Title
Creative District Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on continued development of Olympia's Creative District.
Report Issue:
Whether to receive an update on continued development of Olympia's Creative District.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, City of Olympia Economic Development Director
Marygrace Goddu, Inspire Olympia Program Manager and ArCH Coordinator
Presenter(s):
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director
Desiree Freeland, Downtown Projects Manager, Olympia Downtown Alliance
Background and Analysis:
The Creative District in Downtown Olympia is home to over 150 creative enterprises including theaters, galleries, breweries, professional artists and designers. Together they form an energetic hub that reflects Olympia's unique character.
Olympia's Creative District was certified by the Washington State Arts Commission in 2019. This designation is a vehicle to concentrate support for artists and creative innovators, expanding their impact and helping to make Olympia a place where they can thrive. Current artistic, social and cultural enterprises represent a variety of arts-inspired activities and industries: from burlesque to brewing, dance parties to makers markets, high-tech 3-D printing to hand-crank letterpress art.
Creative jobs and a robust arts scene strengthen our community and attract fresh thinkers. The Creative District designation works to focus and enhance the many benefits of an inspired community.
In 2022, under contract with the City, the Olympia Downtown Alliance facilitated a strategic planning process centered on the work of the Creative District. This work was led by a Downtown Olympia Creative District Advisory Committee comprised of people who represent various artistic, business, and creative industry sectors, and included outreach to the broader community as well to develop a Creative District Strategy.
The purpose of the Creative...
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