In times of budget cuts, the arts are usually among the first to feel the impact. However, there is a group dedicated to making sure that Kirkland retains its reputation as an arts-friendly city. A vital arts community improves quality of life and attracts economic growth.

The Kirkland Cultural Council was created in November 2002 by the City Council. Its purpose was to oversee arts and heritage in Kirkland. Last September, the Cultural Council adopted a plan to improve and revitalize arts, culture and heritage in the city.

The plan details 29 recommendations to be undertaken within the next 10 years. These recommendations fall into four major categories: 1) creating a signature arts festival, 2) managing the public and private art collections, 3) forming a foundation to serve in a fund-raising and programming capacity and 4) collaborating with arts and heritage organizations.

The Cultural Council noted in its plan that as cities emerge from the economic downturn, they will be in competition with one another for “business relocations, engaged citizens, and young and talented professionals.”

The approach of “If you build it, they will come” applies as much to the arts as it does to baseball fields. The National Endowment for the Arts reports that every dollar spent on the arts by local government generates more than $11 in ticket sales and donations from the private sector.

Improvements have already been made to Park Lane between Main and Lake Streets by repairing the broken sidewalks caused by tree roots. More improvements will be made once funding is secured.

Kliger explained that the Cultural Council put a lot of effort into creating its strategic plan. Now in its first year of implementation, the plan was designed with the “significant fiscal challenges facing the City of Kirkland” in mind.

The 29 recommendations have been divided into three phases: short-term (one-three years), mid-term (four-six years) and long-term (seven to 10 years). Short term priorities include increasing visibility for artists and arts organizations; creating an awards event to recognize leadership in arts, culture and heritage; and developing empty commercial properties for use by artists and arts, culture and heritage organizations. In the next four to 10 years, the Cultural Council would like, among other things, to increase tourism through concerts and performances and to develop a live-work project for artists in the downtown area.

However, the Cultural Council is feeling the effects of the current economic troubles as much as any other organization. Kliger noted that they are in need of support staff and are investigating sources of funding other than city resources.

“Quality of life is why people move to a community,” she said. “We want to brand Kirkland as a waterfront city and arts destination.”

Dan and Cornelia, a Kirkland couple who declined to give their last name, agreed that it is important for a city to promote art in its public spaces. While enjoying a recent sunny afternoon in Marina Park, they said they were not aware that the Cultural Council existed, but both expressed an interest in public art in their city.

“Especially in busy public places,” said Dan, “such as Lake Washington Boulevard or in the parks.”

The Cultural Council is not limited to maintaining public art, such as the numerous bronze sculptures located throughout downtown. It is investigating how to improve the aesthetic appeal of everything from Park Lane to street corners and rain gardens.

While promoting public art is a definite goal of the Cultural Council, ultimately their desire is to integrate art, culture and heritage into the daily experience for residents. The 10-year plan they developed begins by stating, “The City of Kirkland strongly values the integration of diverse art, culture and heritage to enrich the quality of daily life and enrich a dynamic community. Between 2010 and 2020, Kirkland will greatly strengthen the aesthetic and economic culture of our lakeside community by becoming a notable arts destination.”