Title
Approval of an Ordinance Approving Acceptance of a Donation of “Arc of Aging” as a Gift of Art from Senior Service for South Sound
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Olympia Arts Commission recommends approving the Ordnance accepting the donation of “Arc of Aging” mural, to be installed at The Olympia Center.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve an Ordinance authorizing an agreement to accept donation of “Arc of Aging” mural as a Gift of Art from Senior Services for South Sound on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Ordinance authorizing an agreement to accept donation of “Arc of Aging” mural as a Gift of Art from Senior Services for South Sound on second reading.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program & Planning Supervisor, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Staff Liaison to the Arts Commission
Jim Burlingame, Chair, Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
Senior Services of South Sound has proposed “Arc of Aging,” a mural for The Olympia Center. The image of the proposed mural will depict a literal arc in the form of a rainbow with silhouettes of people spanning between both ends, starting with a crawling baby on the right side leading to an elderly person on the left side. The mural and process is more fully described in the attached proposal.
Section 2.100.140 of the Olympia Municipal Code, identifies that one of the duties of the Arts Commission is to review all proposed donation of works of art to the City. The Gift of Art policy states:
A Gifts Panel shall be appointed by the Olympia Arts Commission to review proposed artwork gifts to the City, or Commissioners may choose to review Gift of Art proposals at a regular Commission meeting. Each panel shall consist of at least three to five members representing the Arts Commission. The Arts Program Manager shall serve as facilitator.
Commissioners reviewed the proposal at their meeting on March 9, and again on May 11, having requested from the applicant a better understanding of how the original mural will be scaled to fit the new location. Commissioners were also interested to know community response to the proposal among facility users most connected to that area of the building.
If the gift of art donation is approved by the City Council, the City of Olympia would receive the donation by agreement, transferring ownership to the City without terms, conditions or restrictions other than the specific location at The Olympia Center noted in the attached proposal.
Climate Analysis:
The proposed mural project will not markedly contribute to nor prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The application references seniors as an underrepresented group who they hope to engage with this project.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Of 55 seniors surveyed over a regular noon hour at the Olympia Center (including 8 staff members), 98% approved of the “Arc of Aging” design. Staff of The Olympia Center are also supportive of the Gift of Art Proposal, although they have noted, and the agreement reflects, that any new owner of the building will not be bound to keep or maintain the mural.
Options:
1. Approve on second reading, the ordinance accepting the Senior Services for South Sound donation of “Arc of Aging” mural.
2. Do not approve the ordinance and do not accept the gift of art donation.
3. Consider the ordinance at another time.
Financial Impact:
Cost of the mural is covered in the donation, estimated at $700 for materials and artist stipend. Purchase of a plaque for artwork donations has typically been covered from the Municipal Art Fund, estimated at less than $50.
Attachments:
Ordinance
Agreement
Proposal