Kirkland is a distinguished art destination thanks to the efforts to promote art, culture and heritage by local galleries, performing arts, and a genuine appreciation for art. Much of the energy around this inspiration is coordinated by the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission– a volunteer board that advises the City Council on art acquisition and promotes strategic arts planning in Kirkland.
It’s not by accident that those who live, work, and play here have become art enthusiasts in some way. Public art sculptures greet and intrigue you throughout the City. Art performances happen year round. Art galleries showcase traditional and new art forms.
In a 2009 Strategic Plan for the Arts, Culture, and Heritage of Kirkland, the following vision statement captures the ideals of the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission:
“The City of Kirkland strongly values the integration of diverse art, culture and heritage to enrich the quality of daily life and enrich a dynamic community. Between 2010 and 2020, Kirkland will greatly strengthen the aesthetic and economic culture of our lakeside community by becoming a notable arts destination.”
To further its efforts, the Collaboration of Arts, Culture, Heritage, Education, and Theater (CACHET), a subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Commission, was created to promote networking and collaboration between arts lovers, arts organizations, and arts businesses. Since 2011, CACHET has sponsored the “Mayor’s & Cultural Council’s CACHET” art awards that recognize individual and group efforts to promote “all things art” in Kirkland. Each March, an awards ceremony honors those who were nominated by fellow community members and selected by the Mayor and Cultural Council.
The Cultural Arts Commission is further charged with managing and curating the City's public art collection, including a 1% for the Arts mandate for City projects over a certain threshold. In addition, the Cultural Arts Commission has partnered with neighborhood associations as well as private developers to expand the public art offerings.
The Cultural Arts Commission meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m., Kirkland City Hall. You are welcome to share your art ideas with them by attending the meeting or emailing arts@kirklandwa.gov.