The Springfield Arts Commission was established by the City Council in 1986 at the end of the Centennial Celebration. The Council charged the Commission to encourage the community’s emerging arts groups, and with the creation of the Art Alley, a series of outdoor murals in the downtown neighborhood.

The first Art Alley mural was a small one at 122 Fifth Street, titled It Ain’t Why, it Just Is, painted by artist Alan Cox in 1988. The second mural, at 130 5th Street, titled Bob the Dog Visits the Old Growth, was painted by John R. Swenson in 1989. Each artist was paid $50 and used materials provided by the Commission.

The Commission has since expanded its activities beyond murals to support local arts and culture in Springfield. They support local artists through the yearly Heritage Arts Grant program, they participate each month in the Second Friday Art Walk in downtown Springfield, they showcase local and youth artists in the City Hall Gallery, they offer performance opportunities for local musicians at monthly art walks, and they sponsor local arts and culture celebrations throughout Springfield.

The Commission accomplishes their work through an active, nine-member volunteer citizen board, a modest annual budget, and part-time staff support.

Springfield Arts Commission meetings are open to the public and held on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in Springfield City Hall (check the monthly agenda online or calendar listing on the City website for exact location). For more information about the Commission or attending a meeting, email us at springfieldarts86@gmail.com and cc the Commission liaison at mlinder@springfield-or.gov .

The Heritage Arts Grant is an opportunity open to organizations, groups, artists, and individuals based in Lane County who are planning arts and culture projects that will culminate in a public event, performance, or exhibition in Springfield, Oregon.

A total of $4,500 in grant funding is available annually with individual awards ranging from $250 to $1,500 per project. The Springfield Arts Commission will open applications for the 2027-2028 Heritage Arts Grant in 2027.

The Heritage Arts Grant program was developed to encourage community-based public arts programs to enrich and promote the cultural heritage of the City of Springfield. The grants are funded by City of Springfield room taxes and administered by the Springfield Arts Commission.

Art plays a vital role in fostering shared experiences, bringing communities together, and inspiring meaningful dialogue. We are committed to funding projects that encourage reflection, challenge perspectives, and create opportunities for connection.