HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-28 Arts & Commission Meeting PacketAgenda
Arts and Culture Commission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall: Community Room
Thursday, July 28, 2022
4:30 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.Minutes: Arts and Culture Minutes June 23, 2022
V.Special Recognitions And Presentations
A.Edina Asian American Alliance Presentation
VI.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues
or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the
number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items
that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment.
Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board/Commission Members to respond to their
comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for
consideration at a future meeting.
VII.Reports/Recommendations
A.2022 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan Update
B.2023 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan Development
VIII.Chair And Member Comments
IX.Sta/ Comments
A.Upcoming Meetings and Events
X.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public
process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli2cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: July 28, 2022 Agenda Item #: IV.A.
To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor
Item Activity:
Subject:Minutes: Arts and Culture Minutes June 23, 2022 Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve meeting minutes from the June 23, 2022 Arts and Culture Commission meeting.
INTRODUCTION:
Please receive and review the meeting minutes from the June 23, 2022 ACC meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Arts and Culture Minutes June 23, 2022
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Arts and Culture Commission
Edina City Hall Community Room
Thursday, June 23, 2022
I. Call To Order
Chair Sorensen called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Westlund, Rubin, Stemmler, Zbaren and Chair Sorensen.
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Perry Vetter, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Laura Fulton.
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Westlund to approve the June 23, 2022 meeting agenda, seconded by Rubin.
Motion carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Stemmler to approve the May 26, 2022 meeting minutes, seconded by
Zbaren. Motion carried.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
A. 2023 Work Plan Development Discussion
• Staff member MJ Lamon presented to the Commission. Lamon discussed the process the
Commission will take when creating the 2023 Workplan.
• July’s Commission meeting will be a time to brainstorm ideas. Staff member Fulton will
request Commission members email ideas prior to the July meeting so Commission is
able to discuss in July.
B. Edina Community Foundation Presentation
• Edina Community Foundation Director Dick Crockett presented to the Commission.
• Commission discussed utilizing the Edina Community Foundation to assist with Initiative
#2 to establish and accept applications for microgrant process.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. 2022 Work Plan Updates
• Initiative #1: Implement Year 2 of the Public Art Plan: Healing Circles
• Commissioner Stemmler reported on initiative #1. Members of Initiative #1 are
working to get cost estimate from the artist for the project. There may be an
opportunity to work with the school and theater department to procure
equipment and project the circles as well.
• A promotional video is being created thru the City and will be released through
Edina TV. Edina Magazine will publish an article about the event.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
• Initiative #3: As a new art space is pursued, the Commission will provide the community
perspective to the planning process
• Commissioner Westlund presented the draft report to the Commission for
comment. Fulton will collect feedback and a final document will go to Council on
July 19.
• Sorensen and Westlund reported that they met with Mayor Hovlund to discuss
plans for a new art facility.
• Initiative #4: Public Art Poetry in the Parks 2022
• Chair Sorensen mentioned that students will march in Edina’s 4th of July Parade.
Requested staff to procure banners. Vetter mentioned splitting poetry into
phases due to increased cost. Commission agreed.
• Initiative #5: Joint Sponsorship of Performances on the Plaza Summer Concert Series
2022
• Chair Sorensen discussed the upcoming season. Student Commissioner Shen will
perform July 1 at the POP concert.
• Initiative #6: Edina Theater
• Chair Sorensen mentioned that the Edina Theater has begun the process to
restore the marquee.
B. Special Election of Vice Chair
• With the announcement of Rubin’s resignation from the Commission effective August 1,
a special election was held to replace him as Vice-Chair of the Arts and Culture
Commission.
Motion was made by Rubin to elect Westlund to serve as Vice-Chair of the Arts and
Culture Commission, seconded by Stemmler. Motion carried.
VII. Chair And Member Comments • Chair Sorensen invited commissioners to march in the July 4 Parade to support the
Poetry in the Parks initiative
VIII. Staff Comments
• Updated 2022 Meeting dates were presented.
• Staff member Fulton presented upcoming City programming.
IX. Adjournment
Motion was made by Westlund to adjourn the June 26, 2022 meeting of the Arts and Culture
Commission, seconded by Rubin. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Date: July 28, 2022 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor
Item Activity:
Subject:Edina Asian American Alliance Presentation Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
no action required
INTRODUCTION:
The Edina Asian American Alliance will discuss a project they are interested in collaborating on with the Edina
Arts and Culture Commission.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
AAPI Heritage Month Art Installation
AAPI Heritage Month
Art Installation
➢EAAA was formed in April of this year, following the
release of a racist and anti-Asian video at EHS
➢Edina Asian American Alliance (EAAA) is an
intergenerational, grassroots coalition of students,
parents, and community members allied in deep
commitment to our Asian and Asian American youth in
Edina Public Schools (EPS) and the broader Edina
community.
Who We Are
➢A mural, sculpture, or other permanent piece of art
representing the Asian American experience, to be
displayed in Edina
➢Designed by a MN based, Asian American artist
➢Unveiled in May of 2023, in accordance with AAPI
Heritage Month
➢Created in collaboration with at least 3-4 EAAA members
on the commission committee
The Proposal
➢Asians account for 6.5% of Edina residents, behind white
residents (85.6%)
➢An increase in Anti-Asian rhetoric creates an unsafe
environment and community (March 2022 EHS video and
July 2022 anti-Asian slurs on Edina tennis courts)
➢Historically, AAPI Heritage month has gone without
celebration or additional attention by the city
Why the Installation is Important
➢Seek Minnesota-based Asian American artist to advise
and/or create the artwork and establish a budget for the
piece
➢Secure a location in Edina (Centennial Lakes, etc), and
create a work plan committee, with members of the ACC
and EAAA
Next Steps
Date: July 28, 2022 Agenda Item #: VII.A.
To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type:
From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor
Item Activity:
Subject:2022 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan
Update
Discussion, Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
INTRODUCTION:
The Commission will discuss updates to the 2022 Work Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2022 Arts and Culture Work Plan Updated
Approved by City Council December 7, 2021
Commission: Arts and Culture Commission
2022 Annual Work Plan Proposal
Initiative # 1 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event
Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide)
Implement Year 2 of the Public Art Plan: Healing Circles Digital
Public Art Project and digital mapping
Deliverable
Display artwork submissions within public locations
throughout Edina.
Leads
Fram, Stemmler,
Sorensen, Shen (s),
Anand (s)
Target
Completion
Date:
October 3-7,
2022
Progress Q1: ACC has met with Edina Public Schools and established a timeline and project outline. The initiative has been renamed “Healing Circles” by both
parties.
Progress Q2:
Initiative # 2 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event
Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide)
Research and make a recommendation for a microgrant
process for community driven Arts & Culture
Deliverable
Report to City Council.
Leads
Chandler, Amlaw,
Zbaren
Target
Completion
Date
Progress Q1: Compiling research of other programs throughout the metro
Progress Q2:
Initiative #3 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☒ Event
Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide)
As a new art space is pursued, the commission will provide
the community perspective to the planning process.
Deliverable
City staff will continue to provide a role for the
commission on the pursuit of art space.
Leads
Chandler, Westlund,
Amlaw, Zbaren
Target
Completion
Date
Progress Q1: Feedback from initiative leads received in January. Program Study will be discussed at the February 24 ACC meeting. Program summary will then
be discussed at the March 22 City Council Work Session.
Progress Q2:
Initiative # 4 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event
Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide)
Approved by City Council December 7, 2021
Climate Change Public Art in the Parks Deliverable
Climate change messaging at Edina Parks
Leads
Sorensen (lead),
Anand (s), Johnson
Target
Completion
Date:
August 2022
Progress Q1: Representatives from ACC presented project during the EHS Climate Summit. Poetry has been selected; Parks have been selected. Contract is
under negotiation. First sandblast will occur by the end of May at the Edina High School.
Progress Q2:
Initiative # 5 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☒ Event
Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide)
Joint Sponsorship of Performances on the Plaza Summer
Concert Series 2022
Deliverable
Advertise AAC initiatives or table at the concerts.
Leads
Sorensen (lead),
Anand (s), Johnson
Target
Completion
Date
Progress Q1: Two new proposals have been submitted from Musikant and are under review by staff. Tabling options will be available.
Progress Q2:
Initiative # 6 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event
Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide)
Review and comment on art and décor elements &
programming for the Edina Theatre.
Deliverable
Provide feedback on art elements using the Art and
Décor rubric.
Leads
Sorensen, Rubin,
Westlund
Target
Completion
Date
Progress Q1: Theater project has been delayed. ACC has been in contact with owners and will collaborate when opportunities arise.
Progress Q2:
Parking Lot: (These items have been considered by the BC, but not proposed as part of this year’s work plan. If the BC decides they would like to
work on them in the current year, it would need to be approved by Council.)
- Implement microgrant process for community driven Arts & Culture if recommendation is approved by Council.
- Report and advise on procedures to include art and décor elements when opportunities arise in Edina public and commercial projects.
Date: July 28, 2022 Agenda Item #: VII.B.
To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type:
From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor
Item Activity:
Subject:2023 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan
Development
Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action requested
INTRODUCTION:
Continue discussion on the 2023 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Comprehensive Plan for Arts in Edina
2023 Work Plan Template
Commission Work Plan Guide
2023 Work Plan Idea Compilation
14-1
14. Arts and Culture
Chapter Highlights
This chapter looks at: 1) arts, creative expression, and
culture in the City of Edina and 2) the Arts and Culture
Commission’s efforts to tie these to the community in
ways that will enrich residents and visitors and
contribute to a high quality of living. In this sense, arts
and culture are not to be viewed as isolated and
abstract things and events but, instead, elements that
are woven into the fabric of the community and linked
to as many aspects of the community and life as
possible. It is these linkages (some obvious, and
others not so obvious) that will contribute to a
community where arts and culture are always visible
and in the consciousnesses of observers.
This chapter discusses:
• Historical contexts and inventory of the City’s
arts and cultural events
• Direct benefits of arts and culture to a City’s
image and livability
• The future vision for arts and culture
• The City’s venues for artistic expression
• Trends and challenges
• Goals and objectives
Six goals developed for this chapter are summarized
below. Together, with policies developed for this
chapter, the six goals will serve to inform the
development of the Arts and Culture Commission’s
annual work plans for the next ten years.
Goal 1: Distribute and promote arts and culture
across all of Edina to provide opportunities for people
to come together in the creation and celebration of art
and culture, building inclusive communities.
Goal 2: Leverage the Edina Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) to form strong and enduring collaborative
partnerships between the ACC and other Edina commissions and associations to incorporate arts and culture
into planning and implementation processes.
Goal 3: Improve and maintain dedicated spaces and venues for arts and culture; activate each with dynamic
programming that includes a broad array of art forms and expressions accessible to all.
Goal 4: Expand and continue to drive awareness of and participation in Edina’s Public Art program and art
collection..
Vision and Challenges
Vision – Edina will be a community where:
• Everyday life is integrated with art,
culture, expression, and creativity.
• Community growth is coupled with arts
and culture.
• The number of people who appreciate,
engage with and create art is increased.
• Arts and culture are accessible and
inclusive of all members of the
community.
• High value is demonstrated on arts and
culture.
• As a “creative city,” arts and culture
positively impact livability, diversity,
inclusion, and economic development.
Challenges:
• Demographic changes within the
community.
• Capture opportunities to integrate life-
long learning and appreciation of the arts.
• Demand for arts and culture experiences
has currently out-paced the supply.
• Need for a new Edina Art Center to
accommodate the City’s growing demand
for artistic and cultural activities.
• Resistance to change.
• Funding availability.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-2
Goal 5: Establish a formal role for artists and other creative thinkers to participate in forward-looking plans
for Edina.
Goal 6: Research, decide on, and implement the necessary funding and governance plans for supporting arts
and culture in Edina.
Introduction
The City of Edina is well-known for excellence in quality of life, education, and parks and recreational
facilities. In Edina and similar communities, there is a growing expectation that arts, culture, and creative
expression are equally important to a vibrant and strong community. As highly-valued aspects of everyday
life, arts and culture make substantial contributions to livability, the local economy, and cultural industry
competitiveness. Toward these ends, the Edina Comprehensive Plan 2018 includes - for the first time - a
stated commitment to arts and culture as part of the essential objectives for the City of Edina.
As Edina moves into the next ten years, facing myriad changes in demographics and shifts in economic
realities, the community can build cohesion and resilience based in part on the positive impact of arts and
culture
The highest-priority objectives for arts and culture are:
1. Incorporate arts and culture across all of Edina to provide opportunities for people to
come together, share experiences, and build an inclusive and cohesive community.
2. Improve and maintain dedicated spaces and venues for arts and culture; activate each with
dynamic programming that includes a broad array of art forms and expressions that are
accessible to all.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
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3. Incorporate arts and culture into Edina’s planning and implementation processes through
strong collaborative partnerships.
The City of Edina, during the life of this Comprehensive Plan, stands to benefit immensely from an
intentional and deliberate approach to weave arts and culture into the very fabric of the community;
and thus, engage as many people as possible and help the City reach its overall strategic goals.
Current Conditions: Historic Contexts and Inventory
The City of Edina’s vision statement (Vision Edina, 2015) describes the community as a “… preeminent
place for living, learning, raising families, and doing business.” It also speaks to a “livable environment” as a
distinguishing hallmark not only for our residents but also for those who work here and those who choose
Edina as an entertainment destination. https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1629/Strategic-
Vision-and-Framework-PDF?bidId=
During the past 10 years covered by the most-recent comprehensive plan (2008- 2018), the City of
Edina has moved well beyond its basic role of providing residential neighborhoods with high quality and
effective urban services. In fact, Edina has steered toward innovative growth enabling the development
of:
• Commercial areas that offer more dining options
• New entertainment venues and unique shopping zones
• Places to relax, exercise, and enjoy our best-in-class lifestyle, including excellent parks, trails and green
spaces
Moving into the next decade, Edina is poised to build on these accomplishments while at the same time
continuing to increase the quality of its livable environment. One of the most-impactful ways to do this is to
weave arts and culture into the fabric of the community.
Interestingly, it’s getting more difficult to define “arts and culture” as we move into the 21st Century. The
national strategy firm LaPlaca Cohen conducts an ongoing longitudinal study called Culture Track, which is
a national survey of people’s attitudes, motivators, and barriers to taking part in cultural experiences. Over
time, respondents have demonstrated a vastly expanded definition of culture, which now includes not only
traditional art forms, (e.g., opera, symphony concerts, ballet, and art museums) but also street fairs, food
trucks, culinary arts, and popular music festivals. Audiences now describe culture as any activity that “ …
questions what you already know; brings people who may not think they have much in common together;
and broadens horizons, understanding of life situations and helps me learn about other peoples in the
world.”
When discussing the value of arts and culture, at both a community-level and to wider society, people
typically begin with its intrinsic value: how arts and culture illuminate our inner lives and enrich our
emotional world. In addition, it is understood that arts and culture have a wider impact on our economy,
education, health and well- being, and community-building. In fact, arts and culture are valuable strategic
resources, and Edina has an opportunity to apply those resources in exciting and effective ways.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-4
In the white paper titled “Creative Placemaking,” commissioned by The Mayors’ Institute on City Design,
co-authors Markuson and Gadwa report on the results of extensive research on placemaking that is led by
arts and culture. Their findings are outlined below:
• Cities and neighborhoods no longer compete for major infrastructure commitments nor aspire to
move up an urban hierarchy of look-alikes. Instead, they look beyond physical alterations and pay
more attention to the animation of places with cultural and economic activity.
• Significant arts and cultural investments revitalize local economies, create and provide jobs,
nurture local businesses, and stabilize neighborhoods.
• Arts-anchored revitalization encourages families and companies—even those without ties to the
arts—to commit to place and to participate actively in remaking where they live and work.
• Local arts offerings—public art, murals, art parades, art fairs and crawls, museums, performances,
and open studio nights—offer people an opportunity to enjoy and participate.
• Federal research shows arts and cultural participants are more likely to be civically engaged in
their communities than non-participants, even after controlling for other factors (2006, National
Endowment for the Arts).
• A culture-based initiative is best when it is appropriate to local circumstances, not simply a replica
of what other cities and towns are doing. The best projects nurture distinctive qualities and
resources that already exist in a community and can serve community members while also
drawing in visitors and new businesses.
The role of arts and culture in this broad context is to increase the value of living in, working in, and
exploring Edina, from the perspective of personal and communal experiences, as well as economic impact.
By taking an informed and strategic approach to incorporating arts and culture even more deeply into the
community, Edina has an opportunity to build upon its strengths and achieve its aspirational vision.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
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Arts and Culture in the Comprehensive Plan
There are two significant reasons for incorporating arts and culture into the City of Edina’s 2018
comprehensive plan: direct benefits to the community and positive economic impact.
Arts and Culture Offer Direct Benefits to a Community
Research has demonstrated many benefits to a community and its citizens when the arts and art centers
are present and readily accessible. Arts and culture can:
• Build community identity, pride, and status
• Activate a vibrant community, where people of all ages are connected to one another
• Increase the sense of welcoming, promote neighborhood cultural diversity, and create inclusive
communities
• Improve people’s sense of belonging to a community
• Bring people together who might not otherwise come into contact with each other, increasing
empathy and tolerance of others, and building social networks
• Increase livability, which attracts people (especially visitors and highly-skilled workers)
• Reduce stress, improve happiness, increase physical health
• Attract businesses and increase economic investment
Source: Joshua Guetzkow, How the Arts Impact Communities, 2002, Princeton University Center for Arts
and Cultural Policy Studies.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-6
Arts and Culture Drive Positive Economic Impact
Arts and culture have been shown to contribute to the economic vitality of a community. Studies have
shown the positive impact that a strong portfolio of arts-related activities and destinations has on other
businesses, including retail, hospitality and services. For example:
• In a 2015 study completed by the Washington, DC organization Americans for the Arts, data
demonstrated that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is “... a substantial industry in the State
of Minnesota generating $1.2 billion in total economic impact annually.”
• Creative MN has reported that the total economic impact of arts and culture on the City of
Minneapolis alone totals $541 million, a number which includes both direct expenditures by arts
organizations along with spending by audiences.
• When a community attracts cultural tourists, it harnesses significant economic rewards.
Researchers from Americans for the Arts estimate that 85.6 percent of the City of Minneapolis’ 7.8
million nonprofit arts attendees were residents of the Seven-County Twin Cities Metro Area, with 14.4
percent were non-residents. Non-resident attendees spend an average of 52 percent more per person
than local attendees ($39.16 vs. $25.82) as a result of their attendance to cultural events. As would be
expected from a traveler, higher spending was typically found in the categories of lodging, meals, and
transportation.
The data indicate that a vibrant arts community not only keeps residents and their discretionary
spending close to home, it also provides jobs and attracts visitors who spend money and help local
businesses thrive.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
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Vision for Arts and Culture in Edina
In taking the long view, the opportunity to deeply embed arts and culture into the Edina community
inspires a vision of the future, so that in ten years’ time:
Edina will be known as a community that embraces arts and culture, weaving it into all aspects of daily life.
• The experience of living in Edina will be integrated with art, culture, expression, and creativity.
• As it applies within the community, Edina will have expanded upon the meaning and impact of
arts and culture.
• Edina will have significantly increased the number of people who appreciate, engage with, and
create arts and culture.
• Arts and culture in Edina will be accessible accessible and inclusive of all members of the
community, playing an important role in building bridges to create stronger, more
collaborative, and diverse communities.
• Edina will demonstrate that it places a high value on arts and culture through prioritization and
provision of sustainable funding streams.
• Edina will be seen as a “creative city,” where arts and culture positively impact livability,
diversity, inclusion, and economic development. In addition, arts and culture will contribute to
increased safety, aesthetics, expressiveness, and environmental stewardship, all to the benefit
of the people who live, work, and visit.
Edina has a strong history of arts and cultural activities that represent a wide array of experiences,
including:
• Edina Art Center
• Public Art Edina
• The annual Edina Art Fair
• The John Philip Sousa Memorial Band concerts
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-8
• The annual Edina Fall into the Arts Festival
• The Edina Historic Museum in Arneson Acres Park
• Edina Reads program
• Edina High School plays and concerts (such as the annual Pops concert)
• Morningside After Dark poetry and music events
• The Edina Theater
• Centennial Lakes Park summer concerts
• Edina Student Art Show at the Edina Library
• The Edina High School Teen Art Salon at the Edina Art Center
• Edina’s collection of award-winning artworks
Other arts and cultural activities in Edina contribute more subtly, such as: requirements for design
elements in new buildings, the historic preservation of the Edina Country Club District, and city-wide
signage. Our parks, trails and green spaces also contribute to the beauty and artistic impact the City offers.
As a community, we recognize the need to create visual appeal throughout our City’s tangible assets and
enliven our public spaces with performances, art installations, and participatory activities for all ages and
abilities.
Dedicated Venues and Spaces
The City of Edina is fortunate to have several venues that currently offer opportunities to experience and
participate in arts and culture activities, including: The Edina Promenade, Centennial Lakes Park, Edina Art
Center, Braemar Park, and the 50th and France Business District. Moving forward, Edina will benefit from
further development and activation at each of these venues as designated and recognized centers of art and
culture activities. Edina can also explore the potential of identifying and creating additional venues for arts
and culture, particularly alongside real estate development initiatives. In this way, Edina can increase the
visibility and participation rate in arts and culture activities by utilizing and re-purposing the significant amount
of public and park space already at our disposal.
The Edina Art Center
Perhaps most-recognizable among the venues dedicated to arts and culture in our community is the Edina
Art Center (EAC). The EAC opened in 1976 with classrooms, studios and two small display galleries. The
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-9
EAC is open 52 weeks per year. It currently serves 2,800 people annually with over 230 different class
offerings, more than a dozen exhibitions, and nearly 100 different summer camps for children. In addition,
27 events are programmed by the EAC that are held outside the facility draw an estimated 33,000
additional participants per year.
The EAC is one of six enterprise facilities owned and operated by the City of Edina within the Parks and
Recreation Department, along with the Braemar Golf Course and Dome, Edinborough Park and Aquatic
Center, Braemar Ice Arena, Centennial Lakes Park, and the Senior Center. The EAC is considered to be
an ‘arts affiliate’, owned by the City of Edina - a municipality that operates under the Plan B form of
government. As such, the EAC has benefitted from years of stable financial support and has not had to
carry the overhead costs and intensive work effort of independent fund-raising activities. At present, the
EAC is not proposing any changes to this arrangement (i.e., no shift to another governance model, such as
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) without first conducting extensive research and planning.
For the last 40+ years, the Edina Art Center has served people of all ages and abilities with exhibitions and
classes in the fine arts, including pottery and clay sculpture, watercolor, drawing, painting, jewelry,
photography, printmaking, and classes for youth. The EAC has an outstanding reputation for arts-making
experiences, with the pottery and ceramics classes considered especially top-notch and popular. Available
classes and camps are typically sold out rapidly, often with a waiting list of eager prospective participants.
Edina Art Center at 4701 W 64th St, Edina, MN 55435
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-10
Three separate, independent studies conducted within the past six years all concluded that an improved
EAC is vital to the City of Edina:
• 2012 Sutton Report found that the Edina Art Center was a cherished community asset but had
challenges to remain competitive in the market, including building design and size, ADA
compliance issues, circulation, and location. Two outcomes of the Sutton Report were the
formation of the Arts and Culture Commission and the hiring of a full-time Edina Art Center
director.
• 2014 Schuler Shook analysis of physical space found that the Edina Art Center lacked sufficient size
to meet its needs or allow for growth.
• 2016 Grandview Task Force proposed to build a community center on the 3.3 acre Grandview
site. That project featured a new and larger art center, along with a senior center, recreation
spaces and underground parking. While the final proposed cost was significant, the proposal
clearly indicated the viability and potential of a new art center.
The current Edina Art Center is facing several challenges, all related to the limitations of the existing facility.
1. The EAC sits within a building that was originally designed as a residential dwelling. Through
the years, the EAC has been modified to the extent possible in order to provide the space and
facilities required for a functioning art center. Additional modifications are neither prudent
financially nor feasible structurally.
2. The size of the facility is small and inflexible. As a result, the class and studio offerings are
neither able to meet current demand nor adapt to future growth.
3. The facility is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with physical
disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, cannot fully navigate the space.
4. The location is secluded, not on or near public transit routes, and can be difficult to find. The
surrounding area has very little foot traffic, and no nearby businesses or amenities.
5. Supply of available classes and camps - limited by the constraints listed above - is unable to
meet demand, which decreases potential earned revenue.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-11
More than 2,800 participants use the EAC facilities each year; approximately 65 percent of whom reside
outside of Edina. By developing a new EAC, there is an opportunity to grow the number and percentage of
Edina residents taking part. With just under 1,000 Edina residents actively using the EAC each year, it
currently attracts less than 2 percent of the community. Increasing that percentage is an achievable goal for
a new, improved, and more accessible EAC with a greater number of offerings.
Art and Artists in Edina
The City of Edina owns a collection of original
works of art, referred to as the Public Art
Edina Permanent Collection. The collection
originated in the early 1990s as part of the
activities of the Edina Public Art Committee
(now called Public Art Edina). With assistance
from the Edina Community Foundation and
oversight provided by the Edina Arts and
Culture Commission, works of art are
submitted for review and approval by the
Edina City Council for acceptance in the
Collection.
The Public Art Edina Permanent Collection includes a variety of objects, including: stained glass (2 story
window at Edina City Hall), sculpture (glass, steel, bronze, rock, marble and limestone, Black Belgian
marble, ceramic), photographs, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, and oil paintings. The Collection is
displayed throughout Edina: City Hall, Edina Senior Center, Edina Art Center, Hennepin County Library
Edina Branch, Edina Promenade, Centennial Lakes Park, 50th & France Business District, Grandview
Square Park, and Southview Middle School gymnasium.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-12
There are currently 40 works of art in the Public Art Edina Permanent Collection. The Collection is
documented at the Edina Art Center (in a binder of information about each work of art in the collection)
and information shared with the public on the Edina Art Center portion of the City of Edina website.
Future use of this valuable collection will provide for greater exposure and appreciation across Edina.
Adding works of art to areas of high traffic in commercial zones can enhance the feel and ambience of
these locations.
The City of Edina is rich with artistic talent and home to many strong supporters of arts and culture.
There are a number of practicing visual artists, musicians, actors and directors, and writers, several of
whom have been nationally recognized and award- winning, who reside in Edina. Deeper relationships
between these artists and the community can be developed with a program of frequent and welcoming
events that connect these individuals with Edina residents.
Edina benefits when arts and culture are incorporated into daily life. As part of demonstrating shared
values across the community, the City of Edina - in collaboration with artists and other creative thinkers -
can develop a set of recommendations as part of the planning process that include spaces and
opportunities to display works of art, venues for performances, and other dedicated community spaces
where residents and visitors can share experiences of arts and culture that enhance Edina’s quality of life.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
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Arts and Culture Commission
The Edina Arts and Culture Commission was established in May 2013 to help build a vibrant community
through art and culture, as the Edina City Council finds that the encouragement and enhancement of the
arts in Edina is vital to the social and cultural well-being of the City and its residents. The Edina Arts and
Culture Commission is, by City Ordinance, a formalized independent advisory board of the Edina City
Council.
Along with the Edina Art Center staff, this working Commission guides and supports general
development of artistic initiatives in the City of Edina, including the Edina Art Center. The Commission
provides recommendations to the City Council concerning collaboration, communication, facilities,
activities and programs in arts and cultural activities.
The Edina Arts and Culture Commission works in close collaboration with the City of Edina Government
and all other City Commissions to incorporate the perspective and advantages of arts and culture across
Edina, using the conceptual framework of “How can we help?”
a. Help make Edina an outstanding community in every respect.
b. Help sustain excellent quality of life.
c. Help drive economic impact.
d. Help the community adapt to changes over time.
e. Help teach tolerance and empathy through cultural exchange and exposure.
f. Help other Edina Commissions complete their assigned tasks, from the perspectives of creative
placemaking and community-building.
g. Help ensure that any culture-based efforts in Edina are matched to the community’s distinctive
qualities and resources.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-14
Summary of Current Conditions
Edina has an opportunity to build on its history of dedicating venues and sponsoring highly-regarded
annual activities that provide arts and cultural experiences to thousands of people. Research has
demonstrated that these resources and activities provide direct benefits to a community and offer lasting,
positive economic impact. A community with vibrant arts and culture keeps residents and their
discretionary spending close to home and also provides jobs and attracts visitors who spend money and
help local businesses thrive. In addition, the City of Edina is rich with artistic talent and home to many
strong supporters of the arts. By taking a coordinated, strategic approach to arts and culture over the
next ten years, Edina will continue to utilize existing resources and also develop additional, improved
venues and initiatives that will serve to embed arts and culture even more deeply into the community.
This will increase the value of living in, working in, and visiting Edina.
Edina: A Community of Learning. Edina has a prized education system of high-quality
public schools. The Arts and Culture chapter of the Comprehensive Plan recognizes the importance of
extending the benefits of education to the entire community, recognizing that art and culture can be
vehicles for expanding awareness, increasing exposure, and instilling values.
Collaborating with Edina public schools and Edina’s various municipal departments, the Arts and
Culture Commission could: involve students and their parents in programs to:
• Create and install visual art in parks, along City streets (consistent with the Living Streets
Policy), and in commercial nodes.
• Develop directional signage for installation along recreational trails
• Recognize and honor the contributions of individuals who founded and built the City.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-15
Trends and Challenges
Arts and culture occur within the context of time and place. That context includes a number of relevant
trends and challenges that Edina will be facing in the coming years. Each can point the way toward
opportunities for the arts to contribute meaningfully and productively to the community.
Trends
There are numbers of current and near-horizon trends that will have an impact on the way arts and
culture are incorporated into daily life in Edina. Chief among these are:
1. Demographic changes:
• Trends for Minnesota and Edina point to increased diversity and population density.
• As population diversity increases, Edina will face issues of inclusion, equity, and accessibility
around characteristics such as race, socioeconomic class, culture, and creed.
• Aging, especially aging in place, is a demographic trend that will particularly affect Edina.
Ensuring accessibility for all is key.
• Opportunities: Plan arts and culture initiatives that are inclusive of all ages, abilities and
backgrounds. See Goals 1, 3, and 5 below.
2. Interest in lifelong learning continues to grow, with people seeking experiences that inform
and inspire:
• Opportunities: Increase offerings for Edina residents to participate in classes and other
events that combine arts and culture with learning and education for all ages and
abilities. See Goals 1 and 3 below.
3. The definition of “culture” is evolving rapidly and now includes a range of experiences
and activities that involve events at which people gather and interact, in what has been
termed a “meeting of like-minded strangers”.
• Art as activism is increasingly apparent, with artists responding to current events
and community changes.
• Opportunities: Leverage arts and culture initiatives to bring Edina citizens together
as a community. See Goals 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.
4. Technology and social media continue to change rapidly; we can know more and find it
fast, but we can also become isolated and be susceptible to phenomena like fake news or
scams.
• There is also a push back against technology, which recognizes the value of face-to-
face contact (examples include local meet up groups or the maker culture).
• Opportunities: Utilize technology to inform and invite participation in arts and culture
activities. See Goal 1 below.
• It is important to take note of trends that may be specific to the Edina community
5. Shifting demographics and politics - Edina is becoming more heterogeneous, with more points
of view which can differ significantly on some pertinent issues.
6. Commercial development and changes are taking place and/or are planned for areas such as
Southdale, 50th and France, Grandview, and Pentagon Park.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-16
7. Opportunities: Use arts and culture activities and perspectives to support a resilient and
cohesive community in Edina. See Goals 1 through 5 below.
Challenges
A number of current and near-horizon challenges will have an impact on the way that arts and culture are
incorporated into daily life in Edina. Chief among these include:
1. The demand for arts and culture experiences is currently out-paced the supply.
• There is an established need for a new Edina Art Center. There is a strong opportunity
to increase both the overall customer base and the percentage of Edina residents taking
part in the offerings of the Edina Art Center.
• Opportunities: Provide additional arts and culture experiences for citizens and visitors
of Edina. See Goals 3 and 6 below.
2. There will be a number of changes to the city, including real estate development
• There can be tension between property development and maintaining historic
continuity. This will have an impact on potential location of a new art center
• Resistance to change is common in most communities, including Edina. That requires a
thoughtful, creative, and community-engaged planning process. As population density
increases, there is a need for an intentional approach to design that allows for necessary
change, but respects history and local neighborhood identity.
• Development plans for the Southdale area are likely to lead to numerous changes to
that part of Edina.
• There are risks in the local retail sector: reduction in bricks-and- mortar retail stores,
likely increases in experiential customer focus, more restaurants and entertainment
venues.
• Opportunities: Incorporate arts and culture perspectives to engage the community, add
creativity, and augment decision-making. See Goals 2, 5, and 6 below.
3. Funding and organizational structures for arts and culture can be improved
• Funding for arts and culture remains a challenge. It is important for arts and culture
efforts in Edina to take a strategic and planned approach to fund-raising and sustainable
funding models. There are opportunities in Minnesota, such as the Legacy Amendment
Funding1, that might be tapped.
• Opportunities: Establish sustained funding models for arts and culture in Edina. See Goal 6
below.
4. Transportation undergoing a number of significant changes
• The next ten years is likely to see an increase in hybrid and electric cars, light rail lines and
services, and the implementation of assisted and/or autonomous vehicles.
1 In 2008, Minnesota passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the State Constitution. This
Amendment increased state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent, from July 1, 2009 through 2034. A portion of
the revenue (19.75%) is dedicated to The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund which is used to support arts, arts
education and arts access, and to preserve Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.
Based on current sales tax revenue, Minnesotans will invest more than $1.2 billion in arts and cultural heritage fund
projects and programs over the 25-year life span of the tax.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-17
• Edina is also anticipating an increase in walking and bicycling.
• Opportunities: Incorporate a creative placemaking perspective to enable Edina to embrace
change over time. See Goals 2, 4 and 5 below.
Summary of Trends and Challenges
Edina is changing, along with the rest of the region and the country. As demographics shift and the
community evolves, Edina is becoming more heterogeneous, and the investment in efforts that are inclusive
and accessible will provide value. While change can be hard for any community, this can be eased when
leaders are aware of the trends and challenges, so that they can anticipate and plan for the impact they will
have on the city. Arts and culture initiatives can help enable Edina to take advantage of opportunities and
therefore support the city’s overall strategic goals. Those opportunities are reflecting in the Goals and
Policies listed below.
Goals and Policies
As Edina looks forward into the next ten years, there are six major goals for arts and culture that
consider the Trends and Challenges listed above along with the unique needs and resources of Edina.
The City of Edina, through its Arts and Culture Commission, prepares annual work plans that define how
goals will be implemented. The first step in this process is the development of policies that will lead to a list
of tactics or implementation steps. The tactics for arts and culture (presented below) are paired with the
goals and policy statements.
Recognizing that ten years is a long timeframe, the following tactics are listed with an understanding that
they may shift and evolve over time and in response to changing conditions or unforeseen
circumstances.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-18
Goal 1: Distribute and promote arts and culture across all of Edina to provide opportunities for
people to come together in the creation and celebration of art and culture, building inclusive
communities.
Policy 1: The City will continue to support and promote arts and culture activities and programs
across Edina.
Goal 2: Leverage the Edina Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) to form strong and enduring
collaborative partnerships between the ACC and other Edina commissions and associations to
incorporate arts and culture into planning and implementation processes.
Policy: The City will incorporate arts and culture into planning and implementation processes by
supporting collaborative partnerships between the ACC and other Edina commissions and associations.
Goal 3: Improve and maintain dedicated spaces and venues for arts and culture; activate each with
dynamic programming that includes a broad array of art forms and expressions accessible to all.
Policy: The City will continue to support dedicated venues for arts and culture, and actively support the
construction of a new Edina Art Center.
Goal 4: Expand and continue to drive awareness of and participation in Edina’s Public Art
program and art collection.
Policy: The City will continue to support the Edina Public Art program and art collection,
including ongoing financial support.
Goal 5: Establish a formal role for artists and other creative thinkers to participate
in forward-looking plans for Edina.
Policy: The City will actively seek and include the perspective of arts and culture to contribute to
decision-making and policy-setting in Edina.
Goal 6: Research, decide on, and implement the necessary funding and governance
plans for supporting arts and culture in Edina.
Policy: The City will work closely with the ACC to plan for sustainable financial support of arts
and culture across Edina.
Edina Comprehensive Plan
14. Arts and Culture Chapter – Approved 08-18-20
14-19
Taken together, these goals and policies will serve to inform the development of the Arts and Culture
Commission’s annual work plans for the next ten years and will enrich community life in Edina, drawing
participation from residents and non-residents alike. The result of this is to reinforce the positive image
of Edina as a preeminent place to live, work, and visit.
The inclusion of a chapter dedicated to arts and culture as part of the 2018 City of Edina Comprehensive
Plan is a powerful statement that recognizes the importance of arts, culture, and creative expression - which
are as valuable to a vibrant and strong community as are quality of life, education, parks and recreational
facilities. By incorporating strategies and objectives for arts and culture that are thoughtfully woven into the
fabric of Edina, the plan increases the benefits to residents and visitors, and works in support of achieving
the inspirational vision for the city as a “… preeminent place for living, learning, raising families and doing
business”.
Template Updated 2021.06.08
Commission: Choose an item.
2023 Annual Work Plan Proposal
Initiative # Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event
Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide)
Initiative Title Deliverable Leads Target
Completion Date Sub-Committee or
Working Group
Budget Required: (Completed by staff) Are there funds available for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this
initiative.
Staff Support Required (Completed by staff): How many hours of support by the staff liaison? Communications / marketing support?
Liaison Comments:
City Manager Comments:
Progress Q1:
Progress Q2:
Progress Q3:
Progress Q4:
Parking Lot: (These items have been considered by the BC, but not proposed as part of this year’s work plan. If the BC decides they would like to
work on them in the current year, it would need to be approved by Council.)
Commission Work Plan Guide 1 | Page
CONTENTS UPDATED 2022.06.03
City-wide Work Plan Process ..................................................................................................................................................2
Before You Start ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Annual Calendar ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Roles................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Work Plan Development ...........................................................................................................................................................4
Steps to Work Plan Development ............................................................................................................ 4
Council Charges ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Work Plan Template .................................................................................................................................... 5
Work Plan Template Field Descriptions ................................................................................................. 6
Completing Work Plan Items ...................................................................................................................................................7
Sub-committees and Working Groups .................................................................................................... 7
Communicating to Council ......................................................................................................................... 9
Commission Work Plan Guide 2 | Page
CITY-WIDE WORK PLAN PROCESS
At the same time Commissions are developing their work plans, the city is developing the Budget work plan
and department work plans. Commission work plans are one piece of the larger puzzle.
Before You Start
Commission work plans are advisory up. Council does not dictate
every work plan items. They are interested in hearing what the
Commission members feel is important to dedicate time to and
they approve the final plan. There may be overarching strategic
plans or implementation plans informing commission work plan
initiatives. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure work plan items
are not in direct conflict with department work plans, budget
work plan or strategic policies. At times, Council may direct staff
to amend a work plan whether it is adding a new item, deleting an
item, or altering a work plan item.
Council Approval
Staff Review
Commission Ideas / Initiatives
Commission Work Plan Guide 3 | Page
Work Plan Development Generally:
• Commission work plans are developed by the Commission, not the staff liaison.
• There should be a commissioner willing to “lead” the initiative if it is being proposed.
• Work plan initiatives should not include City Department work plan initiatives. (while there may be
overlap, it should be clear what the Commission’s role is)
• List initiatives in order of priority (#1 is highest priority).
• Commissions should be careful not to overload their work plan but pursue an achievable number of
initiatives.
• “Parking Lot” is reserved for initiatives the Commission considered but did not propose as part of
the work plan. These items are not considered approved and would require a work plan amendment
approved by Council to allow the Commission to begin work.
Annual Calendar
Annual work plans ensure that the Commissions’ initiatives are aligned with the City Council’s priorities.
Approving work plans is a three-part process. Work plans development starts in the summer months and
ends in December.
Important Dates for 2022:
September 23 – Work plans due
October 6 – Chair present work plans to Council
November 1 – Staff presents recommendations to Council
December 6 – City Council approves work plans
*These dates change every year
Commissions develop proposed work plans with liaison advice and feedback
June–Aug.
Commission approves
proposed work plan
September
Chairs present proposed work plans to Council
October
Staff present recommendations to Council
November
Council approves work plans
December
Annual Work Plan
Begins
January
Commission Work Plan Guide 4 | Page
Roles
1 Chair
• Ensure work plan template is complete
• Present proposed work plan to Council
• Facilitate the development of the work plan
2 Commission
Members
• Sign up as a lead(s) for sub-group work
• Propose work plan initiatives to be added to the work plan
3 Staff Liaison
• Attend Council meetings when work plans are being proposed
• Communicate final approved work plan and supporting documentation to
Commission
• Provide input on proposed work plan initiatives throughout the entire
process
• Provide liaison comments on the work plan for staff and council review
4 Council
• Assign a Council Charge
• Approve work plans
• Review proposed work plans
• Provide feedback
WORK PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Work plans are vital for guiding the work of each commission on an annual basis. The work plans enhance
city services/opportunities and at times assist in completing citywide strategies. Work Plan Development
takes place during the months of June, July and August.
Steps to Work Plan Development
Brainstorm
Collect Ideas
What do you want to work on?
June
Review brainstorm list
Reduce list
How much work capacity do you have?
July
Determine the priorities
Who is leading?
August
Approve work plan
Are all the fields completed?
September
Commission Work Plan Guide 5 | Page
Council Charges
Council provides guidance on complete the work by assigning council charges. Before starting your work plan
development take some time to understand what the charges mean.
• The Council Charge is a guide for Council to provide clear and specific direction to Boards and
Commissions on.
• Council Charge is given in instances when Council tasks a board or commission with an initiative.
• City staff ensures Council identifies the charge level of the task.
• The Council Charge concept is implemented in Board and Commission work plans.
Charge 1: Study &
Report
2: Review &
Comment
3: Review &
Recommend
4: Review &
Decide
Commission
Role
Study a specific issue
or event and report its findings to Council
Review a specific policy issue and staff
will seek comments
from each individual
member of the group
to pass on to Council
Review a specific
policy issue and
provide a recommendation on
the issue to Council
Study, review and
decide on an issue. The Decision will be
the City’s official
position on the matter
unless the issue is
formally reversed by
Council
Commission
Vote
No vote is taken by
the commission
No vote is taken by
the commission
A majority vote is
required
A majority vote is
required
Commission
Recommendation
No official recommendation is
provided to Council
No official recommendation is
provided to Council
An official recommendation is
provided to Council
No official recommendation is
provided to Council
Report
Type
Required: Advisory
Communication &
Staff Report
Required: Staff Report
Required: Staff Report
Optional: Advisory
Communication
None
Work Plan Template
Each commission uses a work plan template. The screen shot of the template is below. The fields in white
must be filled out by the commission. The fields in green will be completed by your staff liaison and other
City staff who participate in the work plan review process.
Commission Work Plan Guide 6 | Page
Work Plan Template Field Descriptions
Initiative Type
• Project
This is a new or continued initiative
• Ongoing / Annual
This is an initiative that the commission has on their work plan every year
• Event
These are events or awards coordinated by the commission (not City staff)
Council Charge
• Study and Report
• Review and Comment
• Review and Recommend
• Review and Decide
Initiative Title
The title should describe the project the commission wants to work on. Describe what the commission will
do. If you lead with a council charge, this helps understand the commissions desire for the depth of working
on an initiative.
Examples:
• Review and recommend a building energy benchmarking policy.
• Study and report on possible city actions to reduce access and usage of vaping for youth.
Deliverable
Provide detail on what will be the outcome or final product of the project.
Commission Work Plan Guide 7 | Page
Leads
Each initiative will be completed via a sub-committee or working group. Every initiative should have
commissioner(s) assigned to it for completion. ALL should be avoided.
Target Completion Date
What month or quarter does the commission hope to complete the initiative.
Budget Required
Will the commission need funds for this initiative? Are there funds available? Per state statute commissions
does not have the approval to spend city funds. When a commission approves an amount to support a
commission, this recommendation is passed to City staff for further investigation and approval.
Staff Support Required
How much staff resources will be needed to complete the initiative? This section includes liaison, additional staff and communications support. If the initiative will require a communications/marketing components add it
here.
Liaison Comments
This is the liaison’s response to the initiative. Liaisons are asked to provide the commission guidance during
the entire process of work plan development. For staff review they are also asked to provide and
recommended changes in this section.
City Manager Comments
This is the City Manager’s response to the initiative.
Progress Report
This section is completed prior to the joint work session with Council. The audience for this update is
Council.
COMPLETING WORK PLAN ITEMS
Work plan items are completed by the commission. Work plan items usually include the entire commission
in final approval; however, the bulk of the work is done outside of regularly scheduled meetings by smaller
groups of commissioners.
Sub-committees and Working Groups
Local governments often use a variety of advisory groups, including Boards and Commissions, to complete
the mission of the city. Commissions also may create sub-committees and working groups to assist them
with their work plan, however, sub-committees and working groups work at the direction of the
whole commission.
Role of these groups:
• Study issues in greater depth and report findings
• Assist with community initiatives or events
Commission Work Plan Guide 8 | Page
COMMITTEES
Membership
• The commission selects at least two, but
less than a quorum of members
• All members must be members of the
commission
• The commission selects a chair or co-chairs
• Not subject to Open Meeting Law
Guidelines:
• Committees are established with the approval of the
commission to assist with a work plan initiative
• The commission has final recommendations on all
matters which the committee has been given
guidance
• Staff does not provide support to committees
• Meetings of Committees are not public meetings
WORKING GROUPS
Membership
• A Working Group is comprised of one or
more members of the
Board/Commission, but less than a
quorum of members and includes
members of the public.
• Commission selects the chair or co-chairs
• The chair will recommend to the commission other working group
members who are outside of the
Board/Commission. The
board/commission appoints additional
working group members.
• Not subject to Open Meeting Law
Guidelines:
• Established with the approval of the commission
• Created when work requires more support
• Set timeline
• Notice is given to the public of the formation of the
working group providing a minimum of 14 days for
the public to express interest before members are
selected
• Commission has final recommendations on all
matters of the working group
• Staff liaison does not support working groups
• Meetings of working groups are not legally required
to be public
Board/Commission
Committee Commission Members only
Working Group
Commission Members
Public Members
Commission Work Plan Guide 9 | Page
Communicating to Council
When presenting recommendations to City Council it is essential that Board and Commission members keep
the following in mind:
• Recommendations should be in written form.
• Ideas should be expressed in clear and concise language.
• Proposed solutions should be viable and cost-effective.
• Recommendations should identify reasons for the changes suggested.
• Advice should reflect the views of a consensus or a majority of Board and Commission members.
Role of Staff Liaison. One of the primary roles of the Staff Liaison is to assist in delivering information from the
City Council to, and vice versa. It is the responsibility of the Staff Liaison to communicate the guidance of their Board
and Commission completely and impartially.
Communication Tools. Boards and Commissions have five primary tools for communication with the City
Council. Since Council time is limited and it is important that all members of the Council receive the information, it is
imperative that communication is done through these formal channels. The table below outlines each tool and its
intended purpose:
1 Meeting Minutes
• Meeting minutes are intended to give members a record of Board and Commission proceedings. After the minutes are approved, they are included as part of the upcoming
Council packet. Council members are very diligent about reading Board and Commission
minutes.
2 Joint Work Session
• Joint work sessions are held at least once a year. This is an opportunity to update the
Council on the Commission’s work plan and to get Council feedback on the progress to
date.
3 Annual Work Plan
• The annual work plan process enables Commissions to share their goals for the
upcoming year. The Council reviews those goals and other ideas before giving final
direction on Commission priorities.
• Council will assign each work plan item a Council Charge
4 Staff Reports
• Staff reports are prepared by staff to forward a regulatory item or other goal from the
Commission’s approved work plan to a Council meeting for approval or direction. It is
staff’s responsibility to outline the Commission's recommendation, as well as staff
recommendations, and to highlight any important differences between the two.
5 Advisory Communication
• Advisory communication is prepared by the Commission members under the direction
of the Commission. This template should be used when the Commission wants to give
input on an issue but due to timing or the nature of the issue, meeting minutes are
deemed insufficient. Advisory communications should be used if the Commission wishes
to advise the Council on a topic not included on their approved work plan.
2023 Work Plan Ideas
• Percent for Art for the city of Edina
• Asian American / underrepresented artists commissions
• Funding in perpetuity through some kind of city tax policy to fund the Arts Center (ie city of
Aspen that funds the arts center through their city taxes)
• Create a broad expectation of Public Art as discussed in the Comprehensive Plan.
• Ensure that the new Art Center is a 'next generation' Art Center.
• Use the new Art Center as a focal point for introducing new programs.
• Use the new Art Center as a starting point for programs that take place all over the city using
existing buildings and parks.
• Manage and maintain existing Public Art
• Work with our partners (Edina Foundation, Edina schools, 50th and France merchants, Edina
(Movie) Theater, Nolan Flats) to increase the reach of our programs with an emphasis on
exposing more and more people to the Arts of Edina.
• take the Healing circles project to the Edina community.
• Continue working on the Healing circles project
• Edina Street Art Advisory Group
o This Workgroup would research and advise on possible public (and privately owned
public facing properties) in Edina that could be enhanced with featured local artist
murals. The Workgroup would consult with other Cities which have successfully
incorporated murals into their city spaces and would create a framework which the City
could use for encouraging such art initiatives locally.
• Performances in the Park
o This workgroup would research and advise on potential locations to host local Theater
and Dance Group performances. Once an approved location has been established, the
workgroup would develop the application process which local organizations could use to
reserve the space and promote their event through City resources.
• QR coding Edina Public Art
o This workgroup would identify all of the public art featured in Edina. They would build a
database (or use an existing one) and assign a QR code directed to the corresponding
digital resource about that art. If this resource doesn't exist, the workgroup would help
the City develop this content. The workgroup would then partner with the City to
construct the QR code signage which would live next to each piece of artwork.
• Art wraps for utility boxes in Edina as one of our initiatives for the 2023 work plan. I know that
we aren't able to wrap all the boxes, depending on who owns them, but many of the City of
Edina's boxes are wrapped and they look great—are there any more that could benefit from this
treatment?
• Serve as a resource for the selection of a new director for the creation of the new Edina Art
Center. Our commission has some very knowledgeable people that could help identify what
qualifications a new director should have. The commission could also review the resumes of the
candidates that the city staff has selected and give feedback to the city staff and the Council.
• I would like to see that the present Art Center location be somehow used to the benefit of all
Edina residents. The location is outstanding and it might be the place for a peaceful and
beautiful zen or a waterflow garden that everyone could enjoy. The options are numerous for
suggestions for this land. Our commission could provide ideas and advice for this project.
• Suggest to the City Council what pieces of art history in the present Art Center should be
preserved and brought to the new art center. There is tremendous heritage on the walls of the
art center that we need to respect and carry them forward.
• Become more aware of the art offerings both through P&R and the ECC so we can speak
intelligently about what art options we have in Edina. Example of this is that most of us didn't
know about the special program for high school art students.
• Be available to take advantage of public gatherings (Art Fairs, etc) to ask what form of art
experiences the residents are interested in. This could be a simple open ended questionnaire or
multiple choice questions. My thought here is to get residents thinking about the possibility of a
new art center and what expanded programing could look like marketing.
• I propose a 3-4 week cultural "festival" centered around a chosen book, with the themes, topic,
and setting of the book used to develop a wide variety of cultural activities including live
performances, food/tasting events, visual arts exhibitions, and readings. A companion book for
young children should be included. The festival would be created in collaboration with Edina
schools, senior center, the Hennepin County Library in Edina, and potentially other Edina
commissions. Edina businesses and restaurants would also be encouraged to get involved. The
festival will bring different age residents of Edina together, encouraging dialogue and a stronger
sense of community.
o Funds would be needed to offer stipends to performers, to support any major visual arts
component, and for widespread promotion of the festival. Planning for this festival
would require an external committee led by Arts and Culture Commission leads with
representatives from various constituencies involved.
Date: July 28, 2022 Agenda Item #: IX.A.
To:Arts and Culture Commission Item Type:
From:Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor
Item Activity:
Subject:Upcoming Meetings and Events Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action required
INTRODUCTION:
upcoming meetings and events
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2022 Upcoming Meetings and Events
July 28, 2022
Arts and Culture Commission
Laura Fulton, Recreation Supervisor
Upcoming 2022 Meetings and Events
Date 2022 Meetings Time Location
Thurs. Aug. 25 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm City Hall Community Room
Thurs. Sept. 22 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm City Hall Community Room
Thurs. Oct. 27 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm City Hall Community Room
**Thurs. Nov. 17 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm City Hall Community Room
**Thurs. Dec. 15 Regular Meeting 4:30 pm City Hall Community Room
** Meetings adjusted due to holiday schedule.