. 8. Expand arts and cultural experiences in downtown and neighborhoods. 9. Develop alternative funding sources. 10. Foster financial sustainability through diverse funding. 11. Ensure equitable access to funding opportunities. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:01pm.