The newly formed Lawrence Township Arts Commission is seeking members to fill out the advisory board.
The seven-member Arts Commission was created by the Lawrence Township Council earlier this year. Its goal is to elevate the arts in the community. It will include many forms of physical art, graphic arts and music, Township Councilwoman Amanda Santos said.
“As part of this, we will need passionate volunteers to serve on the Arts Commission. It is an advisory board on cultural programming,” Santos said.
Appointments to the Arts Commission will be made by the mayor, in consultation with the Township Council. An application form is available on the Lawrence Township website at www.lawrencetwp.com, under the “Government” tab on the homepage. There is a list of boards and committees, including the Arts Commission.
The initial appointments will include two members for one-year terms, two members for two-year terms and three members for three-year terms. All appointments will be effective Jan. 1, 2027. Going forward, terms will be for three years.
It would be desirable for commission members to have experience or interest in one or more arts-related areas, including performing arts, visual arts, arts education, arts administration, community engagement, local business or economic development, and historic or cultural preservation.
According to the ordinance that created it, the Arts Commission will take steps to promote public awareness of arts and cultural opportunities in Lawrence Township. It will recommend strategies to strengthen Lawrence Township’s identity as a destination for arts and culture.
The commission will recommend opportunities for public art, murals, performances, exhibitions and creative use of public spaces. It will assist in developing township-sponsored arts events, festivals, concerts and educational programs.
The Arts Commission also will maintain or recommend creating a directory of local artists, performers and arts organizations. It will encourage partnerships with schools, libraries, community organizations, businesses and regional institutions.
Township Councilwoman Patricia Hendricks Farmer said she was excited about the Lawrence Township Arts Commission.
“It will be a tremendous contribution not only to our town physically but economically. The arts are a tremendous addition to any community, and it is a representation of what is happening in the world today,” Farmer said.
