STATEMENT OF CASE
Redmond Needs an All-season Cultural Gathering & Performing Arts Center
BACKGROUND With a population of 73,000 and growing in Redmond, and another 700,000 in the surrounding Eastside localities, this region has only a limited number of dedicated all-season large cultural gathering and performance arts spaces suitable to meet the needs of this culturally diverse, highly educated population. The City of Redmond’s current PARCC Plan Update recommends a state-of-the-art multi-purpose Cultural Arts Center and is listed in the proposed Capital Project Recommendations list as ranked Priority #25. The OneRedmond Foundation is excited to support this recommendation of the City of Redmond Parks & Recreation Department in its current plan, as well as support an increased priority for this opportunity be placed in the PARCC Plan Update currently underway. In addition, the OneRedmond Foundation would like to propose that a refresh of the 2016 Cultural Facilities Feasibility Study be funded to better understand the current cultural community landscape and needs.
HISTORY OF CASE DEVELOPMENT • 2010: The City adopts set of policies to encourage the development of arts and cultural facilities. • 2013: The 2013 Master Plan for the Downtown Cultural Corridor is developed, which identified dedicated arts and cultural facilities as a top community priority. • 2015: the City of Redmond commissioned national management consulting firm AMS Research & Planning Consulting, which works exclusively in the arts and culture sector to undertake a comprehensive 2016 Cultural Facilities Feasibility Study. Top Left: Prashanthi Chitre Institute of Performing Arts; Photo by: Unfiltered Photographers
Bottom Right: Columbia Choirs of Metropolitan Seattle; Photo by: Lars Myren
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2016 CULTURAL FACILITIES FEASIBILITY STUDY GAP ANALYSIS • Few artists and arts organizations in Redmond due to cost of affordable space. • Redmond has a global marketplace and international constituency that expects and can afford a very high-quality cultural experience and is going elsewhere for it at this time.
Huayin Performing Arts; Photo by: Unfiltered Photographers
• Film and contemporary music scene desired.
NEXT STEPS
• Few indoor arts-SPECIFIC space.
The OneRedmond Foundation is considering developing a refresh of the 2015/2016 study with the following components:
• Non-city arts space sparse and at risk.
• Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the arts facility industry for public, public-private and private entities. Economic Impact study of the Center to estimate increased business opportunity for Redmond small businesses as well as increased potential tax revenue opportunities generated. • Detailed listing and analysis of current and future supply and demand for cultural center-specific space not only in the City of Redmond, but also of the 22 surrounding Eastside cities and towns. • Discussion of potential necessity of additional indoor spaces that can accommodate climate change challenges and support citizenry with indoor, air-conditioned space for at-risk citizens.
Bill Biggs
• Revisit the needs of existing local arts and entertainment organizations – as many are being displaced by high costs and redevelopment.
Bill Biggs
Identify optimum size, seating capacity, locations for the facility and parking and additional details of recommended facility concept. Develop recommendations of the best mix of spaces and uses to meet the needs of the diverse Redmond community and determine all requirements to make each space successful. Robert Ferguson
Mission
Josalyn Ford
Discuss and provide examples of successful mixed-use cultural and performing arts spaces with art-related office, and/or affordable housing above.
To promote, coordinate, convene, and fund activities, events, and projects that build an inclusive and welcoming community in Redmond; activate and enliven our Urban Centers; and encourage people to live, learn, work, and play here. We Welcome Your Feedback! Please contact us at
[email protected] with questions and suggestions.