Drafter
Clerk 09/23/2021
Title
A MOTION establishing the council's intention to implement an annual King County youth art competition.
Body
WHEREAS, K.C.C. 2.48.030 states that, "It is the policy of King County to foster the excellence, vitality and diversity of cultural programs in the county and to make opportunities to experience cultural programs available to all citizens of the county," and
WHEREAS, K.C.C. 2.48.030 further states that, "King County recognizes that a healthy and well-balanced future citizenry is dependent upon the promotion of comprehensive cultural education programs for today's youth," and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental impacts on the mental health and well-being of youth in King County and throughout the state, causing the governor to declare a state of emergency for the children and youth mental health crisis, and
WHEREAS, research has shown creating art can reduce stress and improve mental states, and
WHEREAS, art is a way to document culture and create artifacts, and
WHEREAS, programs offered over the summer months offer youth opportunities for engagement and advancing learning outside of the school year, and
WHEREAS, the county partnering with local arts organizations and county school districts to establish and administer an annual King County youth art competition for all high school students in King County to submit art works consistent with an annual theme to be established by the King County council by motion is one way to encourage and celebrate the artistic expression of King County youth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The council declares its intent to create an annual King County youth art competition, with an annual theme and entry requirements to be announced to King County high school students in the spring of each year by the council by motion, with entries judging, and results declared in fall of each year.
B. The theme of the first annual King County youth art competition shall be "Community in Times of COVID-19."
C. Each council district shall assemble a panel of volunteer judges to select winning entries from submissions from district participants.
D. One winner from each council district may be announced by official
recognition by the council and have the opportunity for the winner's art piece to be displayed in the King County Courthouse in Seattle.