Arts Council Santa Cruz County

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.

The tannery arts center is home to 100 affordable live/work artist lofts, 28 artist studios, a dance studio, a gallery, a 250 seat professional theater, and the arts council offices. The arts council plays a coordinating role at the tannery, producing community events where tenant artists share their craft, marketing the campus, and its offerings to the public, and working with leadership to support a cohesive, creative community. Open studios - open studios art tour is one of the most amazing art events of the year, connecting tens of thousands of santa cruz residents and visitors to more than 300 artists across santa cruz county. Artists connect with collectors, neighbors and each other, creating a stronger community and generating more than $700,000 in art sales.

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