In 1985, the City Council appointed a volunteer group of arts supporters to an Arts Task Force. The Task Force recommended that a Cultural Arts Commission be established, functioning within the City government. Supported by City staff, the Commission was granted a budget for programming and promotional activities.

Since its inception, the Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) has worked to establish a presence in the community. Programs such as the Cultural Arts Calendar (appearing monthly in The Highlander), the Community Arts Access Grant Program, Co-sponsorship funding, Under-served audiences grant, and the Mayor's Award for the Arts have been established. In addition, the CAC has created a Public Art Workgroup that administers the City's Public Art Program.

Each year the CAC brings attention to the arts through its recognition of October as Arts Month. This is highlighted by publication of a special Arts Month calendar, which lists events taking place in the community. The CAC's future goals include working to broaden audience development for existing arts organizations and increasing awareness of the diverse activities that are available to residents.

Art Related Links

• Illinois Arts Council
• Illinois Arts Alliance
• National Endowment for the Arts
• Highland Park Library

Rules of Procedure
The Open Meeting Act requires the members of the Cultural Arts Commission to discuss public business in an open, public forum. This law requires that whenever a gathering of three or more Commissioners occurs during which public business is discussed, such meetings be advertised (through a posted agenda) and be open to the public.

Membership
The Cultural Arts Commission consists of ten (10) members, all of whom are appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. Three of the ten commissioners are non-voting ex-officio members representing the City Council, the Library, and the Park District. The seven other members are Highland Park residents who are appointed for four year terms and may be reappointed to a second consecutive four year term. No Commission member may serve for more than two full consecutive terms. At the present time, one member of the Commission will be reduced by attrition at the end of 2008.