Newly Established Commission to Exemplify Yelm Art and Culture

ArtWallYelm WA — Yelm City Council, unanimously approved an ordinance to establish an Arts Commission, who will identify and actively encourage the development and sustainability of all forms of art in the City.

The Arts Commission, composed of five to 12 volunteers, appointed by Council will serve as the City’s primary resource to promote and preserve our city’s unique community assets by providing public input, establishing policies and implementing art into City owned public spaces. Citizen engagement will help the City actively display paintings, sculptures, landscape architecture, music, and literature, which enhances the overall beautification of Yelm and plays an important role in promoting the character of our community.

“We have an amazing community with a lot of artistic talents,’ City Administrator Michael Grayum said. “The commission fills the need to represent our local art, music, and culture and we are grateful that residents brought forth the idea and are willing to volunteer their time to get this commission established.”

The City will seek representatives from as many art related professions, including one member from the recommendation of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce, and one member from the recommendation of the Nisqually Tribe, along with a local student interested in the arts, and one member to be an arts educator. Any person who works, lives, or owns a business in Yelm is qualified to apply.

The Art Commission will not require budget allocation from the City as art programs and cultural services will be funded through donations, admission charges, and grants obtained by the commission.