Boise City Department of Arts & History records

The Boise City Department of Arts & History was established through the passage of Ordinance O-11-08 by the Boise City Council in March 2008. The establishment and duties of the Department are outlined in Title 1 § 10K of the Boise City Code. The Department grew from a merger of the former Boise City Arts Commission (1978-2008) and the Office of the City Historian (2004-2008).

Coinciding with the Department of Arts & History establishment, the Boise City Arts Commission was changed to the Boise City Arts & History Commission through the passage of Ordinance O-10-08. The commission assists with reviewing and approving programs, projects, strategic planning processes, and promotion of events and programs.

The mission of the Department of Arts & History is to preserve Boise’s character and enhance the community by providing leadership, advocacy, education, services, and support for arts and history. To fulfill its mission the department develops and manages a collection of public art, archival material, and historic artifacts, offering paid public art opportunities, grant funding, and educational and cultural opportunities through tours, performances, talks, residency programs, and community partnerships. The department also oversees cultural sites including the James Castle House and Erma Hayman House.

Today, the department’s full-time employees oversee five major program areas including the Archive, Cultural Sites, Grants, History, and Public Art.