Mission

The Arts Commission exists to ensure that the arts are integral to our community’s quality of life, economic vitality, and central identity.

The Commission

Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. There are seven volunteer commissioners, four of whom are currently or have been professionally engaged in the arts. Commissioners must be residents of Edmonds, and may serve up to two consecutive four year terms.

Description of powers and duties

Established in 1975, the Arts Commission advises and makes recommendations to the mayor, city council or other commissions/boards on matters relating to arts, culture, aesthetics and beautification that may provide an economic benefit to the city and/or enhance the city’s image and cultural enrichment.

The Commission acts as a central body to which arts organizations, artists, arts educators, and anyone interested in cultural advancement of the community may come for information and assistance, including tourism promotion awards. The Commission partners with existing cultural organizations, local schools, and regional and national arts organizations, oversees cultural programs and explores funding avenues through public/private partnerships. The Commission reviews and makes recommendations on all art acquisitions, facilitates the Percent for Art program for public art, curates the City Art Collection, and also reviews and recommends on other capital expenditures for cultural projects in the city. A key role of the Commission is in facilitating and implementing long-range cultural planning and ensuring that the arts are integrated into citywide planning efforts.

The Commission works to support goals of the Community Cultural Plan which is a component of the City Comprehensive Plan. First adopted by City Council in 1995 and updated most recently in 2008, the Community Cultural Plan serves as a blueprint to position cultural resources as community and economic building blocks. Originally produced by the Edmonds Arts Commission in partnership with the Edmonds Arts Festival/Foundation, the plan is a direct result of the community’s ongoing commitment to and participation in the arts.

The Commission reports annually to City Council on their activities. For a summary of recent accomplishments see the 2009 Annual Review. In order to accomplish their goals the Arts Commission reviews their vision, purpose, role, and tasks within the context of funding constraints, and updates their working Strategic Plan every year. The vision is that EAC, by serving all age groups and supporting ongoing and innovative programs and projects, leads in promoting collaboration among the arts, business, government, educational institutions, and community residents to enhance Edmonds as an established arts destination.