Councilmembers: 4Culture vote “Micromanaging a nationally-recognized organization”

March 19, 2018

Summary

“It’s simply not necessary for the Council to micromanage an organization that has been nationally recognized for the work it has done on behalf of artists throughout the region.”

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Jeanne Kohl Welles, Claudia Balducci and Joe McDermott released this statement after today’s vote adding additional council oversight on 4Culture, the county’s cultural services agency:

“We’re more than disappointed by today’s vote because this is a classic case of a ‘solution in search of a problem.’ It’s simply not necessary for the Council to micromanage an organization that has been nationally recognized for the work it has done on behalf of artists throughout the region.

“As we heard from representatives of diverse arts organizations today, and in past meetings and received in email, 4Culture has made great strides in recent years to increase equity in funding for historically underfunded arts and cultural institutions and artists. We should support 4Culture’s continued commitment to both geographic and ethnic diversity in the art and heritage programs it funds, not go backward by politicizing the way arts are funded in King County.

“Our goal is to continue working to ensure that there is an independent and objective voice directing the county’s cultural services agency and the projects that depend on 4Culture funding.”