Olympia committee approves shifting of cultural events to sponsored model 

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In an effort to ensure the continuity and growth of cultural events in Olympia, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee approved a proposal to transition the city's cultural events program from a partnership model to a sponsored approach.  

Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Culture and Belonging Manager in the Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department, spoke at the CLPS meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

She presented the proposal, outlining the challenges of the current model and the specific changes under the new sponsored framework.  

Since 2021, Olympia has partnered with community organizations to co-host cultural events celebrating Juneteenth, Black History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage, Hispanic Heritage and Indigenous Peoples Day.

Under this partnership, the city provides event funding, staff resources, planning support and city council recognition.  

However, Paul Simmons, the Parks, Arts & Recreation Director, said the current model has not proven sustainable in the long term.  

He said one of the challenges the department has is limited staff capacity.  

"We rely heavily on our communication services staff, as well as other departments, depending on the event location," Simmons explained.

"This may include public works, transportation, parks maintenance, recreation and staff from various other service providers across the city."

Simmons added that because of the strong demand for the events, Salazar de Breaux has to dedicate 90-95% of her time to them, holding back progress on the department's broader equity initiatives, which is the other part of her role.  

Due to being maxed out and working beyond capacity, Simmons said the city cannot support any additional cultural event programs or partnerships beyond what already been established.  

What’s in the new model? 

Under the new sponsored model: 

  • Increased financial support: In the new sponsored model, Simmons said the city would increase the level of funding provided to event partners, up to $12,000 per established event in 2025.  
  • Reduced in-kind and administrative support: The city will shift from a hands-on partnership role. Event organizers will be expected to take on logistical and administrative responsibilities.  
  • Limited city support: Simmons recommended offering limited communications support, planning resources, city proclamation and city presence at events, but will no longer provide full administrative staff support and complimentary facilities.  

Simmons explained that one of the reasons for moving away from the city providing complimentary facilities is due to risk management factors. Having groups go through the regular facility reservation process ensures compliance with insurance and venue requirements.  

Simmons added that the increased funding provided to the partners under the sponsored model will help offset any new costs for reserving facilities.  

As part of the transition to the sponsored model, the city will establish clear guidelines for event organizers, including a timeline for support requests, requirements for transparency, financial reporting and alignment with the city's cultural event goals.  

Committee member Mayor Dontae Payne acknowledged that the timing for this transition seems right, given the staffing and capacity constraints the city is facing, and was supportive of the shift to a more sustainable model. 

While supportive of the new model, Committee Chair Yen Huynh expressed concerns that many of the community groups may not have the capacity for marketing and communications, and the city's support has been crucial.  

To help with the transition, Salazar de Breaux said the city plans to provide a "tool kit" to the event partners, with design assets, materials the city has used in the past for promoting the events, contacts for graphic designers and other vendors the city has worked with. 

Kellie Braseth, Olympia's Strategic Communications Director, further explained that the tool kit will help event partners maintain a consistent look and messaging.  

Comments

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  • OlyBlues

    The city of Olympia Government has become such a failure. Here they are millions in debt, can't even keep the doors to city hall open five days a week for it's residents but has enough money to have a Culture and Belonging Manager making six figures at the Parks Department. This in addition to their Climate Program Manager and an overpaid and bloated communications staff that they gave huge raises to last year. Such waste of tax dollars. It's past due time for the city to get back to the basics, fund required municipal services, and start reducing the waste. This tool kit is nothing more than a feel good joke.

    Saturday, February 1 Report this

  • wolfmanner

    Guess any Americans with European heritage are not welcome. Typical Olympia anti-white attitude..

    Monday, February 3 Report this

  • ViaLocal

    The future is inclusive of all cultures and ethnicities and so it is great Olympia has dedicated resources to these types of events. It completely makes sense that organizations interested in having events will have to take on more of a leadership role, as city employees will still need to dedicate the majority of their time to every day city responsibilities.

    Monday, February 3 Report this

  • davidpaul

    In response to wolfmanner

    Please check out the Oly Old Time Festival next week.

    Sponsored by the Arbutus Folk School, it’s a fantastic celebration of traditional European music.

    It runs all weekend and in several venues!

    Thanks

    Friday, February 7 Report this