The Mission of the Snohomish County Arts Commission is to promote artistic diversity, expand access to arts education, support local artists, and encourage an understanding of cultural expression.  Through the arts’ ability to foster empathy and respect, our communities grow, become closer to each other and their environment.

Goals of the Arts Commission are to celebrate and promote a diversity of cultural expression; to broaden the definition of art and culture; to provide easy access to arts and education; to connect artists and communities; to support local artists, and to form strong partnerships.

Please join us in recognition of the many contributors meeting these goals and fulfilling this vital mission in Snohomish County communities!

Projects made possible by percent for art funds

2023 accomplishments

Artist in Residence: The Healing Pole: Students at Archbishop Murphy High School worked with master woodcarver and Tulalip Tribal member James Madison to create a Healing Pole art installation and community building project for their school.

Art in Summer School: The Stanwood Camano Arts Advocacy Commission partnered with their local school district to add an arts curriculum to their summer school program. This opportunity, included materials and supplies, were offered at no cost to the student.

Leadership Through Art: As a part of their Women’s Self-Advocacy Group, the Arc of Snohomish County worked with women with intellectual or developmental disabilities to cover a leadership unit using art. In addition to providing the materials and supplies at no cost, they were able to also mail materials directly to those who were unable to attend these sessions in person.

Pacifica Chamber Orchestra: PCO musicians donated an annual outreach concert at a Snohomish County elementary school: Jefferson Elementary in Everett S.D. PCO's Winter Concert, in December 2023 donated time, materials, music rental and purchases, and musicians' labor to feature three young soloists who performed for the south Everett community.

The Music of Florence Price: The Everett Philharmonic shared with the community the magical orchestral music of Florence Price, a previously silenced composer because of her race and gender. Conductor Dr. Cobbs hosted a pre-concert talk to help the audience to understand the importance of Florence Price and her music, and $500 in free tickets were offered to local students.

Tactile Vision: Experience Art Through Touch: The gallery at the Graphite Art Center featured art designed for people who have vision impairment or are blind by inviting them to experience the art through touch. As a part of Graphite’s dedication to addressing issues of accessibility, their art gallery is open to the public at no cost.

Theater Education Camp: Provided by the Red Curtain Foundation, middle school students in Marysville were able to work with high-quality theater professionals and educators which concluded with a highly celebrated student performance of “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.”

Cascadia Art for Schools: In 2023, Cascadia Art Museum provided educational opportunities through art to over 1,800 students. Additionally, they were able to offer professional development session in enhancing classroom curriculums through art to 45 local teachers. This grant provided funding to the necessary art materials and museum admission waivers.

Teen Art Journaling Workshop: Teens in the Lynnwood community got to work with Heart Art Healing in a positive and empowering environment to learn about self-expression. These workshops were provided at no cost to the students.

Up Close with Orchestral Instruments: Professional musicians from The Sound Ensemble visited with elementary students in Marysville to teach them about their instruments, how they became musicians, and explore the power behind a quality music education. Students were welcomed into an inclusive environment that encouraged them to be curious and to explore the various musical aspects that naturally interested them.

Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert: The Seattle Men’s Chorus was founded as a safe place for gay men to sing together, and their annual Holiday concert in Everett is much anticipated by the community and is seen as an important event to celebrate our local LGBTQA+ community.

Take A Kid to the Theatre: Through this program, the Driftwood Players, serves children and families experiencing housing insecurity by providing opportunities to attend performance and educational opportunities at no cost, including transportation, meals, and supplies needed to participate.

Steel Magic Sunshine Concert: Over 100 local communities’ members were able to perform onstage at the incredible Edmonds Center for the Arts. All three levels of Steel Magic NW’s steel orchestras, which include students and adults alike, were able to show off their hard work and be celebrated by the community.

Snohomish Blues Invasion: Hosted by the WA Blues Society, blues performers and enthusiasts invaded downtown Snohomish for a 5-venue event celebrating blues music. Performances included professionals, local amateurs, and even students!

Hilltop Vision Mural: Hilltop Elementary students partnered with local artist, Liz Tran, to design and create a mural that honors their school’s diverse student population and solidifies their commitment to their core values of providing a safe environment where students and grow and be empowered.

DeMiero Jazz Festival: The DeMiero Jazz Festival held its 47th annual Jazz band and choir festival. The event featured over 60 student ensembles over a three-day period. Students enjoyed non-competitive performance opportunities that also included professional mentorship and masterclasses.