Cultural Arts Commission

Purpose & Overview
 
The Cultural Arts Commission serves as an advisory commission to the Board of Town Commissioners on matters pertaining to the celebration and promotion of the cultural arts in the Town of Bel Air. The Commission participates in the coordination and sponsorship of cultural arts programs and events and focuses on the addition of public art within the Town of Bel Air. 
 
The Commission advises the Bel Air Arts and Entertainment District and works closely with the Bel Air Economic and Community Development Commission, Bel Air Downtown Alliance, and other established committees and commissions in the celebration of the arts. Public art projects have included commissioning of the Bobcat Sculpture at Bel Air High School, the Art Works mural at Armory Marketplace, and the Queen Anne’s Lace sculpture at the entrance to the parking garage along Hickory Avenue. The Commission also sponsors cultural arts events throughout the year including, but not limited to, the Irishman’s Chorale concert, Authors and Artists, Harford Artists' Association's Take a Chance on art and a variety of other events at the Bel Air Armory.  

The Cultural Arts Commission consists of nine volunteer members appointed to three-year terms by the Board of Town Commissioners. Residency is not a requirement for membership on this commission. The commission elects its own chairperson from among the membership by majority vote of all the members.

Meetings are held at 4:00pm on the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August & December) at the Bel Air Town Hall, located at 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air. For more information about volunteering for this commission, please call 410-838-0584 or email economicdevelopment@belairmd.org. 
 

Programs

In keeping with its mission, the CAC offers sponsorships for the fabrication and installation of temporary and permanent public art pieces for the community.  More information about the program can be found in the Public Art Sponsorship Incentive Program Guidelines.  Public Art Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed at the CAC meeting following the application submission.  This application should also be used for projects which seek the Cultural Arts Commission approval but are not requesting funding.  In this instance, please complete the application and enter "$0.00" in the amount of sponsorship field. 

The CAC also offers sponsorships to offset the cost of the Bel Air Armory rental fee for arts related events by non-profit arts-related organizations in Harford County.   More information about the program can be found in the Performing and Visual Arts Sponsorship Program Guidelines.  Performing & Visual Arts Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed at the CAC meeting following the application submission.  

Members
Jeanne Close, Chair                  Brigitte Grubb              Carole Milan
Pat Fielder, Vice Chair              Nicki Jergensen            Sandy Schlehr
Kristien Foss                              Peg Lucas                       Natalie Weeks