Title
Update on the City of Olympia’s Cultural Events Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Information only
City Manager Recommendation:
Information only
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the City of Olympia’s Cultural Events Program
Staff Contact:
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department / OPARD Support Services, 360.753.8343
Presenter(s):
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist
Rachael Meares, Cultural Event Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
In January 2022, Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation (OPARD) created an Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (EIB) Specialist position to administer and coordinate a series of City-sponsored cultural events and to facilitate the EIB initiatives already underway in the department. A new Cultural Events program was developed with the goal of celebrating and enriching our community with authentic events that honor culture, heritage, and diversity through cultivation of trusting relationships with partner organizations and community members.
Through the OPARD Cultural Events program and community partnership approach, the City supported events for: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders Heritage; PRIDE Flag Street Painting Commemoration, Juneteenth, Capital City Pride, Latinx Youth Summit, Festival of the st̓əč̓as, Hispanic Heritage Month (Lula Fest), and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Staff will provide an update on cultural events hosted and supported through the program.
Climate Analysis:
No impacts to any of the climate mitigation sectors. The department is drafting a Climate Action Plan, which includes development of sustainable cultural event planning processes.
Equity Analysis:
The OPARD Cultural Events program raises awareness about heritage, history, accomplishments, contributions and experiences of multicultural and underrepresented communities in Olympia and across the nation. We have used this program model to cultivate partnerships with: Squaxin Island Tribe, Women of Color in Leadership Movement, Media Island International, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of South Puget Sound, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Ultimano Comms+, Olympia Downtown Alliance, South Puget Sound Community College, and the Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture.
This program benefits Olympia residents as well as those in neighboring communities (Lacey, Tumwater, Thurston County) by increasing a sense of belonging and inclusion. More work can be done to grow resources and establish additional community partnerships so that more communities can be represented and enjoy equitable access to event participation.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
As part of the Olympia Metropolitan Parks District and City of Olympia Interlocal Agreement, 11% of the City’s General Fund Budget is allocated for the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department. The OPARD Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program, including Cultural Events, is supported by that fund.
The annual budget for the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department’s Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program is $315,330. This includes two FTE’s and $64,000 to support our Cultural Events program and partnerships.
No additional impacts are proposed.
Attachments:
N/A