“A vibrant painted background with flowing blue, purple, and orange textures frames two people viewing colorful artwork on opposite sides of the image. Centered over the artwork is the City of Federal Way logo with the text ‘Federal Way Arts Commission,’ and the phrase ‘Enriching Federal Way through Art and Culture’ written in script at the bottom.

Established in 1991, the City of Federal Way Arts Commission is a nine member volunteer commission that advises and recommends to the Federal Way City Council activities related to all aspects of the arts — visual, performing, literary  and cultural (see FWRC 2.50). The Federal Way Arts Commission serves to bring more free or low cost arts opportunities to the community through musical performances, theater, and visual arts festivals. We also aim to provide resources to support local arts organizations!

Arts Commission Responsibilities

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is a group of nine volunteer members who are appointed by the City Council to develop and oversee the city's various arts programs. The Arts Commission advises and/or recommends to the City Council on all areas of the arts, including the fine arts, literary, performing, visual and cultural.  Please reference the following 2025 Work Plan.

“A bright, abstract red and orange painted background featuring repeated ‘Arts Explosion’ logos, with large white text reading ‘Arts Explosion’ across a blue bar.

 

ANNUAL ARTS EXPLOSION ARTS FESTIVAL 2026

May 29 - May 31, 2026

The Federal Way Arts Commission hosts the annual Arts Explosion Juried Art Show Festival at the Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC). This vibrant celebration of creativity showcases the talents of both adult and youth artists from across the region, while promoting artistic growth, diversity, and community engagement.

Artists are invited to submit works in a variety of categories, including Photography, Digital/Mixed Media, Textiles, Two-Dimensional (paintings, collages, prints), and Three-Dimensional (sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, wearable and body art). Youth artists, ages 15–18, are also encouraged to participate and submit artwork in any of the categories.

Stay tuned each year for event details and submission opportunities!

Want to sponsor our event? Please email abbie.wenick@FederalWayWA.gov for more information.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS EXPLOSION HERE

 

ARTIST & ART GROUP OPPORTUNITIES 

Framed artwork displayed in a row on a red gallery wall, featuring colorful paintings and photographs.

ARTS ALIVE

The Arts Alive Juried Art Exhibition is a program designed to give regional artists an opportunity to display their works in a public setting. Artists working with a wide range of media are encouraged to participate.  This exhibition is professionally judged. 

Click Here To Learn More

 

A person with long gray hair adjusts a framed black-and-white photograph on a gallery wall while another person watches. Large white text reading ‘Gallery Program’ appears across the center over a blue bar.

GALLERY PROGRAM

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is accepting applications for the 2026 Gallery Program. A Committee of the Arts Commission will select artists and determine gallery location for 2026. All work to be shown must be original or reproduction, recent work (within the last two years), not completed under an instructor’s guidance, not previously exhibited. The exhibit areas are designed for two-dimensional hanging works. (Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis if space becomes available.)

 

A painted utility box featuring colorful mountain, ocean, and wildlife artwork sits on a sidewalk, with large white text reading ‘Traffic Graffics’ across the center over a blue bar.

TRAFFIC GRAFFIC ART CONTESTS

Since 2014, utility boxes throughout Federal Way have been transformed into vibrant works of art, thanks to the creativity of numerous artists. Former Federal Way Arts Commission board chair Gary Gillespie initiated the Utility Box Art Pilot Program in 2014, driven by a vision to make the city more lively and visually appealing.
Applicants are invited to submit up to three conceptual renderings for consideration. They may be a sketch or a completed illustration done with any media. The selection committee will evaluate then choose from the artwork submitted.  Selected artists will be contacted to discuss the next step in getting art on the boxes. Final artwork will be digitized, transferred to vinyl, and installed on the utility box.

Box details and sizing will be coming soon. We encourage artists to still apply with concepts, and we can adjust as needed once the final specifications are available.

APPLY ONLINE    DOWNLOAD PDF APPLICATION

 

A close-up of a colorful wooden and glass sculpture, with large white text reading ‘Artist Grants’ across a blue bar.

FEDERAL WAY ARTS COMMISSION GRANTS - FISCAL YEAR 2026

The Federal Way Arts Commission Grants aim to fund the promotion of arts, events, and cultural heritage activities for the citizens of Federal Way. To apply, complete the Federal Way Arts Commission Contract for Services Application using the provided form below. Grant Application updated May 2025. Deadline to Submit: August 15, 2025 (CLOSED)

View The 2026 Rubric | View The 2026 Application | View The 2026 Grant Final Reporting Form

 

A hand-drawn illustration featuring the Statue of Liberty and a red, white, and blue American flag fills the background, with large white text reading ‘Student Art Contest’ across a blue bar.

MUNICIPAL COURT STUDENT ART CONTEST

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is sponsoring an art contest as requested by Federal Way Municipal Court Judge David Larson and Judge Brad Bales. The contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 1–8 living within the boundaries of the Federal Way School District. Entries selected will be displayed in Federal Way Municipal Court. The hope is to give the municipal court a friendlier look for family members who are visiting the court rooms. 

COMING BACK 2026!

Current Arts Commission Members

  • Tom Bristol, Chair
  • Cindy Ducich, Vice-Chair
  • Kimberly Bowman
  • Janine Barbe
  • Karen Brugato
  • Vickie Chynoweth
  • Iveta Felzenberg

Meetings

8:00 am - 11:00 am
First Thursday of each month at the Federal Way Community Center
City Calendar

Federal Way Community Center
876 South 333rd St.
Federal Way, WA 98003

Current and past meeting packets and agendas

PUBLIC ARTWORK

Art Comm

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