Chapter 3.55
MERCER ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL

Sections:

3.55.010    Established.

3.55.020    Membership – Term.

3.55.030    Functions and duties.

3.55.040    Creation of municipal arts fund.

3.55.010 Established.

There is established a municipal arts council for the city of Mercer Island which shall be known as the “Mercer Island arts council.” (Ord. A-40 § 1, 1985).

3.55.020 Membership – Term.

A. The Mercer Island arts council shall consist of 11 members who shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.

B.    1. The term of membership shall be four years and shall expire on May 31 of the last year of the term. The year of expiration of the terms of the positions shall be staggered with the following groups of positions expiring in successive years: Positions 1, 2, and 3; Positions 4, 5 and 6; Positions 7 and 8; Positions 9, 10 and 11.

2. Any appointment to a position vacated other than by the expiration of the term shall be to fill only the unexpired portion of the term.

3. The initial positions for each member shall be determined by the mayor upon appointment and all members shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor. (Ord. 03C-06 § 8; Ord. A-88 § 11, 1991; Ord. A-40 § 1, 1985).

3.55.030 Functions and duties.

A. The Mercer Island arts council is empowered to advise and make recommendations to the city council and any other board or commission of the city on matters including but not limited to those set forth herein.

B. The activities of the Mercer Island arts council shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Determination of the method of selection and commissioning of artists and performers for reviewing the design of, execution and placement of, and acceptance of works of art and art performances;

2. Representation of the city’s interest in art matters and provision of information to the city council on matters pertaining to the arts;

3. To be a central body to whom art organizations, artists and anyone interested in the advancement of art in the city can come for information or assistance;

4. To provide encouragement and aid to programs for the enrichment of art in the city;

5. Coordination and strengthening of existing organizations in the field of art and the development of cooperation with the schools and local, regional and national art organizations;

6. The exploration of methods of obtaining private, local, state and federal funds to promote works of art and art performances in the city;

7. Initiating, sponsoring or conducting, alone or in connection with other public or private agencies, of public programs to further the development and public awareness of, and interest in the arts;

8. To review and make recommendations as to studies, acquisition and construction of cultural facilities and all works of art by the city;

9. To render any advice and assistance in the field of art deemed necessary by the arts council or the city council;

10. To make an annual report to the mayor and city council on behalf of the arts council covering its respective activities for the past year and the recommended scope of activities for the forthcoming year;

11. The arts council shall prepare guidelines and procedures for approval by the city council. (Ord. A-40 § 1, 1985).

3.55.040 Creation of municipal arts fund.

There is established a special fund entitled “the municipal arts fund” into which all funds shall be deposited that are received by the city from whatever source for the purpose of acquisition of or otherwise providing for the advancement of visual and performing arts within the city, including federal, state, or local funds, or funds from private individuals or agencies or any other funds which the city may receive or come into possession of from time to time. (Ord. A-40 § 1, 1985).