In November 2011 the City Council, in a 5-4 vote, approved an ordinance that put the city’s 1 percent funding for the arts program and its subsequent Arts Commission on hold.

I attended that city council meeting and provided testimony prior to the vote. In the budget situation of that time, even the smallest aspects of spending had to be prioritized for support, suspension and/or elimination. In the case of arts funding supported from 1 percent taken out of city construction projects, the decision was to suspend spending and operations for two years. My quote of record at that meeting was. “With everything that we’re going through economically right now, I can see why the suspension is a good thing.”

More than two years has passed since that decision was made and the opportunity to bring back the Arts Commission with a smaller budget and new departmental oversight is on the table.

In its previous form the city staffing and oversight of the Arts Commission fell under the Department of Community Development. That would change under this new proposal and the Arts Commission would move to Parks and Recreation if approved by the council.

This move makes a great deal of sense in the fact that opportunities for the Arts Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission to work together could be greatly utilized. The purpose of both city commissions is to improve city areas and green spaces so that community members can enjoy and appreciate what is created.

The Mayor is proposing that the first task of the reformed Arts Commission is to be wrappings for the approximately 40 traffic cabinets the city has. Those grey, dull-looking boxes that many of us see, but don’t really see in and around various intersections would become willing canvases for art.

It would be the decision and responsibility of the Arts Commission to choose the vendor and designs of the wraps that best fit the neighborhoods and locations of the cabinets in question.

In addition to the cabinet project, a reformed Arts Commission could also provide the opportunity to incorporate and coordinate arts related festivals and exhibits in the community with available green spaces.

The time has come to assist in bringing back the Arts Commission with a budget and a role that best fits what Bremerton needs and can support. I look forward to seeing what those who are willing to serve in this capacity can produce and create for the enjoyment of our community.

If you are interested in serving on the Arts Commission, contact Cynthia Engelgau at 360-473-5425.