BURIEN ARTS IS AN ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTS!

One of the most unique and important roles played by Burien Arts is that of strong advocate for all of the arts, and arts opportunities for the public, within the Burien/Greater Highline area.  We are the only local arts organization in this area to devote a significant amount of our Board’s time and energy bringing together other local arts organizations and businesses to address common issues, to collaborate on solutions, and to sustain the role played by the visual, performing and literary arts in the economic and cultural vitality of the communities we serve.

Some examples of recent accomplishments:

Lights On! In Dottie Harper Park

Burien Arts responded actively to the needs of the community.  When the City of Burien sponsored the “Walkabout” with German urban designer, Thomas Sieverts, the City’s Dottie Harper Park was identified as a dark inhospitable place.  Burien Arts and others had long hoped to address this by funding the installation of electric power and lighting in the park, but the cost was prohibitive for any one organization to undertake.  However, the City of Burien joined with Burien Arts in the effort by donating staff time and equipment to excavate the trench needed to bring electrical power from the little blue house down through the park to the fire pit/amphitheater.  Jacob Daley, of Always Solid, donated ALL of the electrical wiring installation work, and Burien Arts picked up the cost of materials and supplies, and its Board members picked up their shovels and helped fill in the trench to complete the project.  Now, when Shakespeare In the Park, and all other evening community events are held in Dottie Harper Park, it is easy to turn Lights On!, and to plug in portable public address and other electrically powered equipment that make the events safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Networking with other arts groups

In 2011, Burien Arts initiated, and continues to convene, quarterly face-to-face meetings of arts groups and arts businesses serving the Burien/Greater Highline area for the purpose of sharing information and brainstorming ideas about how to maximize effectiveness and resources through cooperation, collaboration, and partnerships.  This informal approach provides an effective forum for local stakeholders to share ideas, practices, troubleshoot difficulties – and enjoy each other’s company and common interests! The meetings are scheduled by Burien Arts and are held at the City’s Burien Community Center. All non-profit arts organizations, arts groups, arts related local businesses, and interested parties are welcome. 

Arts and Culture Added to Burien’s Updated Vision Statement

Burien Arts, through the relationships forged in its initial networking efforts, worked collaboratively with all other arts groups to effectively communicate with City of Burien officials and the City Council about the benefit of and need for inclusion of specific “arts and culture” language in the then proposed updated Vision Statement for the City.  Burien Arts took the lead in presenting the case to the City Council about how essential arts and culture are as core values in preserving the character, livability and economic vitality of the City into the future.  At the conclusion of the City Council’s public comment period the Council made the decision to include “arts and culture” language in the new updated City Vision statement as follows:

Initially proposed:

“Vision for Burien Our Future Our Choices.  A vibrant and creative community, where the residents embrace diversity, promote vitality, and treasure the environment.”

City Council adopted:

“Vision for Burien Our Future Our Choices.  A vibrant and creative community, where the residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment.”

Burien Arts, and all other arts groups serving Burien, realizes how important it is that the City of Burien’s Vision Statement include “Arts and Culture” language because the new Vision Statement will guide the City’s update of its 5-year Comprehensive Plan, as well as the City’s allocation of budget resources.