History

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

We acknowledge the towns and cities of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Woodland, Yacolt plus the business and education communities for validating the arts. The Clark County Arts Commission offers the citizens of Clark County new opportunities to participate, learn and experience the arts and cultural offerings available in our communities.

Purpose 

The primary purpose of the Arts Commission is to promote and support the arts in Clark County. The 11-member commission works to foster 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.

Structure

Eight commission members represent arts in the communities in Battle Ground, Camas, LaCenter, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Woodland and Yacolt. They are nominated by each jurisdiction and serve four-year terms. Three representatives are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners in consultation with the Arts Commission. They represent unincorporated Clark County, arts education and local business.  Each term is for four years.

Mission

The mission of the Clark County Arts Commission to stimulate participation and growth in the arts throughout Clark County by:

• Increasing access to the arts and celebrating the cultural diversity of all Clark County residents;
• Developing partnerships that strive to promote the arts industry as viable and significant for community and economic development;
• Supporting outreach programs and activities in the arts as an integral part of educating the community;
• Encouraging the community to cultivate a thriving environment of creative expression and appreciation for the arts which is beneficial to all.

CLARK COUNTY POET LAUREATE

The Clark County Arts Commission recognizes that a poet laureate acts as a cultural ambassador, composes poems for special occasions, and represents his or her community at events as a culture bearer. The main duty of the poet laureate is to promote the art of poetry and literature throughout the county. Working cooperatively with residents of all ages, the poet laureate reflects on experiences that define our diverse lives in Clark County, and inspires through the power and magic of words.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2012 to formally recognize an artist who lives or works in the county and has made a significant contribution to the field of arts and culture during his or her lifetime.