The Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and any bureau or department of the City in matters concerning the fine arts; maintain and further the fine arts in Bethlehem; expert leadership in the field of fine arts (as defined by the Commission) by informing the community of cultural groups and organizations active in Bethlehem and of cultural events taking place in Bethlehem;
encourage cooperative cultural enterprises in the community; concern itself with all aspects of the City which, by their nature, require an artistic consideration.
The Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission was founded in 1963 through an ordinance established by City Council during Mayor Gordon Payrow’s term. Ever since, we have worked to bring quality art events to the Lehigh Valley. From our annual Tribute to the Arts Luncheon and the Downtown Fine Arts Show in May, to the Summer Concert Series in the Sculpture Garden, to our year-round juried art shows in the Rotunda, our goal is to bring the arts to the community.