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  • Public Art

    • Public Art Collection
    • Collection Management
    • Process & Funding
    • Featured Projects

    Opportunities

    Events

    Browse by Collection

    • Traffic Box Art
    • Site-Based Works
    • Portable Works
    • James Castle Works
    • Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC)

    Browse All Collections

    Found materials sculpture of adult and baby coyote.

    Public Art Map

    Sun shining through colorful transparent segments of art installation.

    Tours

    City Of Boise Summer Tour July 13 Daniel Olson7i8a9325
  • History

    Becoming Boise

    A brief overview of the settlement, structure and naming of our city.

    People

    From the valley's Indigenous peoples, to early settlers and modern-day residents, learn more about the people who have shaped Boise.

    Places

    Explore Boise's historic sites, cultural hotspots and unique natural setting.

    Government

    Learn more about the history of municipal government in Idaho's capital city.

    Archives

    • Browse Digital Collection
    • Oral Histories
    • City Council Meeting Minutes
    • Donate to the Archives
    • Guide to the Archives and Finding Aids

    Tours

    Events

  • Cultural Sites

    Saving places of cultural significance, that shaped Boise - past and present

    Erma Hayman House

    The Erma Hayman House represents the history of the River District and is now home to exhibits dedicated to cultural education

    James Castle House

    The James Castle House was the home and work place of the titular artist, and now home to the James Castle Residency

    Events

    Immerse yourself in our rich cultural community at Cultural Site events

    Cultural Ambassador Program

    Supports the cultural and creative community, acting as Boise's honorary representative to the world, engaging international audiences through public expression of culture

    Cultural Planning

    We are intentional with our investments, to support sustain and grow a thriving cultural scene in Boise

  • OPEN CALLS

    • Call to Artists: Warp & Weft Exhibition
    • Call for Artists: 2027 Traffic Box Art

    RECURRING OPPORTUNITIES

    • Boise City Writer-in-Residence
    • Cultural Ambassador
    • James Castle House Residencies
    • Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History

    OTHER CALLS

    GRANTS

    • Annual Grant Program
    • Guide to Applying for Grants
    • Grant Recipients
    • Other Grant Opportunities

    CITY OF BOISE JOBS

    • Browse All City Jobs
  • CALENDAR
  • About Us

    Learn more about Boise City Department of Arts & History

    Arts & History Commission

    The advisory body for the department and appointed by the Mayor

    More Information

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    • Contact Us

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America 250!


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News
'Perspectives 4', a project by FY26 Arts & History Grant Recipient Project Flux. Photography by Gretchen Le May.

City of Boise Announces Arts & History Grant Recipients for Fiscal Year 2027

9/3/2026 12:00 P.M.
News
Astri Snodgrass and Aiden VanderStouwe headshots.

Boise City Mayor and Council Appoint Aiden VanderStouwe and Astri Snodgrass to the Arts & History Commission

8/5/2026 3:40 P.M.
News
Postcard “BOISE” WORK (how’d you), 2025 process photo credit Kevin Huelsmann

Idaho Artist CL Young Revisits James Castle's Work in His Home Turned Residency

6/10/2026 5:30 P.M.

Our Mission:

Cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise's rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. Our operations empower and serve Boise residents as we create opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise's past and its creative economy.

From the Archives

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Marsh Nicholes Hoalst Collection
MS067 D01 024 Womenoutsidehouseatustick Early1900s A&H 1000

Marsh Nicholes Hoalst Collection

Documents the early life of Marsh Nicholes, William Earl Hoalst, and their families in Ustick, Idaho. The images showcase agriculture, school groups, sports team, and notable buildings.

Airport Centennial Collection
RG007 B01 F01 97 Row Of Prop Planes 1927

Airport Centennial Collection

Celebrating 100 years of aviation in Boise through historic images and records.

Boise Fire Department Records
RG004 B59 F06 001 Engine Co No 1 Volunteers C. 1889

Boise Fire Department Records

Documents Boise Fire's 150-year history through records, photographic prints, and negatives, as well as oral history interviews.

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Arts & History Commission

Opportunities

Virtual Tours & Exhibitions

Arts & History YouTube Channel

Documents

  • Home
  • PUBLIC ART

    Public Art

    • Public Art Collection
    • Collection Management
    • Process & Funding
    • Featured Projects

    Opportunities

    Events

    Browse by Collection

    • Traffic Box Art
    • Site-Based Works
    • Portable Works
    • James Castle Works
    • Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC)

    Browse All Collections

    Found materials sculpture of adult and baby coyote.

    Public Art Map

    Sun shining through colorful transparent segments of art installation.

    Tours

    City Of Boise Summer Tour July 13 Daniel Olson7i8a9325
  • HISTORY & ARCHIVES

    History

    Becoming Boise

    A brief overview of the settlement, structure and naming of our city.

    People

    From the valley's Indigenous peoples, to early settlers and modern-day residents, learn more about the people who have shaped Boise.

    Places

    Explore Boise's historic sites, cultural hotspots and unique natural setting.

    Government

    Learn more about the history of municipal government in Idaho's capital city.

    Archives

    • Browse Digital Collection
    • Oral Histories
    • City Council Meeting Minutes
    • Donate to the Archives
    • Guide to the Archives and Finding Aids

    Tours

    Events

  • CULTURE

    Cultural Sites

    Saving places of cultural significance, that shaped Boise - past and present

    Erma Hayman House

    The Erma Hayman House represents the history of the River District and is now home to exhibits dedicated to cultural education

    James Castle House

    The James Castle House was the home and work place of the titular artist, and now home to the James Castle Residency

    Events

    Immerse yourself in our rich cultural community at Cultural Site events

    Cultural Ambassador Program

    Supports the cultural and creative community, acting as Boise's honorary representative to the world, engaging international audiences through public expression of culture

    Cultural Planning

    We are intentional with our investments, to support sustain and grow a thriving cultural scene in Boise

  • OPPORTUNITIES

    OPEN CALLS

    • Call to Artists: Warp & Weft Exhibition
    • Call for Artists: 2027 Traffic Box Art

    RECURRING OPPORTUNITIES

    • Boise City Writer-in-Residence
    • Cultural Ambassador
    • James Castle House Residencies
    • Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History

    OTHER CALLS

    GRANTS

    • Annual Grant Program
    • Guide to Applying for Grants
    • Grant Recipients
    • Other Grant Opportunities

    CITY OF BOISE JOBS

    • Browse All City Jobs
  • CALENDAR
  • ABOUT

    About Us

    Learn more about Boise City Department of Arts & History

    Arts & History Commission

    The advisory body for the department and appointed by the Mayor

    More Information

    • Programs
    • Documents
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Donate
    • Contact Us
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