There is no organization in our county that connects more artists, students, cultural nonprofits and partners to the arts. Each year we expand our capacity to ensure that everyone benefits from high quality arts programs, including developing strategic partnerships in every supervisorial district in our large and diverse county. Our guiding strategy is to support artists, teaching artists and arts organizations wherever there are substantial gaps – whether by demographics, location or by circumstances, we provide direct services. Today, we strengthen the ability of hundreds of artists, cultural groups and arts organizations to effectively serve our residents, as we present award-winning programs that address our communities’ greatest needs through the arts, serving our residents in English and Spanish.
Arts Education – Our Professional Artists in the Schools is a cornerstone program providing professional artists in partner schools, reaching thousands of students. Our Arts4Healing program provides specialized classes for at-risk youth, the homeless, people with disabilities, survivors of trafficking, seniors and veterans, weaving creative mastery with social and emotional learning to develop their truest potential.
Capacity Building – We stimulate the creative economy through the development of artists and arts organizations. Since 1985, artists, nonprofits, and cultural groups maximize their reach and deepen impact through our grant funding, training and consultations. Further support includes professional development workshops on grant writing, marketing and advocacy. We also provide affordable art studios to local emerging artists through our ArtWorks program.
Community Partnerships – We are often approached to strengthen and connect arts programming to crucial community needs. We have provided services such as a hands-on arts education programs for at-risk youth at Rancho Cielo Youth Center and Sun Street Centers, visual arts and mural beautification projects at the Veterans Transition Center and dance and visual arts programs with senior citizens at Alliance on Aging and CHISPA Senior Housing.