Commission of Fine Arts

Fine Arts, Commission of, independent U.S. agency that makes recommendations to the federal government and the District of Columbia on questions of architecture, art, and design. Composed of 7 members appointed by the president, the commission reviews proposals for public buildings and spaces that will affect the appearance of Washington, D.C., recommends designs for coins, medals, and insignia, and examines building permit applications for private construction in historic Washington, D.C. areas such as Georgetown.