The FAF is a cultural arts experience for the entire community and is devoted to the ancient art of flamenco. Year-round events include live dance and music concerts, lectures, films, tributes, and dance and music workshops. We bring world-renowned artists from Spain and the U.S. to Santa Barbara where they perform, teach, and lecture during their residency. The FAF attracts local, national, and international attendees and in 2019 approximately 2000 people came from all over California, Utah, Florida, New Mexico, Illinois, Nevada, Arizona, Italy, Mexico, and the UK.

The FAF was founded in 1999 and is an organization of color with a Latino all-volunteer Board of Directors. The FAF celebrates cultural diversity in the arts and Hispanic heritage and Hispanic/Latinx artists and programs are designed to:

Create a change in the understanding and interest in the art form; celebrate Hispanics in the arts and promote an appreciation for the uniqueness of others, reflect the community we live in, and promote participation by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds; celebrate and honor the long tradition of flamenco in Santa Barbara; promote and preserve the art form as designated by UNESCO; build bridges of positive experiences between people and opportunities for mutual sharing and conversation; provide affordable and accessible arts programming through free programming for those of all ages.

Most events are fee based but the FAF also provides, through its Access to the Arts Initiative, free programming, scholarships, fiscal sponsorships, and is committed to partnerships and collaborations.