Roanoke Arts Commission History

The Roanoke Arts Commission History

The Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) was established by Ordinance No. 26537 in 1983 to “advise and assist City Council on matters relating to the advancement of the arts and humanities within the city”. Each member is elected by Council to a three year term. Terms can be renewed twice if reappointed by Council. Members are limited to three consecutive terms as set out in Sec. 2-281.1 of the City Code.

Powers and Duties as outlined in the ordinance include:

May make recommendations to and assist City Council and the City Manager in determining funds to be provided in the City’s budget for the work of the RAC and for promotion of the arts and humanities

May advise City Council and the City Manager regarding the appropriateness, quality, condition and value of all proposed gifts and or bequests to the city of an artistic nature

May advise City Council and the City Manager regarding the purchase by the City of items of an artistic nature, and regarding the participation in or sponsoring by the City of artistic performances, programs or other cultural endeavors

May advise City Council and the City Manager on the preservation and care of all historic landmarks owned by the City, and on the design and location of City-owned or other statuary and works of art

May survey the cultural resources available to the citizens of the city, identify related needs, and recommend programs and activities designed to meet these needs.

May seek donations, offers of service, and grants to further its and the City’s projects and activities.

Additionally, the RAC serves as a co-sponsor with The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, of the annual High School Art Exhibition and presents the Commission’s Choice Award. The RAC also presents an award and advises the mayor on the selection of the Roanoke City Purchase Award at the annual Roanoke City Art Show. Since 2003, the RAC has been heavily involved in the development of the City’s first Public Art Plan, adopted by City Council in April of 2006. The RAC is charged with implementing this plan through recommendations to Council of appropriate sites and elements of public art throughout the City of Roanoke. The RAC is also working to develop a virtual walking tour of the city’s collection of approximately 100 works of art.

The Agency Funding Advisory Committee of the RAC makes annual recommendations to Council for the expenditure of funds to arts and cultural nonprofit organizations. Applications are available through the Office of Economic Development around the middle of January every year.