Arts & Culture Development:

Resources

Supporting Local Art & Culture

We aid in the development of Arts and Culture in Santa Cruz through financial co-sponsorships, supporting public arts projects, and collaborating with arts organizations and advocacy groups.

We also work with businesses to produce public arts, provide resources and encouragement for arts-based businesses, and act as champions for the local arts community.

Arts Business Resources

SBDC Business Planning Services

Free, confidential, and expert business consulting tailored to your needs.

Zoning Check

Find out where your business can operate to narrow down potential locations

Space Available

Our online property database to find the perfect space for your business.

Public Art Opportunities

Open Call for Artists

Opportunities throughout the year for art activities across the city

Mural Matching Grant

Ideas for murals must address and meet the criteria laid out in the Mural Matching Grant application

Grants & Funding Opportunities

Arts Council Santa Cruz County Grants

Apply for grants from the largest arts organization in Santa Cruz County.

California Arts Council Grants

Apply for grants from this state agency.

Theatre Bay Area Grants

For performing artists; Apply for a Theatre Bay grant today.

Creative Fund Work Grants

Invites artists and nonprofit organizations to create new artworks through collaborations

Training & Professional Development

Cabrillo Arts

Cabrillo College Extension provides art instruction and community connections.

California Arts Council Webinars

Four webinars on funding, grants, self-promotion and more.

Artist Registries

Open Studios Art Tour

Information on the annual county-wide art tour put on by Arts Council Santa Cruz County

SPECTRA Teaching Artist Directory

Directory of teaching artists from Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s SPECTRA program

First Friday Art Tour

The First Friday Artist Registry connects local artists with venues and art enthusiasts

Santa Cruz Art League

A vibrant, multi-disciplinary art center located close to downtown Santa Cruz

Metal Arts Guild

An organization of people who are skilled, interested, or share in the production and exhibition of metals

Economic Impact of Arts & Culture in Santa Cruz

$38 Million Arts Revenue Brought to Santa Cruz

Groundbreaking study for Santa Cruz shows the vital impact of Arts & Culture on our economy

Full Report

Americans for the Arts City of Santa Cruz specific study

Factoids

We have the details on the economic impact of the arts and cultural events in Santa Cruz.

$30.0m

Nonprofit Arts Impact

$8.1m

Event-related Spending by Audiences

981

Full-time Jobs Generated

More Data

Partners

Partnerships are what make the Arts community thrive. Contact us for more information on any of our partners.

09/03/19 Creative, Marine

Storm Drain Mural Pilot Program

Three beautiful murals inspired and painted by the community will inspire stewardship of storm drains flowing to the San Lorenzo River.

01/16/19 Creative

Idea Fab Labs - Merging Art & Tech

Idea Fab Labs, located in the industrial Wrigley building, is integrating art and technology by providing the community with a space to create art with fabrication tools, like 3D printers and laser cutters.

06/21/17 Creative

Curating an Art Collectors Culture at Radius Gallery

Radius Gallery at the Tannery Arts Center serves as the foundation for curator Ann Hazel's desire to grow the professional gallery space available in Santa Cruz

About Choose Santa Cruz

Choose Santa Cruz is the flagship program of Santa Cruz Economic Development (SCED). A department of the City of Santa Cruz, we promote economic vitality and growth citywide in four interconnected areas.

We are your go-to resource for business growth and creation within the City of Santa Cruz

We guide complex multi-year City projects that drive and underpin our economy

We shepherd multi-family mixed income housing projects from idea to move-in

We support the arts & cultural events that make Santa Cruz a great place to live, work, & visit

Learn More