The Arts Commission fulfills its mission through:
• Arts Advocacy: Arts Commission works on local, state and national level activities. Local efforts focus on arts education through CREATE Alameda County. Advancing the arts, local artists, leaders and art orgs through Arts Leadership Awards program honoring 5-7 County leaders each year. Local activities are in partnership with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. State level leadership with state advocacy orgs: California Arts Advocates, California for the Arts, CREATE CA and the Coalition of County Arts Agencies. National level includes advancing the National Arts Education Week in September and National Arts and Humanities Month of October which is celebrated by the County Board of Supervisors when honoring the local Arts Leadership awardees.
• Arts Funding: Annually distributes over $280k+ to 80-120 nonprofits organizations serving over 750,000 residents each year. Currently in 48th consecutive year. Has granted over $5.5 million.
• Public Art: Over 1,000 artworks inside 26 County facilities and at 20 outdoor spaces; viewed by over 1 million residents each year. Established in 1994 by County “2% for Public Art” ordinance.
• Arts Education: Programs are Arts, Culture & Creativity Month, Veterans Art Partnership, 100 Families, Poetry Out Loud, Arts Learning Exhibitions and year-round CREATE Alameda County program. Information provided on website and social media. Community members attend free exhibitions, workshops, events, etc.
• Arts Resource and Networking Services: On-going technical information and art resources are provided to partners and the public. Arts Commission’s City-Level Arts Partnership Network is a peer-learning environment for the 24 city-level arts organizations which meet monthly and share information. Arts Commission connects with the 376 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations who are current or recent ARTSFUND grantees. The Arts Commission strengthens this network by providing ongoing information and resources through email communications, social media and direct mailings.