Title
Approval of Olympia Downtown Association 2014 Neighborhood Matching Grant
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends approval of the Neighborhood Matching Grant proposed by the Olympia Downtown Association.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the $4,000.00 Neighborhood Matching Grant for the Olympia Downtown Association.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve recommended 2014 matching grant for the Olympia Downtown Association, a Recognized Neighborhood Association.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Sadlier, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Michelle Sadlier, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
On May 27, 2014, the Olympia City Council reviewed applications for the neighborhood matching grant program submitted by six Recognized Neighborhood Associations (RNAs). As a result of the review, the City Council approved the funding of matching grants for five of the RNAs at the meeting: Bigelow, Bigelow Highlands, Cooper Crest, Hidden Creek, and Northeast.
During the review, Councilmembers raised concerns over the proposal submitted by the sixth RNA, the Olympia Downtown Association (ODA). The ODA's submission proposes installing art with a sculptural element that celebrates the artesian well in the alley that connects Jefferson St SE and Cherry St SE, between 4th Ave E and 5th Ave E. Details on the design of the proposed artwork have not been provided with the application to allow the future artist the opportunity for full artistic expression.
In discussion of the proposal, Councilmembers raised a particular concern over the role of the Olympia Arts Commission in reviewing publicly-funded art even when the art itself would be privately owned and maintained. City Council referred the application to the Arts Commission.
Arts Commission Review
Community Planning and Development staff members Michelle Sadlier and Todd Stamm attended the June...
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