Title
Update on the City of Olympia's Cultural Events Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Information only
City Manager Recommendation:
Information only
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the City of Olympia's Cultural Events Program
Staff Contact:
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department / OPARD Support Services, 360.753.8343
Presenter(s):
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist
Rachael Meares, Cultural Event Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
In January 2022, Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation (OPARD) created an Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (EIB) Specialist position to administer and coordinate a series of City-sponsored cultural events and to facilitate the EIB initiatives already underway in the department. A new Cultural Events program was developed with the goal of celebrating and enriching our community with authentic events that honor culture, heritage, and diversity through cultivation of trusting relationships with partner organizations and community members.
Through the OPARD Cultural Events program and community partnership approach, the City supported events for: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders Heritage; PRIDE Flag Street Painting Commemoration, Juneteenth, Capital City Pride, Latinx Youth Summit, Festival of the st??c?as, Hispanic Heritage Month (Lula Fest), and Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Staff will provide an update on cultural events hosted and supported through the program.
Climate Analysis:
No impacts to any of the climate mitigation sectors. The department is drafting a Climate Action Plan, which includes development of sustainable cultural event planning processes.
Equity Analysis:
The OPARD Cultural Events program raises awareness about heritage, history, accomplishments, contributions and experiences of multicultural and underrepres...
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