Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation assuming management of the Armory

CORRECTION:  The Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department is having a turnover ceremony on March 19, Sat., at 1 p.m.

“This moment is when we officially have the building,” explained Arts Program Specialist Angel Nava, whose workspace is temporarily located in the Armory building now. “It's just been an idea. It's been in contract. It's been in process, but now it's ours.”

Olympia assumed ownership of the Armory on Feb 19.  The city plans to use the property as a center promoting culture and the arts.

The city’s Parks, Arts & Recreation Department has been conducting surveys on its Engage Olympia website asking the public to give suggestions on how to use the space. Nava says the housewarming will be a chance to confirm public feedback on how the 41,160 sq. ft. Armory and the nearby 9,700 sq. ft. outbuilding can be best used.

“It's a way to connect with the community and prioritize space use,” Nava remarked.

Arts Events

The commission also finalized its endorsement of upcoming art projects in the city, namely the Percival Plinth Project and the Traffic Box Wrap Project.

The Percival Plinth Project will feature 17 art installations to be displayed on Percival Landing for a year, with the creators given a $1000 honorarium and a chance to be chosen to win the People’s Prize, in which the city will buy the sculpture for no more than $10,000.

Last year’s People’s Choice winner Aisha Harrington, Arts Commissioner. Shameka Gagnier, and local artist Jonah Barret served as jurors during the selection.

The Arts Commission will also endorse the ten finalists of the Traffic Box Wrap Project, set to be installed this summer, with the artworks to be displayed downtown, particularly Franklin Street and other areas affected by the pandemic.

According to the report presented during the meeting, 1,605 respondents made three choices each among the 57 completed applications during the survey conducted at the Engage Olympia website last month, with the selected artists receiving a $500 honorarium.

UPDATE:  March 16, 2022 -- A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the city's Department of Parks, Arts & Recreation  was relocating its offices to the Armory.