City of Sioux Falls Accepting Applications For New Arts Commission

Published on July 18, 2024

The City of Sioux Falls is accepting applications for the Arts Commission, which was established in an ordinance in the fall of 2023. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis even after all seats are appointed, which follows the standard procedure for City boards and commissions.

The Sioux Falls City Council approved the new Arts Commission while simultaneously approving the new Arts Coordinator position within the Planning and Development Services department. Maren Engel started as the City’s Arts Coordinator in May and will help establish the Arts Commission.

“The Arts Commission is a great opportunity for the City of Sioux Falls to help drive conversations and initiatives around all types of art,” said Engel. “As Sioux Falls continues to evolve into an arts and culture hub, this commission is necessary to develop and shine a light on arts policies and procedures within the City.”

The Arts Commission will perform a variety of duties outlined in the ordinance while serving as an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council on matters pertaining to the arts and the integration of art to activate public spaces and neighborhoods. Once established, the Arts Commission is required to meet at least once per quarter, although a more regular meeting cadence is expected.

The Arts Commission can have a total of seven members who will each serve three-year terms. According to the ordinance, the members shall be arts advocates and represent a diverse mixture of citizen representatives of the community:

·       One member representing arts organizations

·       One member with experience in architecture or design

·       One member with experience in community development

·       One member with experience in finance and business

·       Three at-large members

All members must be residents of Sioux Falls. Interested applicants can apply online or return a completed application to the Mayor’s Office. More than 40 boards and commissions advise the Mayor and City Council on a variety of issues that shape the City. As is consistent with most appointments to a board or commission, those selected for the Arts Commission will be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent and approval of the City Council.