SACRAMENTO – California State Parks, the California Arts Council, and Parks California, today announced the inaugural recipients of the Arts in California Parks Local Parks Grant Program. A total of $2.8 million will fund 31 local nonprofits, community organizations and artists, allowing them to create unforgettable experiences in local parks across the state that will enrich and inspire residents and visitors alike.

“These first-of-their-kind grants will bring community-centered art projects directly to the heart of local parks,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We hope these projects will foster a sense of pride and belonging, showcasing the unique stories and creative spirit that make our local parks cherished gathering places for all.”

More than 200 applications were received for this grant program administered by Parks California, the collaborative grant partner for State Parks. Recipients were selected through a competitive review process, ensuring statewide representation and meaningful local impact through art, culture, and nature.

“Parks California is delighted to support local artists and organizations in the creation of art and programming in parks,” said President and CEO of Parks California Kindley Walsh Lawlor. “We hope these projects will serve as catalysts for engagement, giving residents and visitors a new view of parks as community spaces. Along with partners, we work to connect people, art, and nature in new and creative ways.”

Some of the projects that will benefit from Arts in California Parks, Local Parks Grant Program funding this year include:

• “This grant enables the Mariposa Arts Council to develop an inclusive residency program that brings together a diverse array of artists, encouraging collaboration and creative exchange,” says Cara Goger, Mariposa Arts Council’s Executive Director. “We are especially excited to collaborate with our local Indigenous communities to create a unique traditional arts residency within the broader initiative. Through the development and implementation of this residency program, we are eager to delve into Mariposa’s profound connection to the land and its long-standing traditions of stewardship, fostering meaningful conversations, artistic exploration, and deep community involvement.”
• “Because of this grant, the City of Bakersfield will take another step towards advancing the quality of life of our community through art and engagement,” says Darin Budak, Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks Department for City of Bakersfield. “These art installations and cultural programs will have far-reaching benefits, promoting a greater sense of connection to place, enhancing health and well-being, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage with arts in accessible outdoor spaces. Arts in California Parks is a way to invite everyone to enjoy the benefits of art and nature.”
• “Exploring themes of healing and heritage through media art, our transformative ‘Land and Lenses’ program engages youth as leaders and changemakers—connecting the community to one of our region’s most valued natural resources, Otay Valley Regional Park,” states Sarah E. Beckman, the Executive Director of Outside the Lens.

A map of grant recipients and their projects can be found here.

About California State Parks

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Contact: newsroom@parks.ca.gov

About Parks California

Launched in 2019 as the official statutory non-profit partner to California State Parks, Parks California was created to be a new model of public, private, and non-profit partnership. Working statewide to collaboratively solve complex problems and create long-term solutions, Parks California currently operates over 30 projects, which are funded by government, public-private partnership agreements as well as the generous support of private donations. For more information, visit parkscalifornia.org.

Contact: media@parkscalifornia.org

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The California Arts Council is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. It supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants, initiatives, and services. The California Arts Council envisions a California where all people flourish with universal access to and participation in the arts. 

Members of the California Arts Council include: Roxanne Messina Captor, Chair; Leah Goodwin, Vice Chair; Gerald Clarke; Caleb Duarte; Vicki Estrada; Roy Hirabayashi; Alex Israel; Dorka Keehn; Phil Mercado; Nicola Miner; Rick Stein. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov. 

The California Arts Council is committed to increasing the accessibility of its online content. For language and accessibility assistance, visit https://arts.ca.gov/about/about-us/language-communications-assistance. To read this announcement in Spanish, please use the website’s Google Translate tool by clicking the “Translate” link in the upper righthand corner of this page. 

El Consejo de las Artes de California se compromete a aumentar la accesibilidad de sus contenidos en línea. Para obtener ayuda con el idioma y la accesibilidad, visite https://arts.ca.gov/about/about-us/language-communications-assistance. Para leer este anuncio en español, utilice la herramienta Google Translate del sitio web haciendo clic en el enlace “Traducir” situado en la esquina superior derecha de esta página.