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The Clark County Arts Commission was authorized on March 7th, 2010 by a unamimous vote of the Clark County Commissioners. (Resolution 2010-03-07)

We thank Commissioners Mark Boldt, Tom Mielke and Steve Stuart and County Administrator Bill Barron for their vision and willingness to support the Arts. We also wish to acknowledge the towns and cities of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Woodland, Yacolt and the business and education communities for their cooperation, participation and support for the Arts.

The Clark County Arts Commissioners hope to offer the citizens of Clark County many new opportunities to participate, learn and experience the Arts and the many cultural offerings available in our wonderful home communities.

The Arts hold the power to bring people together, soothe frayed nerves and uplift our collective spirits. They also help drive the economy by creating jobs, ancillary services, stimulating tourism and raising tax revenues. And artists who make a living can also support the local patrons and businesses that have supported them. It's win-win for everyone, particularly our youth.

We know the Arts are good for us.  In fact the Arts can be an inter-generational bridge encouraging mentors and apprentices to work side by side with shared passion. Children who direct their imagination into creative outlets are happier and grow up to be happier adults.  In fact, the latest advances in art and music therapies reveal that the Arts heal not only broken bodies but broken minds.

Your Arts Commissioners encourage you to enrich your lives by attending art exhibits, theater performances, book readings, musical shows and the wonderful cultural and arts offerings available right here in Clark County.  Whether you are a film buff, a symphony concert-goer, support cultural events at the museum or go to a comedy club, your life will be richer. We also encourage you to take up an instrument, a paintbrush, sing, dance or maybe even write that great America novel. There are so many art mediums with private classes or public ones at Clark College and Washington State University. We have a wealth of wonderful arts teachers and mentors willing to share their knowledge with adults and youth. In fact, maybe one of them is you!

But the arts cannot exist in a vacuum. Artists need infrastructure and support and an audience! Your support is critical for local artists to be able to continue in their practices. With your help Clark County can evolve into an arts and cultural destination that will delight our citizens and visitors alike. Join us at our meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month.. We want not only your input and ideas but to learn about the arts and cultural events in your Clark County neighborhood. If you are a Clark County resident performing or exhibiting elsewhere, let us know so that we can support your event. If you would like to volunteer, contact any of the commissioners.

We love the arts and want to ensure that our county and its people have access to all the wonderful things the arts bring to a community. Please let us know what you care about.

Our Purpose

The primary purpose of the Arts Commission is to promote and support the arts in Clark County. The 11-member commission works to promote awareness of the arts, expand accessibility to art in public places, and support collaboration among arts patrons, artists, the business community, service groups and cultural organizations.

The commission also supports local artists and arts groups in their efforts to secure grants and other financing, and celebrates the creative talents and diverse skills of Clark County residents.

Eight commission members represent the arts communities in Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Woodland and Yacolt. These members are nominated by each jurisdiction and will serve four-year terms.

Three members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Those members represent unincorporated Clark County, an arts education profession and a local business. These members initially serve two-year terms, but each subsequent term will be four years.