Arts Connection offers a comprehensive slate of programs that uplift artists, expand access to the arts, and strengthen San Bernardino County’s creative economy. As the State-Local Partner of the California Arts Council, we serve as a central hub for arts education, workforce development, and public engagement throughout the region.

Our commitment to arts education is exemplified through Arts Avenue, an after-school program operated in partnership with San Bernardino City Unified School District. This initiative brings high-quality, standards-based instruction in ceramics, music, visual art, and media arts to K–12 students while employing and training Community Teaching Artists from the region. The program fosters creativity, confidence, and skill-building in students, while investing in the local creative workforce.

We support creative career development through several key initiatives. Estudio Aire is a residency program that provides BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists with free studio space, mentorship, and customized professional development. Our Professional Development Workshop Series equips artists with skills in branding, pricing, portfolio building, and fundraising. The Inland Film Festival offers training opportunities for filmmakers—covering everything from pre-production to post-production. In addition to regranting over 20k in microgrants to artists.

Arts Connection also leads public art and cultural planning efforts across the county. We have spearheaded projects like Sole Alley, a creative revitalization effort in downtown San Bernardino. Our team regularly supports cultural asset mapping and creative placemaking projects that promote community-led planning and investment in cultural infrastructure.

We provide fiscal sponsorship, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to more than a dozen grassroots arts organizations and collectives. This includes grant management, strategic advising, and mentorship to help scale their programs and deepen their impact. Our advocacy efforts at the city, county, and state levels ensure that artists and creative professionals have access to the funding, infrastructure, and career pathways they need to thrive.