Title
Consideration of a Referral to Approve Funding to Support Development of Olympia School District (OSD) Student Visitation Program at the OlyAHA Museum
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the allocation of $12,500 in City Council Goal funding to support OlyAHA staff capacity needed to develop the OSD student visitation programming and curriculum.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the allocation of $12,500 in City Council Goal funding to support OlyAHA staff capacity needed to develop the OSD student visitation programming and curriculum.
Staff Contact:
Melissa McKee, Assistant to the City Council, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8443
Presenter(s):
None – Referral Item
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Arts and Heritage Alliance (OlyAHA) Museum and Visitor Center has welcomed over 7,000 visitors from 45 states and 19 countries, demonstrating its emerging role as a regional cultural and education resource. Roughly half of these visitors are local Olympia residents, showing strong community engagement.
There is currently no coordinated, fully developed school visitation program or curriculum connecting OSD students with the Museum. OlyAHA is working with OSD’s Inspire Olympia liaison, Molly Wilmouth, to begin developing such a program, with the goal of launching in 2027. Additional staff capacity is needed to develop curriculum, coordinate with educators, design programming, and prepare the Museum for serving K-12 students.
Supporting this request would strengthen the Museum’s role as a community resource and align with City goals relating to community connection, youth civic engagement, equity, arts and culture, and economic vitality.
Climate Analysis:
This issue does not have a direct impact on climate.
Equity Analysis:
A locally focused curriculum would elevate diverse histories, including indigenous communities, historically marginalized groups, immi...
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