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Home My WebLink About07/07/2020 - Minutes1 | P a g e RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, July 7, 2020 (via Zoom) Members Present: Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Christie Randolph, Dave Samek, Kaie Wise, Kiley Thornton, Mary Clymer, Neil Sheesley, Susan Jessick Staff Present: Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Administrative Assistant Jennifer Henning, Planning Director, CED Guests: Franchesca Vargas, Pieces for Peace Art Walk Drey Hicks, Neighborhood Program Coordinator, Community Services, City of Renton Jennifer Spencer, Recreation Coordinator, City of Renton Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Mary Clymer at 6:01 pm. Introduction of Guests: Franchesca Vargas spoke to the Commission about the power of art and its ability to serve as a connection point to educate our communities on the intersection of art, culture, and politics. Franchesca believes that through artistic expression and engagement, we will empower our communities, change the landscape, and inspire new realities. Franchesca explained the motivation behind her proposal for Pieces for Peace and her vision of a community event that provides an opportunity for Black artists to help us to change the way we see ourselves and one another. Franchesca answered questions regarding her application for funding; currently pending review by the Grants Committee (and addressed later in the meeting). Drey provided an update on the Community Services “Campin’ Out” summer series of virtual events that launched on Monday, July 6. The request was made to the Arts Commission to co-sponsor the event and support the series with funding to support the Van Gogh outside programming and “Project Cuckoo;” a community art project. The funding will purchase art materials and incentives (gift cards) to encourage participation. In exchange for financial support, “Project Cuckoo” will be co-branded as an Arts Commission event. A motion was made and passed to support Project Cuckoo in the amount of $5,500 for the purchase of birdhouse kits, packaging and incentives. MSC (Neil/Bill) Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes from the June 2020 meeting. MSC (Susan/Neil) Correspondence and Announcements: The selection was announced for the Best in Show for the “Envision a Healthy Future” Student Art Contest that closed on June 16. PreK: Alexa Viejo Grade School: Olivia Tri Middle School: Clara Affleck High School: Analisa Ruiz 2 | P a g e Budget Update: The starting balance for 2020 (including the $62,759.93 2019 carry forward balance) was $165,109.93. $16,159.20 has been paid out to support art programming; and $66,700 has been earmarked for projects and grant applications that have been approved. The remaining balance is $82,340.93. Grants Committee Update: The Grants Committee made the recommendation to the Commission to approve funding for the following applicants: •Rubber Ducky Derby – $5,000 to the Renton Rotary to fund a documentary film to celebrate the annual Rubber Ducky Derby, provided the grantees meet the following stipulations: o Video production vendor will fit within budget, no additional funds from RMAC o Important that video is timeless •Penney Lofts – $9,196 to Penney Lofts LLC for a matching grant for an art installation on the exterior of the building, provided the following stipulations are met: o Arts Commission involved in selection of art o Future updates / swapping of semi-permanent art not funded o Art will be owned and maintained by property owner •Farmers Markets Physical Distancing Vinyls - $450 (plus tax) to purchase vinyl sidewalk stickers to encourage social distancing while waiting in line to enter the market. •Pieces for Peace – Up to $5,500 to support a community co-op art project around Black Lives; featuring approximately 15 performances by local dance groups at no charge and the creation of a community-made tapestry and funding for (2) scholarships to two of the dance studios performing. o Stipulations: o Fund on reimbursable term with event organizers. Invoices and receipts to be turned in for payment (or submitted to the Arts Commission for payment directly to vendors) o Support from CED [Jessie] to assist with organizing event logistics and permitting; to determine whether the event can be held under the current County restrictions on gathering. A motion was made and approved to grant funds to the four applicants as recommended by the Grants Committee. MSC (Christie/Kaie) New Business: CED is requesting input from the RMAC regarding the gateway signs as part of the new downtown wayfinding package. The current plan is to use historic photos in the design. The question posed to the RMAC is whether to use art, or solicit a call for artists to fill the space on the back of the four signs. The Commission is in favor of soliciting art for the gateway signs, but would like to confirm that the intent of the Civic Core plan (and the decision-making that was done during the initial planning in 2017-2018) is respected and considered. On-going Projects, Events and Programs: Downtown – o Equi - The South Renton neighborhood completed the painting of the equestrian statue on Burnett Linear Park. Benson Hill o Petrovitsky Mural – The contract is currently being finalized with the artist, and the community engagement events will be scheduled in the near future. The meeting adjourned at 7:43pm.