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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/01/2019 - Minutes 1 | P a g e RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, October 1, 2019 Members Present: Bill Huls, Brianna Burroughs, Carlos Michel, Evelyn Reingold, Marsha Rollinger, Mary Clymer, Neil Sheesley, Susan Jessick Staff Present: Jessie Kotarski, RMAC Administrative Assistant Chip Vincent, City of Renton, CED Administrator Camille Schuetze, Downtown Community Development Specialist VISTA Guests: Ben Andrews, REEL Renton, Seattle Film Summit Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by RMAC Chair, Neil Sheesley at 6:00 pm. Introduction of Guests: Ben Andrews presented an update on the Seattle Film Summit scheduled for November 16 and 17 at the Hyatt. The event is structured as a Business Expo for filmmakers and will feature workshops and lectures by esteemed professionals in the field. Ben spoke about the long-term plan of the Summit to expand outside of Seattle in order to cater more to a “Cascadia” themed film summit to better represent the region as a whole. The Summit this year will feature local artists, including Lynn Bohart, Renton author and former Arts Commission member, as well as others from Renton in the film industry who are making, producing and writing for film. Ben implored the Arts Commission to help promote the event and highlight the local Renton talent who will be involved in the Summit. Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 2019 meeting were read and approved. MSC (Evelyn/Mary) Correspondence and Announcements:  Reflections Program – The local PTA has requested support from the Arts Commission to serve as judges the week of November 18 for the “Reflections Program” art competition at Sartori Elementary. Neil and Evelyn volunteered to serve as judges.  2020 LTAC Application Open – The application for Lodging Tax support opened September 30 and the deadline to apply is October 25. Local non-profits and tourism agencies are encouraged to apply.  Spark! – The Downtown Business Forum scheduled for October 9th will address holidays in the Downtown. The business owners will be discussing how to work together to promote Renton as a destination for the holidays. The Arts Commissioners are encouraged to attend to lend support to the use of art and artistic displays for the holidays.  Upcoming Events – o Olde Fashioned Halloween Party – The 14th annual Halloween party and downtown trick or treating will take place in Main Street Alley on Saturday, October 26 between 1 and 4pm o Small Business Saturday – is Saturday, November 30th and will commence with the traditional downtown tree lighting and arrival of Santa. o Santa House – The Renton Civic Theatre will house the annual Santa House on the first three Saturdays of December (Dec. 7, 14 and 21). 2 | P a g e o Shoreline 6x6 event – Brianna mentioned an event in Shoreline that she will be attending on October 5. She invited other Commissioners to join her for inspiration for possible future events in Renton. Budget Update: The City Art Collection Municipal Art Fund Ordinance is currently under revision. Changes will be made that will eliminate the 1% for art program as it is currently established and will result in an increase of the annual arts budget with the addition of approximately $15,000 (calculated from a rolling average of 1% of Capital projects in the City). Additionally, a line item for the maintenance of the City’s Art collection will be added to the budget in order to support the creation of a proactive art maintenance program. The responsibilities of art maintenance will also be divided between Community Services (art located in City facilities and in City parks), Public Works (art in the City Right of Way) and Community and Economic Development (art on private property). In the first year, $10,000 will be budgeted for this line item and will be closely monitored to determine whether that number is enough. On-going Projects, Events & Programs:  Inspire Washington – Manny Cawaling, Executive Director of the newly organized merger of Cultural Access Washington and WA Arts Alliance, met with stakeholders in the City of Renton to describe their efforts to organize local arts organizations and supporters for the purposes of increasing public access to arts, heritage, and science activities and experiences in communities across Washington. The goal is to rally supporters for their campaign to lobby for “Access for All” on the 2020 ballot.  Renton River Days 2020 – The River Days board is beginning their planning of the 2020 event is looking for new ideas and new members to help lead change. They have asked for support from the Arts Commission and offered the potential for a seat on the Board.  Downtown Loop – The project team from Western Neon will be meeting with members of interested departments from the City on Wednesday, October 2, to launch the project and discuss moving the project forward and into production.  Olde Fashioned Halloween Party – The Renton Downtown Partnership and downtown merchants will be hosting the 14th annual Halloween party and trick or treating event in Downtown Renton on Saturday, October 26. The event will include activities (games and crafts) for kids and is free to attend. In previous years, the Arts Commission has supported the event financially through sponsorship and by assisting with art projects in the festival area. A motion was made and passed to support the Olde Fashioned Halloween party up to an amount equal to $1,000 to support the purchase of decorations and craft supplies for the party. MSC (Bill/Evelyn)  Downtown Scarecrow competition – The scarecrow competition is returning for the third year to Downtown Renton as part of the Halloween party on the 26th. A motion was made and passed that the Arts Commission will assume the title sponsor role for the competition, serving as the official judges and supporting the event through the financing of promotion and purchase of awards in the amount of $500. MSC (Evelyn/Brianna)  Holiday Window Competition – Camille presented a new program currently being organized that will encourage a friendly competition between the downtown businesses to dress up their storefront 3 | P a g e windows for the holidays. The program is still under development, but the concept is a holiday-themed contest for the “best dressed” window decided by holiday shoppers as they post and vote on their favorites through the month of December.  Social Media – The Arts Commission presence on social media needs attention. Efforts are being made to post regularly to the facebook page and to encourage conversation in the City around art and artistic pursuits. An Instagram account for the Arts Commission was recently created and Brianna stepped up to take on the task of posting more regularly to this platform. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25p.m.