The Federal Way Arts Commission presented its semiannual report to the Parks, Recreation, Human Services and Public Safety Committee on a range of programs including grant awards, public‑art installations and outreach efforts.

The commission reported it administers the Federal Way Arts grants program, funded from the city general fund, consisting of $42,000 a year and representing about 80% of the commission’s budget. “For the past 25 years, we have been giving, given a grama. Contracts for services that we have renamed into the Federal Way Arts grants. $42,000 a year,” said Karen Brigado, chair of the Arts Commission.

The report explained how the commission has streamlined its grant application and evaluation process, added after‑action reporting, and begun tracking income and expenditures with an annual statement. “We created this statement for tracking to see where we are,” Brigado said, noting the commission is now included in the city’s biannual budget documentation.

Commission members highlighted public‑art projects in the city: utility‑box wraps produced with local high schools (Decatur High School and Todd Beamer High School), a professionally wrapped box at Pacific Highway and Dash Point Road, mural opportunities, and partnerships with Sound Transit, Federal Way Public Schools and Harbor Freight. Vice chair Jan Barber described application and reporting changes intended to reduce barriers for small nonprofits and artists.

The Arts Explosion festival, described as the commission’s largest recent event, drew 1,119 attendees over the run of the festival. Brigado credited more than 20 sponsors and several grant sources for supporting the event and told councilmembers the festival has become a regional draw. “We had people come from out of town in a bus because they heard it was for free,” Brigado said.

The commission asked the committee to consider two operational supports: regular meeting space in the Hailebos Room at the community center and improved online/public information about public art. Brigado said the Hailebos Room is closer to City Hall and would make it easier for guests and recording. Councilmembers asked staff to follow up on whether the Hailebos Room can be made available. During Q&A, Susan Honda asked about the status of a public‑art “phone” installation at Dumas Bay; Brigado said the item is being managed by Parks & Rec staff and she is awaiting a status update from Jason Gerwin.

Commissioners also proposed additional initiatives that are currently unfunded: diversion programs that use art to address crime and mental‑health issues, projection mapping of the Lakehaven water tower (estimated cost $150,000–$175,000), and a new printed or online arts pamphlet/catalog of public art. The commission said its next arts grant application window is July 1–Aug. 15 and that award and reporting processes are posted online.

Committee members suggested promoting the commission’s city web page more prominently and improving links so residents can find public‑art information. The commission also asked for an annual joint‑commission meeting to coordinate schedules and avoid overlapping events.

No formal council action was taken during the presentation; the report closed with committee members thanking the commissioners for their work and asking staff for follow‑up on the room and website items.