The City of Whittier has a large and active arts community whose efforts are visible throughout the City and year-around. In 1987, the City of Whittier authorized the formation of the Cultural Arts Commission as the official agency for the encouragement and development of the arts in the community and schools.

The mission of the Whittier Cultural Arts Commission, appointed by the City Council, is to enhance the quality of life in the Whittier community by providing leadership, advice and advocacy on cultural arts. The Commission will accomplish its mission of support for arts in the changing community by identifying and prioritizing needs, and providing networking opportunities for arts organizations to enhance the quality of life.

To achieve its mission, the Commission has several standing committees that report on cultural matters and continue to encourage various programs throughout the community.

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Visual Arts Program

In 1989, the City and the Commission began the City Hall Lobby Visual Arts Exhibition program. Demonstrating the City's commitment to creating a culturally healthy community, the program has brought art and artists to the public at City Hall and Parnell Park for employees, visitors and residents alike to view and appreciate. Since then the lobby has exhibited a diverse collection of art including paintings, sculptures, textiles and photographs. The Visual Arts Committee reviews submissions and recommends an exhibit schedule to the Commission.

2024 Visual Arts Program Submissions

Artists are invited to submit their portfolios during our yearly Call to Artists. 

How to submit: 

• Include a portfolio of 5-7 photographs of your artwork.
• Include a brief artists' biography with past exhibits and any educational or personal information you wish to include.

Submissions are due buy 5:00pm Wednesday, September 18, 2024 via email or at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

Artists should note that all exhibit items will be displayed using a hanging system. 3D mixed media pieces are acceptable up to 30lbs per piece.

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Call to Artists - Street Banner Program

2024 Theme: Explore Whittier

2024 Community Street Banners submissions are due by 5pm on Friday, February 23rd.

Submissions can be dropped off at the Whittier Community Center at 7630 Washington Ave. 

For more information please call (562) 567-9430.

Art in Public Places

In 1993 the City Council adopted the Art in Public Places Ordinance (12.52), which established a percentage for art programs in the City. The intent of the program is to provide a collection of nationally recognized artwork throughout the City for public benefit. The Ordinance requires new residential, commercial or manufacturing development having a total value of $250,000 or more to provide artwork valued at one-half of one percent of the total project cost or pay in-lieu contributions equal to the same amount. The Art in Public Places Advisory Committee advises the Commission and the Council on public art matters.

• Art in Public Places Brochure
• Art in Public Places information in Whittier

For more information on the City of Whittier's Art in Public Places program, call the Community Services Division at (562) 567-9400 or e-mail comserv@cityofwhittier.org.

For more information, please contact the City of Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department at PKS@cityofwhittier.org | 562-567-9400 | Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street

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