DONATE:
Donate to the Arts Commission today!

ATTEND:
The Arts Commission hosts two signature fundraising events annually. 

UNDERWRITE:
Underwrite an event or program. 

COMMIT:
If your vision for the future of our City includes a rich and vibrant arts community, consider making a gift to The Arts Commission’s endowment fund or a planned gift.

VOLUNTEER:
Help make a difference in our community.

ADVOCATE:
Toledo’s arts community needs outspoken advocates to step up and speak loudly on behalf of the arts.

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You are here: Home Mission/Values/Vision

Mission/Values/Vision

altCelebrating over 50 years of arts leadership, The Arts Commission is a nonprofit organization based in Downtown Toledo, Ohio.

The Arts Commission serves Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan to develop and promote visual, performing, and literary arts. The organization's mission includes youth programing, and programs that explore opportunities for economic development and revitalization.

The Arts Commission is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio, developing and promoting the arts in the community since 1959. The organization has administered the City of Toledo’s “1% for Art” ordinance since 1977, which uses a percentage of public tax dollars to commission, acquire, and maintain works of public art for the community.

In 2009, the Board of Trustees and Staff of the The Arts Commission completed an intense strategic planning process. During this process, the board and staff utilized community input to evaluate and tune the purpose, mission, philosophy, values and vision of the organization.

PURPOSE
To strengthen our community, foster creativity and celebrate life through art.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Arts Commission supports, promotes and connects visual, performing and literary artists, arts organizations and businesses; and administers the City of Toledo’s “1% for Art” ordinance.

 PHILOSOPHY
We believe…

  •     The arts should be accessible to everyone
  •     Creativity fuels life and enriches a community
  •     Appreciation of art is nurtured by exposure and education
  •     The arts are key economic and social drivers for our community
  •     Art contributes to community image and civic pride
  •     Creative expression takes diverse forms
  •     A legacy of art is critical for future generations


VALUES
Access - We are inclusive, open and embrace diverse ideas, art forms and communities.
Advocacy - We champion the arts and artists in our community.
Collaboration - We are committed to working with others to bring together artists, patrons and communities. Partnerships lead to great accomplishments.
Creativity - We encourage freedom of expression, innovation and imagination.
Fun - It’s everywhere and a by-product of what we do. We pride ourselves on being an engaging and enthusiastic organization.
Professionalism - We pride ourselves on operating our organization with the highest level of excellence, integrity and responsiveness.

VISION
“Toledo is a nationally-known model for artistic & cultural community development”

WE ARE...

  •     An information clearinghouse & single point-of-contact for anything related to art and cultural activity in the greater Toledo area
  •     A source for funding and re-granting through an United Arts Fund or other approach
  •     A model resource for building the capacity of the arts and & cultural community
  •     An incubator for creation or replication of arts programs & arts-related businesses
  •     A source of support for individual artists