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Moscow Arts Commission reports growth despite staffing cuts; vinyl wrap submissions reopen
Summary
The Moscow Arts Commission reported higher participation in Art Walk and Plein Air, said the city paused some programs in FY24 due to reduced staff time, and announced vinyl-wrap submissions and other events for 2025.
The Moscow Arts Commission told the Moscow City Council on Feb. 3 that participation in city arts programs has increased even as the Arts & Culture office has adjusted operations after a staffing reduction.
Commission members Meghan Cherry and Erin Johnson said Moscow’s public arts programs continued to expand attendance and volunteer participation. “We have more people coming and participating, in our volunteer hours and participating along in Art Walk,” Erin Johnson said. The commission highlighted Palouse Plein Air, the city’s portable art collection and a new mural, and said student tours and docent programs have resumed.
Context and staffing: Commission members said a half-time arts assistant position was not filled for a period in FY24, and several programs were adjusted. Meghan Cherry said the city paused its vinyl-wrap program in FY24; the commission has since reopened submissions for vinyl wraps and set a current submission deadline of 5 p.m. on the 28th of the month. Cherry said the city now has 44 works in its portable collection and that some programs, such as the poet laureate selection schedule, were adjusted to avoid coinciding with the Mayor’s Arts Awards.
Why it matters: Council members praised the commission’s work and noted the arts program represents a small portion of the city budget. Council liaison Ray said the commission’s public art “attracts business, that attracts energy.” The commissioners thanked city staff who filled gaps after the staffing reduction, naming Taylor Reitner and staff in Water and administration as contributors.
Next steps and requests: The commission encouraged artists and residents to submit vinyl-wrap designs and noted the 2025 Art Walk season and the upcoming poet laureate announcement in October. Council did not take action on funding at the meeting.
