​​Mission

The Bellingham Arts Commission serves as advisors and advocates for the enhancement and integration of the arts in the community.

Goal

To enhance opportunities for an enriched and diverse cultural experience for the entire community.

Objectives

• Raise public awareness of the need to integrate aesthetic aspects of design into the cityscape.
• Establish and maintain communication systems within the arts community so that activities can be identified and coordinated among public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals concerned with the arts.
• Develop a broad base of financial support for local arts and artists through public agencies and private donations and through a "percentage and/or a per capita for the arts" program.
• Develop strong relationships with the City of Bellingham, including the Mayor, Council members and City departmental representatives, serving as consultative resource on matters of aesthetic and artistic importance.
• Contribute to the economic vitality of the community by working with Planning and Community Development, the Tourism commission, The Port of Bellingham and other agencies, businesses and organizations to integrate arts into the downtown / waterfront areas and all public projects throughout the City.
• Advise the City on art acquisitions, historic landmarks, and citywide art issues. 

Time Requirements 

Meetings are typically held the first Tuesday of each month in the Mayor's Board Room at City Hall. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. and last approximately one to two and one half hours. Time spent outside of meetings may be as much as five hours a week depending on involvement in the Commission.

Membership 

The Commission consists of up to seven qualified members, which shall be selected so as to represent as many as possible of the following arts and professions: sculpture, architecture, landscape architecture, curation and other art-related professions; as well as lay members who have experience in the artistic and cultural development of the city. Members must be a resident of Whatcom County for at least one year previous to their appointment, and must currently live in, or work in, or manage a business within the city limits of Bellingham. Appointments are limited to two consecutive, four-year terms, and no compensation is paid to members of this Commission. No City official or employee can be a member of the Arts Commission nor may any citizen having a conflict of interest.