About the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission

The fourteen Fine Arts Commissioners are appointed by the City Council. Each volunteer member is eligible to serve a four-year term and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

In 1994, at the request of the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission, the City hired its first Arts Coordinator, Ms. L. Randy Harrison.

Enriching Chesapeake Through the Arts

The impact of the arts reaches beyond the obvious cultural and aesthetic enhancements. From a very young age, a good arts education has been linked to improved problem solving and critical thinking skills. It stimulates and develops the imagination. The study of music affects brain development stimulating neural activity and expanding the ability to think. Students who study sculpture and achitecture improve their understanding of geometry. In addition art provides another way to approach learning and levels the “learning field” across socioeconomic boundaries. It has proven to be an alternative to destructive behavior in at-risk youth.

Why Do We Need the Arts?

More than half of America’s students leave school without the skills to find and keep a good job. Arts education teaches communication, creative thinking, self-esteem, imagination and invention. These are all valuable skills for today’s workforce.

The arts are a powerful draw to tourists increasing spending and tax revenues. Nationally for every $1 spent on the arts, more than $5 is generated in revenues.