Arts Commission

The City of Airway Heights Arts Commission was established in 2021 with the goal of promoting the growth and development of the arts within the City of Airway Heights and advising the City Council and Departments on matters pertaining to the arts.

Specific responsibilities of the Arts Commission include:

1. The Public Art Commission (herein referred to as the Commission) shall provide leadership to enhance the experience of public space, be an effective advisory body to recommend and implement approved Public Art policy and procedures, and maintain thoughtful public participation, outreach, and communications concerning public art.

2. The Commission recommends to the City Council all Public Art applications and City Council approval shall be necessary prior to the installation of public art in the City of Airway Heights unless exempted by the terms of this Ordinance.

3. The Commission shall initiate and develop proposals to receive recommendations and to solicit contributions for additions to the existing collection of Public Art.

4. The Commission shall be responsible for the development and oversight of a Public Art Plan including criteria and guidelines for the selection of new Public Art, either temporary or permanent. The criteria and guidelines shall relate but are not limited to economic feasibility, maintenance, security, and aesthetics. No Public Art shall be acquired, loaned, or installed, nor shall existing Public Art be deaccessioned or removed from public places without prior review by the Commission.

5. The Commission is authorized to establish a jury, advisory group, or consult with Public Artists when reviewing an application or acquiring a piece of Public Art.

6. The Commission shall submit an annual report to the City Manager on its activities.

Current Meeting Times and Information

Currently, the City of Airway Heights Arts Commission is meeting the second Monday of every month at 2:00 pm at the City of Airway Heights City Hall building located at 13120 W 13th Ave, Airway Heights, WA 99001.

These meetings are also available online, using the follow meeting information:

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Meeting ID: 841 9854 1251

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Public Art on City Owned Property

The City of Airway Heights has recently adopted a Public Art Display Policy that will provide local artists an opportunity to display their art at City owned facilities, including the lobby area of City Hall and the community area at the Recreation Center. Submissions for art displays will be accepted perpetually, with review of submissions taking place quarterly at the March, June, September, and December meetings of the City of Airway Heights Arts Commission.

Submission Requirements

Submissions will be accepted for all types of visual art including: drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc. Due to the limitations of the space, certain pieces may be found to not be compatible, and therefore unsuitable for display.

Please provide non-original (copy, photograph, etc) submissions of art pieces, along with your name, name of the submitted piece, and contact information via mail to 13120 W 13th Ave, Airway Heights, WA 99001 or via email to planninginfo@cawh.org.

All submissions are required to be consistent with the City of Airway Heights Public Art Display Policy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out via email at planninginfo@cawh.org or at 509-244-2552.

Current Art Commission Members

Position #1: (Professional Artist): Vacant Term expires January 31, 2026
Position #2: (Professional Artist): Matthew Stephens, Chair Term expires January 31, 2026
Position #3: (Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, Interior Design, Engineering, or a related Design Discipline): Lynne Schumal Term expires January 31, 2027
Position #4: (Development Community): Tina M Nenema Term expires January 31, 2027
Position #5: (Public Art, Education, or Community Affairs): Vacant Term expires January 31, 2027
Position #6: (Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, Interior Design, Engineering, or a related Design Discipline) Lisa Specht, Vice Chair Term expires January 31, 2027
Position #7: (At Large) Mikayla Daniels Term expires January 31, 2025

Funding

The arts commission utilizes public art grant funds received through grant awards by various entities and funds from City of Airway Heights capital projects. The commission are volunteers and are not compensated for their services.