In 2006, the city of Seattle marked 35 years of advancing the arts


1971 - City ordinance establishes the Seattle Arts Commission with a $35,000 budget.

1973 - Seattle becomes one of the first U.S. cities to adopt a percent-for-art ordinance. Commission's general budget reaches $350,000.

1976 - Commission achieves "cabinet status" as an independent executive city agency.

1977 - Michael Heizer's Adjacent, Against, Upon completed at Myrtle Edwards Park. Commission accepts Richard Beyers' Waiting for the Interurban as a gift from the Fremont Public Association.

1979 - The first major integrated public art project is completed at City Light's Viewland/Hoffman Electrical Substation, launching the Commission's reputation for innovation in public art.

1982 - Jack Mackie's Dance Series: Steps on Broadway is completed, inlaying various dance patterns in the sidewalk.

1984 - The mayor's budget boosts the agency's budget to $1.6 million — a 36-percent increase.

1991 - Jonathan Borofsky's Hammering Man is dedicated at Seattle Art Museum.

1996 - Commission receives the Governor's Arts Award.

2001 - Twenty percent of eligible admissions tax revenues are directed to the agency. The general-fund budget now exceeds $3.3 million.

2002 - Seattle Arts Commission (the city department) becomes the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, joining the mayor's executive department; the 15-member volunteer advisory group continues as the Seattle Arts Commission. Arts Resource Network launches online.

2003 - Mayor's Arts Awards is inaugurated. Office and Arts Commission host the first Arts Education Forum.

2004 - Okeson vs. City of Seattle, challenges several Seattle City Light policies and procedures, including city utilities' participation in 1% for Art. Seattle Presents, the free lunchtime concert series at City Hall, begins.

2005 - The state court of appeals reaffirms City Light's participation in 1% for Art, reversing portions of a lower court ruling.

2006 - Seattle OnHold debuts, playing a rotation of music by Seattle artists when callers to the city are placed on hold.