The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California (CRIISC) utilizes arts and cultural programming to advance lifelong learning, creative civic engagement, and social justice awareness. We serve diverse, intergenerational audiences by presenting free, rotating art and social history exhibitions and by producing and hosting public programs. Our work intentionally connects the arts and humanities with civic participation, helping community members better understand their rights and shared histories while expressing their creativity.

Exhibitions are the foundation of CRIISC’s programming model. Each year, we present two major exhibitions that center Inland Southern California‑based artists and culture bearers whose work reflects civil rights struggles and lived experiences. These exhibitions serve as platforms for dialogue, education, and creative expression. For example, “Working Coachella: Images of the Farmworker Community of the Coachella Valley” featured the photography of David Bacon to make visible the labor and dignity of farmworkers in the region. “San Bernardino Photography Now: I’m Grateful Thorns Have Roses,” developed in collaboration with the Garcia Center for the Arts, showcased the work of 23 emerging local photographers. “Out in the IE” highlighted LGBTQ+ artists working across spoken word, zines, installation, muralism, and textile arts. CRIISC has recently expanded our exhibition offerings by hosting pop-up exhibitions in our Altura Credit Union Media Center. These one to two month long exhibitions allow us to center the local artists and creatives who do not have other venues to showcase their work.

CRIISC produces year-round public programming including artist talks, panel discussions, hands-on arts workshops, youth photography programs, film screenings, performances, and community celebrations. These programs invite audiences to engage directly with artists, explore creative practice, and reflect collectively on contemporary social issues. By centering the arts, we create welcoming spaces where creativity builds empathy, critical thinking, and community connection in Inland Southern California.