City of Upper Arlington, Ohio

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Mission Statement
The mission of the Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Division is to provide and promote a diverse, lively, accessible arts environment that advances the cultural assets and enriches the quality of life of the community.

History of the Cultural Arts Division
City Council and former Mayor Chuck Glander formed the Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Commission in 1972 as a branch of City government.

The Mayor of Upper Arlington appoints nine Commission members who serve as an official voluntary arm of city government. All the programming and policy was conducted by an all-volunteer Commission until 1977 when the need became apparent for a part-time staff member. Doris Nelson gave up her Commissioner's appointment to become the first paid staff member, a position that went full time in 1978. In 1989, the first full-time arts coordinator was hired.

As the result of a consultancy in 1992, The Friends of the Arts in Upper Arlington was formed to help raise and accept private funds for the Cultural Arts Commission.

The Cultural Arts Commission is a division of the Parks & Recreation Department where it enjoys excellent support and as a result is now called the Cultural Arts Division. The arts are programmed by the arts manager and the arts coordinator, with the assistance of other City staff.

Be in the Know
To receive Cultural Arts email updates on upcoming exhibits, events and programs, please send your email address to arts@uaoh.net.