Roanoke Arts Commission

Type: Commission

Meeting Frequency: Third Tuesday, at 3:30 p.m., 117 Church Avenue, S. W.

Contact: Douglas Jackson, Arts and Cultural Coordinator (540) 853-5652; [email protected]

Members: Fifteen (15); (*) Denotes non-City resident

MemberTerm of OfficeEligible for Reappointment
John Cornthwait, Jr.06/30/25Yes
Laura Carden06/30/24Yes
John Hitchins, Jr.06/30/26Yes
Ilsa Saavedra-Rogan06/30/26Yes
Benjamin Bazak06/30/24Yes
Helen Dean06/30/24Yes
Charlene Graves*06/30/25Yes
Lauren Woodson06/30/25Yes
Becky Carr06/30/25Yes
Catherine Koebel06/30/24Yes
Donna Davis06/30/25Yes
William Penn06/30/26Yes
Karl Willers06/30/24Yes
Meighan Sharp06/30/26Yes
James Davis06/30/26Yes


Purpose: To advise and assist City Council on matters relating to the advancement of the arts and humanities within the City. 

The Arts Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(a)  It may make recommendations to and assist City Council and the City Manager in determining what funds should be provided in the City's budget for promotion of the arts and humanities and for the work of the Commission.

 (b) It may advise City Council and the City Manager regarding the appropriateness, quality, condition and value of all proposed gifts or bequests to the City of an artistic nature, as provided for in Section 2-266.

 (c) It 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.

 (d) It 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 statuary and other works of art which are or may become the property of the City.

 (e) It 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.

 (f) It may seek donations, offers of services, and grants to further its projects and activities and those of the City.




NOTE: See also Sections 2.270-2.272, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended and Section 15.2-945 Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.