Culture, Arts and Heritage
Vancouver, Washington is home to a growing and evolving cultural community. Local artists, arts and cultural organizations, colleges and universities, the historical museum, and a national historic site all contribute to the city’s creative energy. Residents and visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural activities, including festivals, outdoor concerts, markets and the monthly First Friday Art Walk.
Investing in culture, arts and heritage strengthens our community. These experiences support economic vitality, contribute to health and well-being, and help shape Vancouver’s unique identity. They also create opportunities for neighbors to gather, learn, celebrate and connect.
The Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission works with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department to support and guide this work in Vancouver.
Current areas of focus include:
To learn more about the Commission, view meeting schedules or contact members, visit the Boards and Commissions webpage.
Vancouver Culture, Arts and Heritage Plan
In 2018, the Vancouver City Council approved a Culture, Arts and Heritage Plan. The plan’s overarching vision is to integrate culture, arts and heritage into the daily life of the community by bringing together the diverse interests and talents in Vancouver.
The new plan details Vancouver’s existing cultural assets, best practices from other cities in the Pacific Northwest, the Vancouver arts community’s needs, and the City’s role. It also lays out 13 specific objectives, each with several associated actions, necessary to achieve the plan’s vision.
Heritage Sites in Vancouver
Vancouver and its surrounding area are rich with historic and cultural resources that provide a strong sense of inherited identity. We work to preserve significant places, stories, objects and traditions for future generations. By learning about our shared past, we see our present in a new light.
Clark County Historical Museum
The Clark County Historical Museum is committed to responsible collections stewardship, innovative collaboration and inspiring exhibitions and programs that engage the community in an exploration of Clark County’s past, present and future.
Clark County Historic Preservation program
The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission coordinates preservation activities for the City, County and other regional cities. The Commission encourages rehabilitation projects, administers incentive programs, and maintains local Heritage Register. City Council makes recommendation to the Commissioners on appointment of members.
The Historic Trust
The Historic Trust inspires civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history.
There are interpretive panels across the city to share Vancouver’s history from the Lewis and Clark expedition in the 1800s, to its first movie theatre in 1936, to the importance of the Kaiser Shipyards during World War II.