Historical Note
An Arts Commission was created in 1955 to advise City government
regarding the artistic and cultural development of the City. The Commission had
ten members (later increased by ordinance to fifteen), who represented the
painting, sculpture, music, literature, architecture, and landscape
architecture communities; members could be nominated for appointment to the
Commission by their organizations.
The Commission was reorganized in 1957 as the Municipal Art Commission
by Ordinance 86692. Its primary mission remained the same, and the composition
of the Commission changed only slightly. Its fifteen members included two from
each of the abovementioned categories as well as three "lay" members. The
Commission's advisory responsibility was extended to recommendations regarding
the purchase of artworks by the City or the donation of artworks to the City;
each painting, sculpture, or fountain and its location had to be approved by
the Commission, which also made recommendations on the removal of artworks. The
Commission was also responsible for making recommendations on the design of new
physical structures to be constructed in the City and could even advise private
property owners at no charge.
In 1961, the Commission's responsibilities were broadened to include
historic preservation recommendations. In 1971, the Municipal Art Commission,
which was "no longer actively pursuing its responsibilities," was abolished by
Ordinance 99982 and replaced by the Seattle Arts Commission. The new Commission
acted in the same advisory capacity and had fifteen mayor-appointed members;
its actions served "to promote and encourage public programs to further the
development and public awareness of and interest in the fine and performing
arts."
Content Description
The minutes of the Municipal Art Commission report on the proceedings of
Commission meetings, 1955-1969. Minutes discuss reports on events and projects,
correspondence from citizens and organizations, delegation of members to work
on projects, suggestions for programs, events, and actions, and budget needs.
The Commission's committees included Architecture/Landscape/Gardening,
Literature/Graphic Arts, Music/Theater Arts and Dance/Opera, and
Painting/Sculpture/Crafts. Issues of interest include the placement of the
Chief Seattle statue as well as artwork for the new library, Civic Center, and
Century 21 Exposition; the medium of television is also stressed as an
effective way of publicizing the arts. In the 1960s, the Commission's interest
in historic sites and their preservation is reflected in the minutes;
restoration of Pioneer Square, a 1960s target for urban renewal projects, is
discussed frequently. Noted Seattle artists and architects such as Mark Tobey,
Paul Thiry, Everett du Pen, and James Wehn are among the names that appear in
the minutes.
Most minutes include a rough and final draft of the minutes as well as a
copy of the meeting agenda.