Arts Council Santa Cruz County

Spectra and mariposa Arts education program offer art, music, dance, creative writing and theater classes in and after school, offering a place for students to be fully themselves, to belong. These Arts classes teach creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, public speaking and other essential life skills. More than 16,000 youth throughout Santa Cruz County participate in our Arts education programs. We also offer opportunities for students and parents to explore art together through 12 family Arts nights throughout the County and our teaching artist gatherings provide professional development and networking opportunities for Santa Cruz County teaching artists.

Support the success of artists and Arts organizations through a variety of programming. We make more than $200,000 grants each year to more than 80 artists and Arts organizations supporting creative projects, professional development, and organization operations. Open studios connects more than 300 visual artists to tens of thousands of residents and visitors, generating close to $1,000,000 in Arts sales each year. Advocacy at the local, state, and national level helps ensure policies and funding for the creative sector.