Council members are volunteers who live or work in Somerville and are active in the arts. They may serve up to two three-year terms, and are appointed by the Mayor of Somerville.  The Board serves in an advisory role to the staff and as volunteers to many of the Arts Council's activities.  They meet once a month, except in August. 

The Arts Council is the local cultural council (LCC) for the City of Somerville, and sponsors annual programs and events designed to support local artists and arts organizations, bring artists and Somerville residents together for community celebrations which build a sense of community and explore the arts, and advocate for the arts at the community, state, and national levels.