The Washington state arts commission is authorized by RCW 43.46.040 to adopt rules under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.

The Washington state arts commission is charged with the conservation and development of the state's artistic resources as described in RCW 43.46.005. It is authorized by RCW 43.46.050 to study, plan, and advise the governor, state departments, and the legislature regarding cultural development. Through the authority granted by RCW 43.46.055, the commission may administer any activity, and assist any person or agency in programs or projects related to the growth and development of the arts, humanities, and the creative economy. The conservation and development of the state's artistic resources is essential to the social, educational, and economic growth of the state of Washington.

(1) Board responsibilities.

(a) Approves the commission budget each fiscal year and biennium;

(b) Approves the commission's strategic plan and goals each biennium;

(c) Approves all grants, except when the executive director has been delegated approval authority;

(d) Approves changes to rosters, as specified in these rules;

(e) Fulfills other responsibilities as established in Title 30 WAC; and

(f) May delegate specific responsibilities to the executive director.

(g) Officers of the board serve as specified in WAC 30-08-080 (Board officers and committees).

(2) Executive director responsibilities.

(a) Manages the agency;

(b) Approves and signs contracts;

(c) Acts as official spokesperson for the commission;

(d) Fulfills other responsibilities as established in Title 30 WAC and as otherwise determined by the board; and

(e) May delegate specific responsibilities to staff.

(3) Staff responsibilities.

Under the direction of the executive director, staff develop and implement the commission's strategic plan, budget, and programs. Staff have the authority to:

(a) Manage and develop programs, and pilot programs, including development of application forms, guidelines, and review criteria, and convene and manage panels to review applications and nominations;

(b) Define and publish definitions in addition to those in chapter 30-02 WAC (Definitions), as necessary to implement commission programs;

(c) Negotiate, prepare, and administer contracts; and

(d) Fulfill other responsibilities as established in Title 30 WAC and otherwise as determined by the executive director.

The offices of the Washington state arts commission are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except on state legal holidays and other posted office closures. Written correspondence should be addressed to P.O. Box 42675, Olympia, WA 98504-2675. Additional information is available on the commission's website at www.arts.wa.gov.