The Department of Arts & History (A&H) is Boise’s local cultural agency dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging through accessible and place-based arts and history. 

The Department of Arts & History’s mission is to 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.

Since its creation in 2008, the Boise City Department of Arts & History has offered paid public art opportunities, grant funding for Boise individuals and organizations, as well as free and low-cost professional development opportunities for artists and historians. The department of Arts & History is committed to caring for cultural assets by employing a full-time cultural asset manager and developing a citywide collections policy. 

Opened in April 2018, the James Castle House today is a center for contemporary and historical exhibits, tours, performances, talks, residency programs and community partnerships. Both the historic buildings and the new wing invite visitors to explore the spaces unique only to James Castle.

Opened in September 2022, the Erma Hayman House is a historic site and cultural center that preserves, contextualizes, and interprets the history of Boise’s River Street Neighborhood. Through collaborative partnerships, the Erma Hayman House directly supports, celebrates, and amplifies the stories of historically underrepresented communities, past and present, through inclusive, culturally mindful public programs. 

To date, our economic and social impacts are considerable: The department of Arts & History serves an advisory role to a $50 million local arts and history industry that employs 1600 residents full time. It awards grant funding to artists and historians, hires approximately 150 artists/contractors/fabricators annually, and curates and maintains an art collection valued at just over $7 million and growing, thanks to Boise’s Percent-for-Art funding.

Harvard University recognized the Department of Arts and History as a semifinalist for its 2015 Innovation in American Government Award, for the second time since 2013. The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation applauded the commemoration of BOISE 150—the 150^th anniversary of the city—for how it brought the community together through programming rich with meaning, authenticity, relevance and diversity.

Thank you, Boise. Let’s take it to the next level.