The Stayton Public Arts Commission has set a vision for itself with an official mission statement, marking a major threshold since the City Council chose to revive the committee last winter.
During the commission’s Nov. 21 meeting, they approved the mission statement “Enhancing community engagement through the arts” and nine goals to fulfill that mission.
The goals ranged from general achievements such as increasing public engagement in the arts, to specific goals such as creating a new arts festival and an artist incubator. A full list of the goals is available on the city’s website.
The Public Arts Commission was first formed in 2021 to advise the city on policies and opportunities related to public art such as how to allow murals downtown. Initial appointees struggled to meet amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 ice storm, and ultimately the commission did not get under way.
In January of 2024 Siciliano brought the commission back to the attention of city leaders and suggested it be revived as part of broader efforts to revitalize the city. No vote was necessary as the commission was already formed, the council simply needed to appoint enough people to the five-person board to begin holding meetings.
At first positions were only open to residents within the city limits, and in the following months the city struggled to recruit volunteers to join the commission. On Oct. 7, the council voted to expand membership to also allow those who own businesses or properties in Stayton.
The commission currently has three members: Mark Kronquist, Nick Raba and Kimberly Dwyer. Two positions remain open.
The commission meets the third Thursday of each month in the Planning Conference Room at 311 N. Third Avenue.
