HomeMy WebLinkAbout06June30GovernorsSmartAwardFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2017
City of Renton Contacts
Chip Vincent, Community & Economic Development Administrator,
425-430-6588
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
City of Renton wins sixth consecutive Governor’s Smart Communities Award
Galvanizing Art Projects program turns unused spaces into eye-catching works of art
RENTON, WA -- The City of Renton’s Galvanizing Art Projects program (GAP), an innovative method of
creating locally made public art, has been awarded a 2017 Governor’s Smart Communities Award by
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. This is the sixth year in a row Renton has earned a Smart Communities Award.
“This Galvanizing Art Projects program has helped transform our community by turning unused spaces and
walls into eye-catching works of art. The program has also positioned Renton as a destination for artists, arts
and culture,” said Mayor Denis Law.
Administered by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC), a citizen volunteer group, the program is
funded with $10,000 from the city’s general fund. The RMAC commissions local artists of all ages to create
public art that reflects Renton’s heritage while aligning with both the city’s Arts & Culture Master Plan and
Comprehensive Plan.
Some of the Galvanizing Art Projects funded by the RMAC include the Williams Avenue “Muybridge” project, a
tribute to Renton’s horse racing past at Longacres, the art garden on the east entrance to the downtown post
office, and the west side of the Cortona Building downtown.
The program helps celebrates Renton’s cultural diversity by weaving art into the fabric of the city and has also
inspired community dialogue. The artwork has led to an increase in private investments, attracted tourists to
the city, and expanded cultural experiences for Renton residents.
“Funding for public art is often sacrificed as city budgets are squeezed,” explained Mayor Law. “We’ve found
the GAP program to be an innovative model that has increased public art, invigorated public spaces and given
the city a cultural identity, while at the same time supporting local artists.”
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The Governor’s Smart Communities Award
The Governor’s Smart Communities Award recognizes achievements by local leaders who promote smart
growth planning and projects that contribute to thriving communities, a prosperous economy and sustainable
infrastructure in Washington State. The award has been given annually since 2006. Only nine Washington cities
were honored in 2017.
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 101,300 (2016), is located on the southeast shore of Lake
Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business
climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and
their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks,
and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, or Facebook,
Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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