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Home My WebLink About9/5/2023 - Minutes RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – 6:00 pm Renton City Hall – Conferencing Room (726) or via Zoom Members Present: Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Evelyn Reingold, Marvin Rosete, Mary Clymer, Susan Jessick Staff Present: Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Staff liaison Guests Present: Sara Palmer, Commission applicant Nadya Helt, Commission applicant Kim Unti, resident Robert Simonds, Key to Change Lesley Bain, Framework Sarah Lukins, Framework Bobo Yuansi Cai, Framework Elisheba Johnson, Framework Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Susan Jessick at 6:00pm. In the meeting, Rob provided an update from the Key to Change program in Renton, highlighting a remarkable 90% retention rate for students post-COVID. He emphasized the organizations focus on providing scholarships to most of their students for classes and instrument purchases. The program is currently fundraising for new partnership programs with Renton schools, specifically Dimmitt Middle School. Emphasizing the significance of inclusion, the major challenge identified is transportation, aiming to overcome barriers for all interested kids to access lessons. Two upcoming opportunities to witness their work include a session on Oct 7 at the studio and another event at IKEA with the Seattle Symphony on Oct 24. The representative is actively seeking sponsorships to support their initiatives. Framework conducted a mapping exercise that commenced with a 10-minute introduction, followed by a 30-minute mapping activity aimed at comprehending the geographic and organizational ecosystem of arts and culture, with a specific focus on identifying opportunities for spreading art throughout neighborhoods. Subsequently, an open discussion spanning 20 minutes engaged participants in exploring topics related to enhancing diversity and inclusion in arts and culture, improving arts accessibility for all residents, considering the kinds of arts that would attract them, making art spaces and funding more approachable to artists and organizations, and delving into the roles of the City and the Arts Commission in supporting creative endeavors. The meeting provided a platform for a comprehensive exploration of key facets pertaining to arts and culture within the community. Correspondence & Announcements: Upcoming RMAC-funded events: • Seattle Film Festival – no tabling in September, there is an offer of 4 guest passes to members of the Arts Commission for anyone interested in attending. Please let me know and we will get you registered. • CREA Makerspace – opportunity to tour the new makerspace in Renton on Wed, sept 13 at 6:30pm • City of Renton – Mooncake Festival – September 29 from 5 to 7pm at the Renton Community Center. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and carried to approve the minutes from the August meeting. MSC (Kaie/Mary) Budget Update: • $200 remaining in the 2023 Arts & Culture grant (earmarked funds) • $6,050 remaining in the support grant from 4culture • Funding remaining in promotions and roadshow (still room for sponsorships or funding fall events potentially) • 5 hydrants remain unclaimed in the currently funded hydrant art program. Promotions Committee update: Three key events were highlighted; the Moon Cake Festival is scheduled for Friday, September 29, from 5 to 7 pm. (volunteers from the Commission needed to support the lantern building activity. Second, plans for the upcoming Olde Fashioned Halloween event were discussed; the Commission will support the costume contests and the business scarecrow competition. Lastly, there was a focus on downtown parklets, with the committee seeking ideas for activation of the platforms in Gateway Park. Roadshow Committee update: • Performances are scheduled for September 30 (Sustainable Renton event) and Olde Fashioned Halloween (Mikey the Rad Scientist has been scheduled for the event on October 28). Grants Committee update: The Grants Committee provided an update on the 2024 schedule, indicating that funding for 2024 is currently pending legal approval. The first round of applications is set to close on October 13. The application process will be accessible online at rentonwa.gov/RMAC. Old Business: Rainier/Grady fence install - an update on the Rainier/Grady fence installation reveals that the panels have been successfully installed on the fence at the Rainier and Grady location. The Sound Transit art team is scheduled to attend the meeting in October to discuss the integration of permanent art pieces as part of the comprehensive development project. During this meeting, the team aims to gather feedback from the Commissioners on the proposed art elements. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:02pm.