Richmond Art Center

Art in the Community (AIC)Youth Programs:Our youth programs remain a cornerstone of our work, fostering creativity, resilience, and connection for young people across Richmond. This past year, we served a total of 1,784 youth through a range of robust programs: 536 students participated in school art tours, 420 in after-school programs, 155 in summer camps, 47 in youth intensives and 626 attendees for our Fall and Spring Family Days. Our summer camps reached record enrollment, while our free youth intensives created vital opportunities for teens and young adults, most from Richmonds highest-risk neighborhoods, to engage in meaningful, creative learning.Looking ahead, we are working to expand our teen intensive programs beyond summer, offering youth dedicated space during the fall and throughout the school year. We are also developing a new Mini Makers drop-in space, where younger children and families can explore artmaking together in a welcoming, creative environment.Community Outreach and Partnerships:Our reach continues to extend beyond the walls of our studios through partnerships with WCCUSD (West Contra Costa Unified School District), RYSE Youth Center, EBCPA (East Bay Center for the Performing Arts), and NIAD (Nurturing Independence Through Artistic Development). Guided by our Community Agreements, these programs foster safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for all.This year, we strengthened community engagement by increasing our presence at tabling events, ensuring that community members receive information and resources where they gather. Additionally, we expanded our rental program to include team-building workshops and private classes, creating new pathways for community groups and organizations to experience the transformative power of art.Together, our Studio Education, Youth Programs, and Community Partnerships continue to play a vital role in fostering mental well-being, social-emotional learning, and stronger community connections, keeping Richmond Art Center true to its mission of making art accessible to all.

ExhibitionIn FY2024-2025 Richmond Art Center presented 15 exhibitions featuring artwork by 558 artists. Over 7,000 visitors engaged with our exhibitions and participated in related public programs. These exhibitions supported artists by providing opportunities to create and showcase innovative work, amplifying underrepresented voices, offering financial compensation, and fostering community engagement and leadership. The exhibitions resonated with community members of all ages, exploring relevant topics impacting Richmond such as the environment, local history, and education and youth.Notable exhibitions included:The View from Here: Artwork by artists at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and Philadelphias State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix.Richmond Open Studios Preview Exhibition: Work by nearly fifty artists who opened their studios to the public during Richmond Open Studios in August 2025.Taking Liberties: The Horrors and Humanities of Incarceration: A print exhibition by JUST ARTISTS, consisting of William James Association teaching artists and program alumni from the San Quentin Prison Arts Project.Right Here, Right Now: A Biennial of Richmond Art: Featuring commissioned work by Anthony Delgado, Art Hazelwood, e bond, Erin McCluskey Wheeler, Helia Pouyanfar, Quinn Keck, and Taro Hattori.Fidely El Moncada: Vistos por Antonio Canet: An exhibition by Antonio Canet Hernndez in Richmonds Council Chambers, marking the 25th anniversary of the Richmond-Regla Friendship City partnership.Art of the African Diaspora: Featuring artwork by 150 artists of African descent, with work shown at Richmond Art Center and in satellite exhibitions across the Bay Area.59th Annual WCCUSD Student Art Show: A teacher-curated exhibition showcasing artworks by over 200 students in the West Contra Costa Unified School District.Time & Tide: The Art of John Wehrle: A retrospective exhibition of Richmond-based artist John Wehrle, best known for his murals in Richmond, the Bay Area, throughout California, and the West Coast.

Membership Richmond Art Center has continued to promote our membership program with great success. After restructuring the program in 2022 and running targeted membership campaigns in the summers of 2023, 2024 and 2025, weve seen a significant increase in our membership numbers, growing from 219 in FY22/23 to 389 by the end of FY24/25. Our program not only generates income but also fosters a sense of ownership among our community members, making them feel like true stakeholders in our work. In addition to supporting our mission, members enjoy valuable perks, including NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association) benefits for free admission to over 1,000 museums nationwide and a 10% discount on our fee-based classes.MarketingRichmond Art Centers marketing approach centers on engaging our local community through accessibility and inclusivity. We prioritize straightforward, authentic communication in English and Spanish, avoiding arts jargon to make our messages clear. To connect with a wide audience, we share program information across multiple channels, including email, social media, our website, community partners, printed flyers, and Peachjar for schools in West Contra Costa County.