Bellingham Arts Commission Agenda Item

Transcription

1 Bellingham Arts Commission Agenda Item Project: "Healing and Reconciliation" Memorial Arch Date Requested: March 7, 2017 Staff (name/dept): Time Requested: 15 Minutes Approved by: M Smith Guest presenters: Satpal Sidhu Nicole Oliver, Parks Project Description (including but not limited to location project objectives and public processes): A memorial arch to celebrate a collective community healing and reconciliation that commemurates our community's support for freedom and reverance for human rights. The "Healing and Reconciliation" Memorial Arch is a proposed donation piece from the Sikh Community of Whatcom County, jointly supported by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Actual location is still TBD. See attachments for more details. Attachments Site Plan Color/materials list (incl. in project description) Rendering/drawings Artist Statement, if applicable Other Category Staff initiated project Staff initiated project, artwork incorporated Private initiated (i.e. Gift) Arts Commission initiated artwork Previous Commission Action: None Recommended Action: Review materials and provide feedback. Additional Information:

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3 Central Avenue Location ARCH OF HEALING & RECONCILIATION Post Office Central Ave Jail Prospect St Central Ave *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

4 healing & reconciliation *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

5 healing & reconciliation *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

6 Possible Library Locations ARCH OF HEALING & RECONCILIATION Lightcatcher CHAMPION STREET East Stairs Library West Stairs CENTRAL AVE LOTTIE STREET Courthouse City Hall GRAND AVE NORTH *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

7 healing & reconciliation *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

8 healing & reconciliation *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

9 *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

10 healing & reconciliation *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

11 healing & reconciliation *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

12 *Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not exact representations.

13 Joint Proclamation WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County are committed to promoting harmony between people of all races, creeds and denominations; and WHEREAS, cultural and religious diversity is one of our community s greatest endeavors; and WHEREAS, numerous individuals and organizations in our community are joining together to raise awareness of the importance of reconciliation between people of different backgrounds; and WHEREAS, September 4, 2007 is the 100-year anniversary of the anti-sikh and anti-east Indian riots that took place in Bellingham; and WHEREAS, the purpose for a Day of Healing and Reconciliation is to celebrate a positive, collective healing and reconciliation movement within our families, communities, churches and government and to educate ourselves and others about our collective history of government policies which impacted Native communities and other ethnic groups; and WHEREAS, a Day of Healing and Reconciliation can promote racial reconciliation and bring all community members together through the celebration of our common bond of freedom; and WHEREAS, when we are judged by history and by our children, let it be said that we overcame our differences for the sake of our children and that we shared a common dream for the future; and WHEREAS, our community continues to reaffirm our fundamental belief in human dignity and our unchanging reverence for human rights; NOW, THEREFORE, DO WE, Tim Douglas, Mayor of the City of Bellingham, and Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Executive, proclaim Tuesday, September 4, 2007 to be a DAY OF HEALING AND RECONCILIATION in the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington. Signed this 14 th day of August 2007 Tim Douglas, Mayor City of Bellingham Pete Kremen, County Executive County of Whatcom

14 PLAQUE 2 DRAFT WORDING FOR DISCUSSION ONLY In the memory and honor of the people of India who endured the Bellingham Riots of 1907 This plaque commemorates the Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims from India, who dared in early 20 th century to come to America, seeking better life opportunities and to gather support to overthrow the British Rule at home. They were hard working and loyal employees, liked by the local lumber mill employers. However, local European residents resenting the foreigners, created a xenophobic fervor and riled up the local population, calling them a threat to American society and their way of life. Thus, the riots ensued on September 4, 1907, which resulted in the expulsion of the entire community of workers of Indian descent within days from Bellingham. Most fled to settle in California and British Columbia. Only since the early 1980 s, have new immigrants from India / South Asian nations came to Whatcom County and again called it their home. This memorial erected by all people of Bellingham and Whatcom County as a tribute and commendation for these immigrants for their courage, hard work and resilience. September 4 th, 2017

15 PLAQUE 3 Japanese Internment Memorial Plaque On June 3, 1942, all 33 well-established Bellingham residents of Japanese ancestry including American-born citizens were forcibly removed from their schools, homes, and businesses and sent to Tule Lake Prison Camp, per Executive Order 9066, signed into law Feb. 19, 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They joined 120,000 others falsely imprisoned for how they looked. Although not a single act of treason or espionage was committed by Japanese Americans during the war, almost all faced hostility and financial ruin when released at the end of the war. None of the former residents returned to Bellingham.

16 PLAQUE 4 Chinese Riots / Expulsion of 1885 We are working with Local Chinese Community and Wing Luke Museum of Seattle to develop the wording for this plaque

17 Joint Proclamation WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County are committed to promoting harmony between people of all races, creeds and denominations; and WHEREAS, cultural and religious diversity is one of our community s greatest endeavors; and WHEREAS, numerous individuals and organizations in our community are joining together to raise awareness of the importance of reconciliation between people of different backgrounds; and WHEREAS, September 4, 2007 is the 100-year anniversary of the anti-sikh and anti-east Indian riots that took place in Bellingham; and WHEREAS, the purpose for a Day of Healing and Reconciliation is to celebrate a positive, collective healing and reconciliation movement within our families, communities, churches and government and to educate ourselves and others about our collective history of government policies which impacted Native communities and other ethnic groups; and WHEREAS, a Day of Healing and Reconciliation can promote racial reconciliation and bring all community members together through the celebration of our common bond of freedom; and WHEREAS, when we are judged by history and by our children, let it be said that we overcame our differences for the sake of our children and that we shared a common dream for the future; and WHEREAS, our community continues to reaffirm our fundamental belief in human dignity and our unchanging reverence for human rights; NOW, THEREFORE, DO WE, Tim Douglas, Mayor of the City of Bellingham, and Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Executive, proclaim Tuesday, September 4, 2007 to be a DAY OF HEALING AND RECONCILIATION in the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington. Signed this 14 th day of August 2007 Tim Douglas, Mayor City of Bellingham Pete Kremen, County Executive County of Whatcom

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19 Bellingham Arts Commission (BAC) Minutes February 7, 2017, 6:00 PM Mayor's Board Room Commission members Present: Denise Snyder, Jeni Cottrell, Mike Smith, Kate Clark and Paul George Commission Members Absent: Amy Chaloupka Staff Members Present/ Presenters: Shannon Taysi, PCDD Others Present: 1. Call to Order Arts Commission meeting was called to order by Mike Smith, Chair. 2. Mayor's Arts Awards Recommended Awardees Paul George said he and Amy Chaloupka met and reviewed the nominations. He provided detailed summaries of each nomination and how they either met or did not meet the criteria. The Commission discussed each nomination and recommend the following for an award: Cynthia Zaferatos Bellingham Art Beat Homeless in Bellingham Video Series/ Fredrick Dent and Lisa Spicer Scott Henderson Bellingham House Concerts / Dan and Victoria Sabo Sonja Max and Oliver Max Former elementary school teacher uses the arts to teach content. Currently substitute teacher for Lowell School, incorporating art into various curriculum. Passion for art and education has impacted students for the past 25+ years. Radio program that promotes artists. Exposure for artists at no cost. Artists are interviewed and ten minute segments are used on radio, Facebook and Wordpress. Provides increased recognition for artists. Video series focused on homelessness. Featured for the past three years at the Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival. Utilizing art in a way that also engages the community and encourages people to assist those in need. Former Executive Director of the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra. Associate conductor of the Whatcom Chorale. Composer of music. "Has a formidable talent for figuring out how to nurturing the health and vigor of arts organizations. Everything organization he has touched has flourished." Both pianists, opened Sabo Music Studios in Victoria served on the Washington State Music Teacher's Association for over ten years, representing Bellingham Dan and Victoria introduced the Bellingham House Concerts. Initially concerts were performed in small homes but have evolved to larger venues throughout the community. Transformation of the Cascade Laundry building into the Sylvia Center for the Arts. Revitalization of the area in the Arts District. Restoration of a historic building.

20 Kevin Murphy Brenda Hunt-Holma Contributing to the arts through filling a void in much needed art space in the community. Dramatic performance poet. Part of the Whatcom Juvenile Justice Creative Writing Project, a project that teaches poetry to juveniles incarcerated in the County detention center. Readings on the Chuckanut Radio Hour as the poet-inresidence. Various publications highlight his poetry. Worked for the Bellingham School District throughout the past decade, integrating art into the curriculum. Developed the children's educational art program for the Pickford Film Center. Work with the Finlandia Foundation on youth music event for past 6 years. Mary Gillilan and Norman Green BAAY Mary, founder of Clover, A Literary Rag and Norman, joint editor. Published twice a year, has published over 200 authors, including 64 from Whatcom County area. Promotes writers and provides a portal for writers to be reviewed and recognized by publishers. Over ten years has provided art education of the performing arts to young artists. EduArts program brings arts into the schools. BAAY programs reaches over 1000 local students each year. Paul George moved and Kate Clark seconded the recommendation of the awardees for the Mayor's Arts Awards. All in favor, motion carried. 7. Arts Commission Business Approval of the January 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes Jeni Cottrell moved and Denise Snyder seconded the approval of the January 18, 2017, meeting minutes. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting Adjourned 7:10 PM