Bellevue Arts Commission Meeting – June 5, 2025

The Bellevue Arts Commission met on June 5, 2025, starting at 4:30 PM and adjourning at 6:25 PM. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, public comment, a presentation on the Great Neighborhood Program draft policies for Crossroads and Newport, partner presentations from four arts organizations, staff updates, and recognition of a departing commissioner.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the previous meeting approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alex Zimmerman spoke during oral communications, criticizing the council for limiting public comment (citing a rule that stops speakers after 10 people in 30 minutes) and making offensive remarks. He was asked to leave after his time expired. The commission chair noted that the Arts Commission does not condone hateful or offensive speech.

Discussion Items

• Great Neighborhood Program Draft Policies: Senior Planner Justin Pinganiban presented draft policies for the Crossroads and Newport neighborhood area plans, focusing on arts and culture. Key themes included culturally responsive design, support for small and diverse businesses, welcoming gathering spaces, and connectivity. Commissioners discussed the need for multi-lingual signage, safe and accessible transportation, intergenerational spaces, and the role of parks and schools. The draft policies are part of a broader planning process that will go to the Planning Commission and City Council later in 2025.
• Partner Presentations: Four organizations presented:
  • Emerald Ballet Theater: Interim President Jennifer Sigal and Artistic Director Erin McCran described the nonprofit's mission to advance arts through education and performance, with 70 students, free community classes (Dance With Me, Boys Class), and collaborations with local parks and schools. Upcoming performance: Peter and the Wolf at Wineda High School.
  • Payvand: Shashad Shams (founder) shared the organization's work supporting underrepresented multicultural and immigrant youth through arts and culture, including Noruz celebrations, art exhibits, film screenings, and family empowerment programs. They conducted 42 events last year, 72% free to the public. Highlighted challenges with venue costs and need for affordable space.
  • Resounding Love Center for the Arts: Co-CEO Cindy Ogasawara described the social justice choir that brings together people across differences, singing songs from African American traditions. They perform at venues like Benaroya Hall and also at homeless shelters and youth detention centers. Upcoming: East Side Love and Justice Pride Service on June 21.
  • Performing Arts Festival of the East Side (PAFE): President Eric Passmore outlined the week-long music festival with 430 students and 629 performances (piano, strings, woodwinds). They have waitlists for most divisions. Challenges include balancing competition with encouragement, limited space, and administrative reporting misalignment between calendar and fiscal years. They are exploring expansion and equity programs.

Key Outcomes

• The next Arts Commission meeting was set for July 9, 2025 (moved from July 2) to coincide with a reception for the Portable Art Collection.
• Commissioner Richard Niederlander was recognized for his service since August 2023; he is relocating to Florida.
• Creative Crosswalks Update: Staff hired two artists (the panel's recommended artist and a second strong candidate) to create paid concept designs for thermoplastic crosswalk art, addressing technical constraints. The selected design will be implemented, and the other may be used for future projects.
• Staff Updates: Cultural facility grant contracts were approved by City Council on June 3. The East Rail Trail Art Walk is scheduled for June 7. The interactive sculpture "Yonder Sky" by Po Shu Wang is expected to be installed in late July. Artist Bethany Freikal was selected to create nine panels for 124th Street. A utility box wrap by Aline Jimenez was installed at 136th and NE 20th. Maintenance on 25 public art pieces has begun, including cleaning of Pelodi at Downtown Park and restoration of Gandhi at Ashwood Park.