The Poughkeepsie Public Arts Commission 

mission is to expand community awareness and advocate for the role and value of arts and culture in civic life. Taking into account the unique assets of the City of Poughkeepsie along with the successes and achievements of related revitalization efforts in other cities around the country; the commission will work to strengthen the local economy by gaining a greater regional and national recognition, advancing the City as an "arts destination" and engage public art as a major attraction for artists, cultural tourism and economic development. The Commission is to advise the City on issues relating to the arts; including the development, implementation, evaluation, and potential modification of the City's art and culture policies, legislation, programs and services with an aim of fostering a wide range of arts and cultural offerings that engage a diverse public audience in the City of Poughkeepsie.