Olympia's Cultural Access Program ad hoc committee readies its recommendations

Launched after approval of the "arts tax" last year, suggests 'start simple and evolve'

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The Inspire Olympia Cultural Access ad hoc committee has completed creating the framework for the new program. One of its recommendations is to start simple and evolve with the community.

At the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, Cultural Access Program Manager Marygrace Goddu updated the city council on the ad hoc committee's work which was completed in March.

In October, the city council approved the creation of the ad hoc committee and the appointment of its members – Paul Knox, Tamar Krames, Janece Levien, Mariella Luz, Lee Lyttle, Jean Mandeburg, and Anjali Silva.

Goddu said that after devoting five months, conducting ten meetings, and discussing eight topics, the ad hoc committee developed 50 recommendations for the program implementation.

The recommendations are organized under mission and goals, promoting equity, defining and demonstrating public benefit, eligibility, granting structure, evaluation and review, and program communications.

Cultural Access Program Manager Marygrace Goddu updated the Olympia City Council on the recently-concluded work of the ad hoc committee on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Cultural Access Program Manager Marygrace Goddu updated the Olympia City Council on the recently-concluded work of the ad hoc committee on Tuesday, …

Grant structure

Goddu announced that the Inspire Olympia Cultural Access Program would have an annual application cycle. But when an organization is approved in year one, the program will be on course for two years of funding.

The committee recommended not distributing funding in 2023 and focusing on preparing for 2024.

"The committee considered a few different early funding strategies for this year, either through an early eligibility review or a pilot application. But they concluded that any early funding process would require an expedited effort. It would distract staff and the community from preparing for the first full cycle of granting in 2024," Goddu explained.

The ad hoc committee recommended focusing on two core grant options in year 1:

  • General operations grants – unrestricted funds organizations can use to support their operations and service delivery.
  • Cultural Access in Public Schools (CAPS), cultural access in public schools.

The committee emphasized that the program should start simple and grow and evolve with the community.

"They advocate for thoughtful data collection to set baselines and support continuous improvement. They stated the importance of building trust and creating many pathways to participation. They would like to see the city start by doing less, doing it very well, and building the program from there,” Goddu told the council members.

Ad hoc committee member Mariella Luz discussed prioritizing and integrating equity in the program.
Ad hoc committee member Mariella Luz discussed prioritizing and integrating equity in the program.

Equity

Luz said they placed equity at the top of their goals. It should be integrated into the program, guidelines, and criteria to ensure that organizations prioritize equity in their publicly-funded work.

To embrace a commitment to equity, the committee recommended to:

  • Model equity in the grant process, set reasonable eligibility thresholds, and direct ineligible groups to additional pathways through partnerships, fiscal sponsors, and helpful resources.
  • Keep contract and reporting requirements simple. Offer helpful templates for program planning, budgeting and reporting.
  • Cultural Access in Public Schools (CAPS) should focus on Pre-K-Grade 5, where the need is greatest, and on field trips and in-school programs.
  • Identify equity goals for the city's program administration each year and be transparent and accountable.
  • Regularly perform gap analyses to identify and address disparities.

According to Goddu, the committee talked extensively about how to provide support for cultural organizations in achieving the intended public benefits.

For outreach, the committee recommended that the city offer various options for people to seek and receive information, including one-on-one, webinars, and workshops; facilitate fiscal sponsorship; and facilitate matchmaking among groups and individuals to offer additional pathways for participation.

The other recommendations include asking the applicants to offer a two-year plan with goals to support sound planning and foster accountability.

Keep it local

"The fund is generated through Olympia sales tax. The investment should stay local," Goddu said, adding that the committee offered eligibility should be by where the services are provided and to whom rather than the provider's physical address.

The committee recommended limiting program eligibility to organizations that conduct most of their activities in Olympia or primarily serve the city residents or youth in the Olympia School District.

Councilmember Dani Madrone noted the program's partnership with the Olympia School District. She is concerned about the non-inclusion of students from Olympia that go to North Thurston in the program.

"In-school opportunities for youth are going to happen in Olympia School District. But youth who go to other schools outside the OSD who live in the city can access any programs offered for Olympia youth outside of school day, or even after school," Goddu replied.

Councilmember Jim Cooper wanted the contracting organizations to meet the city's climate and equity goals.

"I think the equity part is spelled out. But I also think there's importance [to meet climate goals], and we were talking about a whole bunch of diesel transportation right now. Do we know that the contractor that will be providing has a plan to reduce carbon emissions while hauling people over the community? We have yet to see what the school district's climate planning is," Cooper commented.

The Cultural Access Program aims to increase public access to community arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences. It is funded through .01% sales tax approved by voters in April 2022.

Eligible nonprofit organizations can use the funds to strengthen and expand the programs they produce for the public and lower barriers to participation by offering programs for free and reduced costs.

The program focuses on youth, underserved and low-income populations and provides fair compensation to artists, cultural bearers, and subject matter experts.

The recommendation report will be transmitted to the permanent advisory board after that group is appointed.

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