SLOCAC promotes and advocates for the arts through youth educational initiatives, public art installations, event planning and promotion, re-granting opportunities, and artist networking and professional development.

Our primary programs and services include the following:

Art After Dark: Free, self-guided art walks throughout the county. Local businesses and organizations participate as venues, which strengthens relationships and reinforces a strong arts economy.
Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT): Artists across the county open their studios to the public in an effort to educate visitors on their artistic processes and sell their work. We provide the public with a catalog which allows the user to embark on a tour of the studios. Additionally, we host professional development workshops for participating artists to assist them with all aspects of self marketing/promotion.
Poetry Out Loud (POL): A literary competition for high school students administered in partnership with the California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation. We assist schools across the county to incorporate literary arts programming in their curriculum and recruit poets to teach in classrooms. The event encourages self confidence through public speaking, critical analysis, and appreciation of contemporary literature.
Equality Mural Project: The creation of ten murals throughout downtown Atascadero that promote equality. This project is nearly halfway complete, and will culminate with an outdoor walking experience and accompanying narrative that celebrates diversity and increases social awareness of important issues.
Membership Directory: An online directory that assists artists of all disciplines by providing virtual and in-person networking opportunities. We offer assistance with online marketing and website development so artists can maximize their presence and interact with potential clients or collaborators.
Public Arts Liaison (PAL): Connects developers, government agencies, and businesses with artists in order to create more public art in our county.