The Arts Commission is made up of seven Edmonds residents who serve staggered 4-year terms.  By ordinance, four of these positions must be filled by people professionally engaged in the arts. The Arts Commission meets monthly and by ordinance is empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Mayor, City Council or other commissions or boards of the City on matters pertaining to the arts. 

Founded in 1975, the Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC) works to ensure that the arts are a vital part of our community’s quality of life, economic vitality and central identity. Through creative programs and partnerships, EAC fosters involvement in the literary, visual and performing arts, highlighting Edmonds' as a cultural destination and it's rich artistic resources. EAC programs include a nationally known writers' conference, summer concerts in the park, rotating visual art exhibits, and an outstanding public art collection featuring Northwest artists.The EAC works to support a variety of programs through partnerships and sponsorships such as Music at the Library with Friends of the Edmonds Library and Edmonds Sno-Isle LibrarySno-Isle Library, and Kidstock with Edmonds Center for the Arts.

Economic Impact: The City Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and Economic Development Departments conducted a study of the economic impact of the arts in Edmonds in 2017. Information about the study is available here: www.ecoimpactarts.edmondswa.gov

Edmonds Creative District: Building on the completion of the Economic Impact of the Arts & Culture Study, the Arts Commission partnered with the Economic Development Commission and staff apply for WA State Creative District certification. In December 2018, the City of Edmonds became the first certified Creative District under the new State program, managed by ArtsWA.