Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Application for a Downtown Creative District through the Washington State Arts Commission
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing application for a Downtown Creative District through the Washington State Arts Commission.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing application for a Downtown Creative District.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, Executive Department, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Consent Item.
Background and Analysis:
Earlier this year, the Washington State Arts Commission launched the Certified Creative Districts Program. The Certified Creative Districts program works to help communities throughout the state thrive. It is a new legislative initiative designed to support the state's creative economy. A state-certified Creative District provides a strong base for Olympia to grow the arts and creative economy envisioned in the Downtown Strategy. Creative Districts can grow jobs and increase economic, educational, and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors.
A Creative District is a geographically defined area where art, cultural, social, and economic activity takes place. It includes cultural facilities, artists, creative industries and other businesses that support these activities. Staff is recommending utilizing the Artisan/Tech and Entertainment Character Areas outlined in the Downtown Strategy as the geographic boundaries for the creative District in Olympia. A map outlining the proposed boundary is shown in Exhibit A of the attached resolution.
The Downtown Strategy vision of the Artisan/Tech Character Area is to create a mixed-use, artisan, culinary arts, and tech hub that includes affordable commercial space, housing (especially for artists and craftspeople), studio/workshop, gallery, and retail space. It suggests opportunities for adaptive r...
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