Guided by its 2022-27 Strategic Plan, Arts Council Santa Cruz County will build, support, and sustain a dynamic, responsive, and inclusive arts culture in Santa Cruz County as characterized by:
-Culturally rich and historically neglected communities are elevated, celebrated, and have a position of power in the arts ecosystem that reflects their cultural assets
-Art and artists drive the County’s cultural and economic success and well being
-Santa Cruz County residents of all backgrounds are engaged in a continuum of meaningful and relevant arts engagement activities that provoke a greater sense of belonging
-BIPOC artists and arts organizations that serve the County’s BIPOC community are well-resourced and well-positioned for their important work
To do so, the Council will pursue five strategic priorities:
-Promote an inclusive vision of arts in the County and the importance of vibrant and thriving arts ecosystems
-Increase investment in BIPOC communities and organizations in Watsonville and throughout the County
-Partner with a diverse set of actors to develop the County’s cultural economy
-Elevate the importance of high-quality, culturally relevant arts learning and support capacity and programming to foster the future generation of artists and art lovers
-Strengthen the Council’s culture and operations to enable its intended impact in the community

Through grants to artists and arts organizations, arts education programs that serve more than 18,000 youth across Santa Cruz County, and community initiatives such as Open Studios, the Tannery Arts Center, and the Watsonville Center for the Arts, we help Santa Cruz County thrive.