Title
Approval of Resolution Authorizing a Acceptance of a Grant from the Washington State Arts Commission in Support of the Artesian Commons Night Market
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission in support of the Artesian Commons Night Market.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission in support of the Artesian Commons Night Market.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director, Office of Community Vitality, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
None-Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Located at 415 4th Ave E in Olympia, the Artesian site is a city-owned former parking lot at the center of Olympia’s Creative District. It is located next to a publicly accessible artesian well that draws a steady stream of visitors to its fresh water. However, most of the lot is currently fenced, unused, and empty.
The City has committed $75,000 in its 2024 budget to activate this site and will issue a request for proposals seeking an entity to program and operate this space as a future open air “light market” in alignment with the Creative District Strategic Plan. To further leverage the City’s investment, the Washington State Arts Commission has approved a $56,250 grant for Creative District Capital Project costs. If accepted, these grant funds will support important functional and safety site improvements like lighting, electrical upgrades, and physical improvements for security and access.
Climate Analysis:
Our Creative District is an integral part of our downtown; elements that help to create a vibrant downtown also help contribute to climate action. Focusing growth and activity into dense neighborhood areas helps reduce dependance on cars, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
This project and associated funding will be implemented in alignment with the Downtown Olympia Creative District Strategic Plan and its stated mission: We engage local artists and businesses in the development of a thriving creative economy and community that is antiracist and anti-bigoted. Additionally, this project is intended to fill a community need for affordable access to creative space, including affordable space to bring goods to market as identified in the Creative District Strategic Plan.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Artesian site is in Olympia’s Creative District and Downtown core. The benefits of activating this site will add vibrancy to the Creative District and Downtown, create ripple effects extending to the entire community, attract visitors from elsewhere, and increase access to the economy for members of Olympia’s creative community.
Financial Impact:
The result of this decision is a benefit of $56,250.00 that will be used to support Creative District Capital Project costs.
Options:
1. Pass the resolution and accept the grant funding.
2. Do not pass the resolution and forego the grant funding.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Grant Contract
Creative District Strategic Plan