Title
Special Recognition - Presentation of Creative District Certification
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the Creative District certification from the Washington State Arts Commission.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive the Creative District certification from the Washington State Arts Commission.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Arts, Cultures and Heritage Coordinator, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Annette Roth, Creative Districts Program Director, Washington State Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
In September 2018, the Olympia City Council passed Resolution M-1970, resolving to designate a Creative District within the City of Olympia and authorizing application for state certification.
This resolution sought to implement a recommendation of the City of Olympia Downtown Strategy to use downtown’s Artisan/Tech and Entertainment Character Areas as the geographic boundaries for Olympia’s proposed Creative District. The resolution also followed up on a recommendation of the City’s 2018 ArCH Profile, to pursue Creative District designation as a means to support and expand Olympia’s arts, cultures and heritage profile.
Olympia’s Creative District application was submitted on May 29, 2019, accompanied by 19 letters of support from the community. On June 25, the city received notice of approval by the State Arts Commission.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community-wide interest with particular impact to the downtown.
Financial Impact:
Creative District certification is accompanied by $5000 from ArtsWA to support initial Creative District efforts such as outreach, education, and identity-building or branding.
Attachments:
Resolution M-1970 September 11, 2018