Renton Municipal Arts Commission
The Renton Municipal Arts Commission was formed by Resolution 1320, on August 9, 1965. Overseeing an annual budget, the Commission is charged with the responsibility of acting in an advisory capacity to city government in connection with the artistic and cultural development of the city.
The Commission consists of 12 members appointed by the Mayor and subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the City Council. Of those 12 members, at least four must be residents of the city. Its membership includes representatives from many diverse fields, with special interests in architecture, art, music, literature, education and other cultural disciplines. All members of the Commission are appointed for three-year terms, and all serve without compensation for services.
The Commission operates with a set of policies and procedures established by the members.
Commission responsibilities:
- The Commission is responsible for reviewing the design, execution and acceptance of works of art funded or otherwise acquired by the city.
- The Commission, along with the Mayor, annually reviews all capital improvement projects anticipated within the following two-year period to determine which projects are appropriate for inclusion of works of art and to estimate the amount allocated for this purpose. Whenever a work of art is to be funded under the One Percent for Art ordinance as authorized under Ordinance No 3749 in 1983, the Commission selects the appropriate work of art and recommends that artwork to the City Council. The Commission may initiate contracts with artists for these works of art.
- The Commission is responsible for directing maintenance, inspection and rotation of works of art selected and installed for the city. The Commission keeps an inventory of all city-owned artworks.
- The Commission may seek alternative funding sources for visual and performing arts programs.
2008-2009 Accomplishments:
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Achieved capacity Arts Commission membership with twelve members including a youth representative
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Developed new grant application process
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Re-dedicated ‘Equii’ at Burnett Linear Park
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Supported local artists by increasing Arts Commission’s prize award at Renton Annual Art Show
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Partnered in creation of Renton FilmFrenzy
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Invested in Commissioners’ training
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Recognized Barbara Nilson with Bravo Award for her local artistic contributions
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Showcased 8 artists in the Carco Theater lobby and hosted artist receptions
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Created Arts and Cultural Registry.
2009-2011 Goals:
- Enrich and increase participation and awareness of the cultural and artist community
- Serve as Renton’s source for arts information
- Increase funding opportunities for arts and culture programs
- Advocate for arts education at all levels
- Advise the City on arts related projects and public art.