Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application for a National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Projects Grant for the Art Crossings Public Art Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee. The Arts Commission has been informed of the grant possibility.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application for a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) Grant for the Art Crossings Public Art Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application for a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) Grant for the Art Crossings Public Art Project.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
Olympia’s Art Crossing Public Art Project is comprised of eight individual projects, each located approximately one mile from the center of town. Three projects have been completed, with one more budgeted in the 2025 Municipal Art Plan. A successful NEA application would bring the total to five of eight projects completed by 2028.
NEA Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) grant provides funding for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector. Projects by local arts agencies (including municipal government) supported by GAP grants include those related to public art, such as creation, installation, and preservation. Cost share/matching grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount.
Because Olympia’s Art Crossing Project has a well-laid out Art Crossing Project Plan, roots in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and is very much tied to neighborhood participation and community identity, staff feels that the project is a good match for the funding opportunity.
Climate Analysis:
The Art Crossing Public Art Program can contribute to the overall City strategy of encouraging alternative transportation through enhancement of transportation corridors. Several of the completed projects celebrate elements of the natural world as a shared community value. The project also incorporates solar lighting.
Equity Analysis:
Art Crossings are welcoming elements to all in the urban landscape. The three projects to date have included the theme of diversity and engaged diverse project artists. While the projects invite community participation through adjacent Neighborhood Associations, staff recognize that those organizations alone do not represent the diversity of Olympia’s neighborhoods and have engaged additional community outreach within the project areas to bring more voices to the project.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Art Crossing Project Plan process reached out to neighborhoods across the city, and for the three completed projects, staff worked closely with the North Westside, Eastside (Olympia Northeast Neighborhoods Alliance) and Indian Creek Neighborhood Associations. In addition, staff reach out to neighborhood entities within the project area not connected to a neighborhood association.
Financial Impact:
$110,000 from the Municipal Art Fund, as match for the $100,000 grant request.
Options:
1. Move to approve application for an NEA GAP Grant for the Art Crossing Public Art Project.
2. Move to not approve application for an NEA GAP Grant for the Art Crossing Public Art Project.
3. Consider applying for an NEA GAP Grant for the Art Crossing Public Art Project.
Attachments:
Resolution
Olympia Art Crossings Plan
2025 Municipal Art Plan
.