Title
Music Out Loud Update
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Conversation on the partnership with the Olympia Downtown Alliance and Music Out Loud held during LoveOly Summerfest.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Desiree Freeland, Interim Executive Director, Olympia Downtown Alliance
Background and Analysis:
The Music Out Loud Public Art Project initially took place in 2018, when three mosaics were installed in downtown Olympia, referencing three deceased musicians who had contributed to the Olympia music scene in some way. Arts Commissioners at the time also wanted to reflect the current music scene in Olympia by hosting three music performances per location per year (for a total of nine). Close to that time, the Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA) was beginning a summer festival on closed streets near two of the mosaics over many weekends that would become LoveOly Summerfest. A partnership made sense for both entities as more music benefitted the event, and contracting artists through the ODA eased contract requirements for musicians. Funds for Music Out Loud are included annually in the Municipal Art Plan, and staff contract with the ODA to manage the performances. Arts Commissioners have participated in the selection process and the ODA retain 10% of the budget for administration.
Since 2018, LoveOly Summerfest has evolved and so has Music Out Loud. Along, the way, the 4th Avenue mosaic just to the east of City Hall was deemed too loud and to remote to make a good informal music venue, and so that performance area was re-located closer to the others. LoveOly Summerfest went from several weekend to one 3- day event. Applications from interested street musicians has declined as applications for performances (such as Circus Arts) have increased.
Earlier this year, Arts Commission Chair Kathy Dorgan and staff met with Desiree Freeland from the ODA and had a good conversation about mission alignment and change and continuing engagement with performance art via the Music Out Loud program. Chair Dorgan invited Ms. Freeland to the Arts Commission meeting to continue the conversation.
Climate Analysis:
LoveOly Summerfest and Music Out Loud do not positively or negatively affect climate and the environment.
Equity Analysis:
LoveOly Summerfest and Music Out Loud are free events, open to all.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia Downtown Alliance is a Main Street program with the mission to act as a catalyst for a vibrant and thriving downtown through service to businesses and property owners.
Options:
Participate in the discussion.
Financial Impact:
$3,000 is identified annually in the Municipal Art Plan for Music Out Loud.
Attachments:
Music Out Loud locations