The Arts Center Board of Directors Actively Seeks New Members

Mission

The Arts Center inspires creativity and contributes to community well-being through equitable access to and engagement with the visual arts in the Greater Corvallis area. We collaborate to offer exhibitions, learning opportunities, artist development, and cultural events centered on art, artists, and art enthusiasts.

Justice, Equity, and Transparency

This commitment to Justice, Equity, and Transparency has evolved directly from its roots. In the 1960s, the innovative, grassroots efforts of artists, civic leaders, and multiple Oregon State University liberal art departments were quite radical: they set out to establish the Corvallis Arts Council as the first community-based arts organization in the State of Oregon, and 27th in the United States. In 2008, we changed our name from Artcentric to The Arts Center with the goal of becoming inclusive of all people and groups seeking connection with the arts. We believe art is a welcoming portal for cross-cultural participation which connects people and creates community. 

In 2020, The Arts Center began an organization-wide process of learning and change to examine and address discriminatory policies, dominant cultural practices, and decision-making systems. We are actively working to embed justice, equity, and transparency into every level of our organization. We invite individuals who share our commitment to this goal to join our team. Help shape the future of our organization and the communities we serve.

Member of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors (the Board), made up of the Executive Board and Directors, will support the work of The Arts Center and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by The Arts Center’s Executive Director (ED), the Board/ED relationship is a partnership. The appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. The Arts Center’s Board Members will serve a three-year term and be eligible for re-election for additional three-year terms.

Responsibilities and Duties: Governance and oversight

• Board members review and approve TAC program priorities and provide oversight of TAC strategic plan, program effectiveness, and monitoring.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, Board members fulfill the financial and legal responsibilities of the organization. This includes material business decisions about budgeting, fundraising, and resource development.
• Board members select the Executive Director, and complete an annual performance evaluation of the ED.
• Board members lead board recruitment and development to fully staff and diversify the board.
• Directors attend a monthly 90-minute Board meeting held on the second Wednesday of each month and participate in other projects as they arise.

Leadership and participation

• Board members represent and promote The Arts Center to the community, and are visible and vocal ambassadors for The Arts Center and its mission.
• Board members review agenda and support materials prior to Board and other scheduled meetings; attend and participate in Board meetings, serve on at least one standing committee, and join ad hoc task forces, work groups, and/or take on special assignments. Standing committee meetings will be scheduled in coordination with leaders and members of each committee.

Philanthropy

Financial well-being is a top priority and depends in part on the generosity of its board members. Individual board members give according to their abilities in many ways including, but not limited to, volunteer time, material donations, in-kind donations, and financial donations.

Compensation

Members of the Board serve as volunteers and do not receive financial compensation. 

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our goal is to create a diverse organization that is representative, at all levels, of the communities we serve. We do not discriminate based on race/color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, HIV status, marital/familial status, family medical history or genetic information, physical or mental disability status as an individual with a disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We strongly encourage people from historically excluded communities to apply, including those who have been formerly incarcerated.

Estimated Board Member Time/Work Effort Chart

Valued Qualities, Skills, and Experience include, but are not limited to: 

• Passion for inspiring creativity and contributing to the well-being of The Arts Center community.

• Personal commitment to social justice, equity, and transparency in principle and practice.

• Communication with integrity, credibility, empathy, and humility

• Enthusiastic cultivation of relationships, and respectful engagement with others’ unique perspectives while working toward shared goals Please complete this application to explain how your life experiences may contribute to our shared progress.

• Experience in development, philanthropy, event planning, financial or business planning, evaluation, marketing, and communications.

How to Apply

The Arts Center Board of Directors 2023 application period is OPEN through August 31. All Applicants will be notified in September 2023.

Apply Now by downloading a Board Application (fillable PDF)

If you have questions about Board service, please leave a message at The Art Center at 541-754-1551, Ext. 654.