HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/2008 10 Arts Task Force Appointment and Initial Agenda BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
• AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. / a
For Meeting of Dec. 2, 2008
ITEM TITLE: Consideration of a Resolution establishing the Arts Task Force, appointing
the membership of the Arts Task Force, and establishing the initial agenda
of the Arts Task Force.
SUBMITTED BY: William Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: William Cook, (575 -6113)
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The Council Ad Hoc Arts Committee was formed in 2008 to explore the possibility of forming a City
of Yakima Arts Commission. The Committee began with the idea that a commission would
provide advice and recommendations to the Council on public art, including site selection and
inclusion of art in public projects. With Council's guidance, representatives of several local visual
and performing arts entities embraced the initial concept and worked throughout the year to create
a mission and vision for the proposed Arts Commission.
After working together for several months, the Council members and the community
representatives realized that creating a complete set of operational guidelines for an Arts
Commission requires a great deal of research, followed by some hands on experiences to help
• define the exact role and function of a commission. At that point, the idea of forming the Arts Task
Force was initiated. The Arts Task Force that you are asked to establish today is basically the
work force behind the proposed Arts Commission.
In addition to the initial scope of work, the function of the proposed Arts Task Force has been
expanded to include advising City Departments regarding artistic components of all City projects,
and serving as an advisory resource for artistic review of private development. In addition, the
visioning process identified the lack of a common calendaring and scheduling system as a
hindrance in the advancement of art in Yakima. Therefore, the Task Force would also work with
community arts organizations on ways to improve program coordination and partnerships.
Resolution X Ordinance Contract Other (Specify)
Funding Source
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: � s- Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval
BOARD /COMMITTEE/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Recommended for full Council
• consideration by the Council's Downtown Yakima Futures Initiative Committee on November 13,
2008.
COUNCIL ACTION:
• RESOLUTION NO. R -2008-
A RESOLUTION establishing the Arts Task Force, appointing the membership of the
Arts Task Force, and establishing the initial agenda of the Arts Task
Force.
WHEREAS, the Yakima City Council finds that visual and performing arts,
community beautification and culture are the soul, heart and spirit of the community, are
vital to the well -being of its people, and are a reflection of the city's unique nature and
personality; and
WHEREAS, Council finds that the stimulation of community arts, community
beautification and culture is a proper role for city government; and
WHEREAS, the presence of visual and performing arts in the community attracts
business and high quality employees, is an effective tool to motivate and educate youths,
significantly improves math, verbal skills and creativity which are all important in attracting,
training and retaining a high quality workforce and all of which are abilities sought by leading
industries; and
11) . WHEREAS, the presence of visual and performing arts in the community also
improves downtowns through beautification and creation of appealing venues, attracts
tourists and lengthens stays; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that collaborative efforts are at the core of
effective, meaningful projects and the Council is committed to the highest efforts in
collaboration and communication between museums, galleries, restaurants, performing arts
venues, artists, the lodging industry and the community at large; and
WHEREAS, the Council recognizes that visual and performing arts have value and
significance in their own right, and speak to the community's highest values; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that City resources dedicated to the arts,
beautification and culture will realize significant and important returns, and that those values
contribute to the unique character of our City, its economic vitality, ability to attract tourists
and the distinctive image of the Yakima Community; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
1. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE. (a) The Arts Task Force is established to report to
the City Council or a designated subcommittee of Council. The Arts Task Force will provide
advice and recommendations on the appropriate role for the City of Yakima to take in
supporting the arts, beautification, and culture.
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(b) The Arts Task Force is asked to consider the following matters during 2009:
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(1) Assist the City Council in using public art to enhance existing
development in public parks, public lands and public structures;
(2) Advise City Departments regarding artistic components of all city
projects. The Task Force will also serve as an advisory resource for artistic review of
private development;
(3) Develop and recommend to the City Council policies and programs that
will enhance and encourage the planning, placement and maintenance of public displays of
art in public places;
(4) Develop a calendaring and scheduling system that will foster improved
program coordination and partnerships of existing community organizations involved in the
arts, beautification, culture and economic development of our community. .
2. MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS. (a) The Task Force will be composed of representatives
of six local arts entities: The Capitol Theatre; The Seasons Music Festival; Allied Arts of
Yakima Valley; The Yakima Symphony; the Yakima Valley Museum; and the Larson
Gallery; two members of the community at large, a city councilor and a city staff
representative. The directors shall make decisions based upon the intrinsic value of the
proposed project without consideration of vested interests. The members of the Task Force
will each serve a one year term consisting of the 2009 calendar year.
3. Kathy Coffey is the initial City Council representative, who will serve as Task Force
Chairperson.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 2nd day of December, 2008.
ATTEST: David Edler, Mayor
City Clerk
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