Title
Approval of 2026 Arts Walk Cover Artists
Recommended Action
Move to approve the jury’s recommendation of one artist each for spring and fall Arts Walk events, plus one alternate.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff in moving forward with the recommended spring and fall Arts Walk cover artists.
Staff Contact:
Jessica Strauss Tomy, Arts Program Specialist, 360.570.3751
Presenter(s):
Jessica Strauss Tomy, Arts Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
Annually, a Call for Art is made available to artists who have participated in the Arts Walk event within the previous two years. Each year, two artists are selected and commissioned by the City to create a new, original work of art to be featured in the Arts Walk poster and other event publications. One artist is highlighted for each the spring and fall events. Thirty-two applications were received and reviewed by the jury, consisting of Mikaela Shafer, Arts Walk cover artist fall 2025, Desiree Freeland, Executive Director, Olympia Downtown Alliance, and Arts Commissioner Sergio Garcia. The jury met on December 2, and made recommendations for spring and fall cover artists, and an alternate.
Climate Analysis:
Determining Arts Walk cover artists for 2026 will not positively or negatively affect climate and the environment.
Equity Analysis:
Staff have been working to bridge barriers to engagement with participating in the Arts Walk cover art Call for Art for several years including:
• Continuing with a "pay what you choose" registration fee in 2025 for participating.
• Including an Arts Market, which allows for artists to sign up to participate, independent of a hosting downtown location.
• And, staff encouragement and advertising on the event website, newsletters, and social media, offering assistance with matching artists and businesses for the event.
These efforts support engagement for emerging artists, artists new to the area, and artists from underrepresented communities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Approve the recommendation of the jury.
2. Do not approve the recommendation of the jury.
3. Make an alternative recommendation.
Financial Impact:
The honoraria for each approved artist is $750, from the Municipal Art Fund.
Attachments:
Staff will share recommendations in a presentation.