In July 2004, the City of Richmond passed the Richmond Arts Strategy that included a recommendation to improve communication between arts groups and strengthen the arts community as a whole.  In January 2005, Gateway Theatre brought together renters using the facility to talk about what they would like in an ideal facility for Richmond.  A Board, mission and mandate were formed.  The Richmond Arts Coalition (RAC) formally became a Society in August 2005 with a membership of artists, arts organizations and patrons of the arts. 

The Board focused on developing the membership and acquiring sponsorships to realize its goals.  Gateway Theatre came on board as the administrative sponsor, Innovation Networks as the IT sponsor, and Richmond Review as media sponsor.  In 2006, RAC received endorsement from the City of Richmond Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee and the Spirit of BC Committee and formed partnerships to complete a Cultural Scan Map and Economic Impact Report for Richmond.

A new membership brochure was created in 2007 to reflect founding membership status.  RAC also took over database management from Gateway Theatre and began to send out e-blasts with information on upcoming events.  RAC also invited VANOC to make a presentation to Richmond artists and arts organization regarding the cultural Olympiad.  A further presentation of funding opportunities leading up to the 2010 Olympics was made on April 1st, 2008. 

At the 2007 AGM, the membership confirmed RAC’s need to be an advocacy organization and thus, RAC is unable to receive charitable status. 

RAC launched its website in 2008 thanks to the support of Innovation Networks.