City Hall Steps – PRIDE Mural Art Project
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the project entail?
The project seeks to paint a mural of the Chevron PRIDE flag onto the front steps at Kenmore City Hall to raise awareness and support LGBTQ+ persons and send a general message of inclusivity to the community.
When will the steps be painted?
August 5 and 6, 2023.
Who proposed this idea?
This Downtown Interactive Urban Art Installation is spearheaded by a group of residents called the Urban PRIDE Committee (Committee) in partnership with the Arts of Kenmore. This resident-driven project is produced under the Arts of Kenmore 501(c)3 Fiscal Sponsorship program providing fiscal oversight, EIN access for tax-deductible donations, IRS reporting, liability coverage, and project facilitation.
How is this being funded?
This urban art project is privately funded by community and business donations. The labor and supplies are being provided by the Committee and other volunteers. The City has agreed to wash the steps prior to painting and apply anti-graffiti coating after completion.
Why is it at City Hall?
Arts of Kenmore sought permission, on behalf of the Committee, from the City Council to install this art. The City Council granted permission during the May 22, 2023, meeting. A rainbow crosswalk was originally proposed, but given maintenance issues, staff workload, and engineering concerns, staff proposed several other alternatives, including the steps at City Hall. The Committee chose the steps idea, further developed it, and presented it to the City Council on May 22, 2023.
Was the public notified and able to comment before the City Council approved the proposal?
The topic was published in the agenda several days before the May 22, 2023 City Council meeting. Unfortunately, the proposal in detail was not published to the agenda until the afternoon of the May 22 meeting. The City Council subsequently held a public special meeting on June 5 to discuss the project. While public comment was not part of that meeting agenda, the proposal was uploaded to the agenda several days in advance of the meeting, and the public had the opportunity to contact the City and provide input in advance of the meeting. At the June 5 meeting, the City Council did not vote to change or cancel the proposal.
Since then, numerous members of the public have sent in emails and provided public comments, both for and against the project, at subsequent City Council meetings.
Who is going to maintain the art?
The Committee is responsible for maintaining the art and keeping it touched up. If the art is vandalized, the City will promptly remove the vandalism and contact AOK and the Committee to touch up the art.
How long will the artwork be on the steps?
The artwork may be on the steps for up to ten years, provided that the Committee properly maintains the art. However, future City Councils may have the art removed at any time with advance notice to the Committee.
What if I don’t like it?
Art, in any form, will evoke many emotions, sometimes even controversy. Individual art might not resonate with every person, but it can reflect threads of culture and the human yearning to beautify the world as we see it.
