Arts Commission

ABOUT US

Established in 1991, the City of Federal Way Arts Commission is a nine member volunteer commission that advises and recommends to the Federal Way City Council activities related to all aspects of the arts — visual, performing, literary and cultural. The Federal Way Arts Commission serves to bring more free or low cost arts opportunities to the community through musical performances, theater, and visual arts festivals. We also aim to provide resources to support local arts organizations!

ARTIST & ART GROUP OPPORTUNITIES

CONTRACT FOR SERVICES

The purpose of Contract for Services is to provide funds for the promotion of the arts, events and cultural heritage activities for the citizens of Federal Way. Complete a Federal Way Arts Commission Contract for Services Application on the form provided. Applications shall reflect services delivered between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

Call for Artists - Click here for Application — Deadline: TBA

ARTS ALIVE

The Arts Alive Juried Art Exhibition is a program designed to give regional artists an opportunity to display their works in a public setting. Artists working with a wide range of media are encouraged to participate. This exhibition is professionally judged.

Call for Artists - Click here for Application and more information — Submission: TBA FOR 2024

GALLERY PROGRAM

All work to be shown must be original or reproduction, recent work (within the last two years), not completed under an instructor’s guidance, not previously exhibited. The exhibit areas are designed for two-dimensional hanging works.

Call for Artists - Find more details and the Application here — Deadline: November 7, 2023

ARTS EXPLOSION

The Arts Explosion Festival, a combined effort of the Kiwanis Foundation of Federal Way and the City of Federal Way Arts Commission, is the 2nd annual juried art contest in Federal Way. Open to the public for purchase of the art.

Click here for more details

SPECIAL DECATUR AND TODD BEAMER TRAFFIC GRAFFIC ART CONTEST

Since 2014, Utility boxes throughout Federal Way have been wrapped with vinyl by numerous artists. Former Federal Way Arts Commission board chair Gary Gillespie launched the Utility Box Art Pilot Program in 2014 with a vision of making the city more fun and vibrant, and now the city has over 35 boxes wrapped with various themes. In 2019, we partnered with Federal Way Public Schools in an effort to showcase scholars and their art. Apply now to showcase your artwork!

Call for Artists — Todd Beamer HS — Deadline: October 27, 2023

Call for Artists — Decatur HS — Deadline: October 27, 2023

MUNICIPAL COURT STUDENT ART CONTEST

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is sponsoring an art contest as requested by Federal Way Municipal Court Judge David Larson and Judge Rebecca Robertson. The contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 1–8 living within the boundaries of the Federal Way School District. Entries selected will be displayed in Federal Way Municipal Court .The hope is to give the municipal court a friendlier look for family members who are visiting the court rooms.

Call for Artists — Check Back March 2024

2018 Winner Slide Show Movie

2019 Winner Slide Show Movie

2023 Winner Announcement City Council Meeting 6/20/23

ARTS COMMISSION RESPONSIBILITIES

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is a group of nine volunteer members who are appointed by the City Council to develop and oversee the city's various arts programs. The Arts Commission advises and/or recommends to the City Council on all areas of the arts, including the fine arts, literary, performing, visual and cultural. Please reference the following 2022 Work Plan.