Arts Education for Everyone: Join our Santa Cruz Gives fundraising campaign! 

With your help, we can train passionate local artists, expand arts programs, and ensure every student has access to the transformative power of the arts.

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Opportunities & Resources

Opportunities + Resources

Esperanza del Valle performing in Watsonville.
Opps hero

Happening Now

Call for Artists: Open Studios 2025 Art Tour

April 30, 2025 - 12:00 AMBe part of Santa Cruz County’s most anticipated annual art event - celebrating 40 years of connecting artists with thousands of visitors who explore, engage, and collect art straight from the source. Apply March 1-April 30.

Explore the Visionary Art of Jaime Sánchez in new exhibit 'Eclose'

Discover the striking works of Jaime Sánchez at Galleria Placita inside the Watsonville Center for the Arts. Join us for an Artist Talk March 28th with the artist and Valeria Miranda, Director of Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery.

I have felt an immense amount of support through the Arts Council and am incredibly thankful to get to work with you all on a variety of projects.

Gazelle WalkerTannery digital media & visual artist, Develop Grant recipient

Open Studios is all about building lasting connections. Not only to new and old collectors, to friends and to fellow artists, but also to robust local support and information

Liz CrainArtist

As a long time teacher I have continually had the pleasure of witnessing the JOY, self-esteem, and community bonding that arts education inspires.

Muffie MillerRetired educator and arts education advocate

The arts make our county so special. From incredible artists to world-class music, dance and film programs, we have access to experiences that are usually found in larger cities.

Consuelo AlbaCo-Founder & Executive Director, Watsonville Film Festival