[Adopted 10-28-1986]
In recognition of the contribution which culture and the arts make to the quality of life of the community, there is hereby established a permanent Town commission to be known as the "West Hartford Commission on the Arts," effective November 10, 1986.
The purposes of the West Hartford Commission on the Arts shall be to foster and facilitate participation in and development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of West Hartford and to encourage the display and presentation of artistic and cultural activities in public, school and community facilities Townwide.
The Commission on the Arts shall be appointed by the Town Council and shall consist of nine residents of the Town. The members shall serve without compensation. Of the members first appointed, three shall serve until December 31, 1988; three shall serve until December 31, 1989; and three shall serve until December 31, 1990. Thereafter, each succeeding member shall be appointed for a term of three years. In addition, the Town Manager and the Superintendent of Schools, or their designees, shall serve as ex officio members without vote.
The Commission on the Arts shall, at its first meeting following the effective date of its appointment and annually thereafter, elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members and such other officers as the Commission may determine.
The Commission on the Arts shall meet at least once every two months and at such other times as the Commission shall determine. The Commission may adopt its own rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this article.
The Commission on the Arts shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
A. 
The Commission shall make an initial survey and shall subsequently maintain an inventory of the artistic and cultural resources of the Town.
B. 
The Commission shall develop, and revise as required, a formal arts policy for the Town of West Hartford, subject to approval by the Town Council, and may engage in activities in accordance therewith.
C. 
The Commission may make recommendations to the Town Council and Town Manager and the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools on art-related matters in furtherance of the Town's art policy.
D. 
The Commission shall encourage and assist in the display and presentation of art, artistic performance and cultural activities in Town, school and community facilities Townwide, as well as encourage and assist in the recognition of Town artists.
E. 
The Commission may engage in other activities necessary and appropriate to carry out its objectives and purposes.
F. 
The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall file an annual report with the Town Council, the Town Manager and the Town Clerk describing its activities for the previous calendar year.