FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Oak Harbor’s Arts Commission Launches Arts Plan
Oak Harbor, WA – April 15, 2025 - The City of Oak Harbor’s Arts Commission is proud to announce the launch of the Oak Harbor Arts Plan, a community-driven roadmap that’s a vision for the arts in the city. The development of this plan began in April 2024 and was developed through months of community outreach and outlines actionable strategies for expanding, celebrating, and sustaining the arts in Oak Harbor. The arts are already part of daily life in Oak Harbor, and the goal was to develop tools for managing, commissioning, and promoting more public art.
It was important for the Arts Commission to include the voices and opinions of Oak Harbor residents which were gathered through public events, focus groups, workshops, and online engagement. Community Stakeholders (businesses, partners, organizations) were also invited to give their input on how the City can effectively support the arts in ways that benefit businesses, public, foster inclusion, and further community goals. Whether it's murals, music, performances, or sculptures, the Arts Commission believes in strengthening and supporting all arts and culture in the community for many years to come.
A few highlights of the Arts Plan include; themes from community input, a criteria guide for project selection, funding strategies, a public art toolkit, and an interactive public art map of existing Oak Harbor art. The plan's vision was to align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and make a connection between downtown and the waterfront district to highlight history and ecology.
“This plan is about recognizing the power of the arts to strengthen Oak Harbor, culturally, socially, and economically,” said JR Russell, Chair of the Arts Commission. “The Arts Commission is proud of the plan's outcome and invites the community to learn more about the Arts Plan and how it will shape the future of Oak Harbor.”
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To learn more, visit www.oakharbor.gov or contact City of Oak Harbor Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org.