Bellevue Arts Commission Meeting - September 4, 2026

The Bellevue Arts Commission met on September 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM to discuss public comments, a proposed artwork donation, a performing arts center update, and cultural facility grant recommendations. The meeting included routine approvals, public testimony, and two action items approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved by unanimous voice vote.
• Minutes from previous meeting approved by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mehika Agarwal (ninth-grade student, speaking on behalf of Lens of Youth) described her nonprofit's work advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through art, storytelling, and community engagement. She noted that Lens of Youth has reached seven cities, more than 50 community events, collected over 4,000 pledges for inclusion, and launched five free programs. In Bellevue, their "Misunderstood Moments" exhibition is at Crossroads Bellevue through September 16. She expressed interest in future arts commission grant opportunities and partnership.
• Alex Zimmerman (self-identified disabled low-income senior citizen) criticized the city budget in relation to the city's GDP, claiming a disparity between Bellevue's $1.2 billion budget and $150 billion GDP. He expressed frustration with the lack of affordable housing and argued that the city needs to prioritize funding. He also commented on immigration policy, referencing a recent Trump decision on Indian visas and expressing concern about the large Indian population in Bellevue (65,000 out of 150,000 people), urging that more opportunities be given to U.S. citizens.

Discussion Items

Proposed Donation of "Raindrops" by Su Hong

• Staff presented a proposal to accept a donated artwork titled "Raindrops" by local artist Su Hong, currently displayed on the second floor of City Hall. The artwork was originally commissioned by the Diversity Advantage Team as part of the city's Diversity Advantage Plan 2035. A call for artists received 32 applicants, and a panel (including community members from the Bellevue Diversity Advisory Network and Art Commissioner Erica Enamoto) selected Su Hong. The artwork is a framed print with low maintenance costs; the city manager's office has expressed interest in displaying it. The piece would be added to the portable art collection and can be moved to public spaces for special events. Commissioners discussed the accessibility of the piece in a private office, noting that the city manager's office hosts frequent community meetings and the artwork would rotate like other pieces. Support was voiced for the community-oriented selection process and the artwork's relevance to Bellevue's identity.

Performing Art Center Update

• Staff provided an informational update on a planned validation study for a regional performing arts center (1,800–2,400 seats). The study will assess current market demand, review recent studies by partner organizations (Performing Arts Center East Side, now Avenue 106, and the Bellevue Convention Center Authority), and provide a decision framework. The request for proposals (RFP) received eight submissions; a consultant is expected to be selected within the week. The study will not recreate prior work but will validate findings and identify gaps. The arts commission will receive updates and engage through its Cultural Planning Committee (Charles, Sandra, Joydeep) and potentially the Community Partners Committee. The final report is anticipated in early 2027, ahead of the cultural planning process. Questions addressed the history of the Maidenbauer Center (built as part of the convention center) and how this effort differs from previous ones (convention center expansion creating revenue opportunities and potential partnership with the city).

Cultural Facility Grants (2027–2028 Cycle)

• Staff presented recommendations from the allocations committee for the new capital facility grant program (approved in 2024). The cycle covers four years (looking forward two and back two). Applications opened April 14 to June 18, 2026. Total eligible requests: $1.2 million from three eligible applicants (one applicant was ineligible). The recommended total allocation is approximately $1 million. The three recommended projects:
  1. Asian American Performing Arts Theater (Lake Hills) – Expansion for a dance studio; continuation of a previously funded project. Costs have risen due to permitting delays. Recommended funding at about half of their request. (Panel noted room for improvement in application preparation.)
  2. Bellevue College Foundation (KBCS radio station) – Renovation of campus space into a specialized radio studio with community engagement and performance area, adjacent to Carlson Theater and gallery. Recommended full funding.
  3. Theater 33 – Equipment for ADA compliance (lift), lighting, and curtains. Previously funded for build-out and HVAC. Recommended full funding.
• The selection panel included commissioners (including those present) and interviews were conducted with each applicant. Commissioners praised the interview process and suggested better outreach for future cycles.

Commission Quick Business & Project Updates

• Next meeting tentatively set for October 7, 2026 (quorum available).
• Updates on other grant programs (operational support and project grants due October 10), upcoming events, a planned outdoor event feasibility study, and maintenance of public art collection (including signal box wraps). A walking art map concept was discussed; staff noted ongoing work on a digital tool inspired by Issaquah's Bloomberg Philanthropic app.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve the donation of "Raindrops" by Su Hong — Unanimous voice vote (moved by Charles, seconded, approved).
• Motion to approve the allocations committee's 2027-2028 funding recommendations for cultural facility grants — Unanimous voice vote (moved by Erica, seconded, approved). The recommendations will go to City Council on November 17, 2026, for final approval.
• Next meeting date: October 7, 2026 (confirmed).