Arts and Culture

City of Bellingham Arts and Culture Programs

Mural of hands in yellow, red and blue.

Current Funding Opportunities

Find active grant opportunities, requests for proposals and calls for public art commissioned by the City.

Art sculpture at Cordata Park.

Permanent Public Art Collection

Learn about art acquired, commissioned, and donated to the collection.​

Commercial building with colorful sea-themed art in the large storefront windows in an urban area

Downtown Activation and Beautification Program

More than a dozen projects were selected to receive funding to bring innovative ideas to life downtown. Learn about the artwork, interactive exhibits, events and more.

City Competitions and Awards

Man in a boat at sunset

Community Photo Competition

Essence of Bellingham annual photo com​petition celebrating the unique character of Bellingham

The Mayor's Arts Awards. Illustration by Johnny Mac.

Mayor’s Arts Award

Award for individuals and groups who have contributed to the arts in our community​.

2024 City Center Award for Juxt Taphouse

Mayor’s City Center Awards

Award for businesses and organizations committed to the revitalization of Bellingham’s City Center.​

City-Supported Arts and Culture Facilities

Mount Baker Theatre

Showcasing some of the best live performing artists on both the professional and community levels.

Whatcom Museum

Art and historical collections, family interactive gallery, exhibitions, and tours.

Green grass in a park

Public Facilities District

Learn about efforts to support the downtown arts district and cultural facilities.

Art Funding Opportunities News

Inside Bellingham: August 27, 2026

Whatcom Water Week, new rental protections, salmon season, Fall Parks Playbook, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham

Inside Bellingham: August 20, 2026

Little Squalicum Estuary work, new parking rules, library seeks artists, Ask Us Anything wrapped, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham

Inside Bellingham: April 23, 2026

Procession of the Species, Bellingham in Bloom, South Bay Trail closure, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
See Art Funding Opportunities News

>> Subscribe to get notifications in your inbox when you can apply for art funding opportunities

Contact Us

For questions or more information about Arts, email arts@cob.org or 360-778-8300.

Employee Benefits

Get Involved: Arts Commission

This commission advises and advocates for the enhancement and integration of arts in the community.

Aerial photo of the new Sunnyland Street Mural, art by Eliza Carver

Want to know about community street murals?

Learn how you can create your own street mural to add art and safety to your neighborhood.

Looking for 1% For the Arts projects?

Explore how the 1% for Arts has enha​nced capital projects around Bellingham.

Want to know about Bellingham’s sister cities?

Learn more about our sister-city relationships and how to get involved.

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Our public calendar is being upgraded and may be unavailable for periods of time on Friday, Jun 19.

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