About the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission was established by the City of Lawrence in December 1973, as the Lawrence Arts Commission. It was charged "to promote, encourage, and coordinate the artistic and cultural activities of the community through recommendations made to the Governing Body of the City and through coordinating endeavors of those groups and organizations which identify themselves as primarily concerned with the artistic environment of Lawrence.”
The governing resolution, No. 6733, adopted, August 19, 2008, and superseding resolution, No. 5966, instructs the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission to recommend artworks for city purchase; to recommend and promote artistic events; to present awards for artistic endeavors; to make recommendations on the aesthetic environment for the community; and to conduct a review of plans, proposals, and projects relating to architecture, artworks, and artistic events, and to present recommendations on them to the City. Resolution No. 6744, also adopted August 19, 2008, and superseding resolution No. 5015, instructs the City Manager’s Office to inform the Arts Commission of public art plans.
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission is one of 36 advisory boards to the city, and one of the few that has a budget. Eleven members are appointed by the Mayor of Lawrence for rotating three-year terms; they may be reappointed for a second three-year term. Members are deemed competent to determine the value of artistic works, architecture and events that affect the environment of the City of Lawrence. They are not compensated.
Open meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month, usually at 7 p.m. and usually in the City Commission meeting room. Normally meetings are not scheduled for July and December.
A city liaison meets with the commission and acts as a contact and adviser on all projects. Ex-officio members of the Arts Commission are the mayor or his/her appointee; the chairperson of the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission or his/her appointee; and the chairperson of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board or his/her appointee.
In January 2007, the Arts Commission approved a new mission statement: The mission of the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission is to enhance and enliven the community through the promotion of cultural opportunities and arts education while nurturing an environment of aesthetic vitality.
Resolutions
- Res. No. 6773 (PDF, 83 KB)
- Res. No. 6774 (PDF, 88 KB)
