About Us
The Department of Arts & History is Boise's local cultural agency dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging through accessible and place-based arts and history. Our operations empower and serve Boise residents as we create opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise's past and its creative economy.
Since its creation in 2008, the Department of Arts & History has worked to deliver high community impact with a relatively modest public investment. We bring cultural experiences into everyday community life, connecting Boiseans and visitors to the city's cultural heritage and creative energy. We do this by providing grants, calls, and other publicly-funded opportunities, nurturing the city's creative economy. We preserve and provide access to local archives, history and cultural sites. We collaborate with artists to integrate and maintain a diverse collection of works of art into public spaces. We also provide a wide array of free and low-cost cultural events that foster community connection and cultural curiosity.
Our Mission:
Cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting.
By the Numbers
To date, our economic and social impacts are considerable: Through strategic leadership, advocacy, and planning, we champion policy development and public investment in Boise's cultural and creative industries as demonstrated through our cultural planning process. We serve an advisory role to a $24 million creative nonprofit industry that employs 14,500 creative individuals in Boise. We put hundreds of artists, historians, cultural workers, fabricators, contractors, and vendors to work every year and yield partnerships across the city. We maintain an over $8 million art collection thanks to the city's Percent for Art Ordinance, and award $150,000 annually through the Grant fund, totaling more than $2 million since 1997.
Harvard University recognized the Department of Arts & History as a semifinalist for its 2015 Innovation in American Government Award, for the second time since 2013. The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation applauded the commemoration of BOISE 150 — the 150th anniversary of the city — for bringing the community together through programming rich with meaning, authenticity, relevance, and diversity.
International Awards
Summit Creative Awards
2013, Silver Award in public relations for the BOISE 150 campaign
2013, Silver Award in public relations for the THINKING 150 campaign
National Awards
American Association for State and Local History: Award of Merit
2014, Award of Merit for Leadership in History: Terri Schorzman
2014, Award of Merit for project: Historic South Boise Streetcar Station, for the renovation of an original trolley stop and incorporation of historic interpretation and public art
Harvard University Innovations in American Government Award
2015, Top 25 Programs Acknowledged by Harvard University’s Innovations in American Government Award
2013, Top 25 Programs Acknowledged by Harvard University’s Innovations in American Government Award
State Awards
Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2022 Excellence Award: James Castle House
Association of Idaho Cities: City Achievement Award
2021 City Achievement Award in Community Engagement: So We Did: Celebrating Women's Suffrage at 1002019 City Achievement Award in Economic & Community Development: James Castle House
Preservation Idaho: Orchid Award
2025 Cultural Heritage Preservation Award for Neon Grove2023 Contribution to Historic Preservation Award: Erma Hayman House 2019 Cultural Heritage Preservation Award: James Castle House
2014, Excellence in Historic Preservation: Oregon Trail Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation. Public investment in an iconic example of Boise’s infrastructure will allow this historic structure to continue its reign as the queen of Boise River bridges. City partners will receive award certificates: Public Works, Planning and Development, and Parks & Rec
2014, Excellence in Cultural Heritage Preservation: Boise 150 - Boise Sesquicentennial Celebration. This year-long celebration sparked an incredible public interest in local history and resulted in events and activities which promoted awareness of the historic richness and diversity
American Planning Association-Idaho Chapter: Gem Award
2017, Karen Bubb on behalf of City of Boise for its Cultural Master Plan for comprehensive, city-wide cultural plan—the first in Boise’s history—lays the groundwork for the next five to ten years of development and is a legacy document for future generations to measure against and build upon. Working with the community, the Boise City Department of Arts & History is investing in culture to strengthen the creative economy.
Idaho State Historical Society: Esto Perpetua Award
2014, Esto Perpetus Award to BOISE 150 for it's significant contributions to Idaho history
Idaho Press Club
2011, 1st Place Public Relations
2010, 1st Place, Public Relations
2009, 1st Place, Online Media/ Web Design, 1st Place, Public Relations
Idaho Business Review
2012, (50) Women of the Year, Terri Schorzman
State of Idaho Governor's Awards in the Arts
2014, Excellence in Arts Administration: Terri Schorzman
2012, Excellence in Arts Administration: Karen Bubb
City of Boise
2013, Department Director of The Year: Terri Schorzman
2010, Employee of the Year: Josh Olson
2009, Employee of the Year: Karen Bubb
Idaho Smart Growth
2014, Grow Smart Awards: Community Excellence, 30th Street Cultural Arts Plan
