Santa Barbara County recognizes arts and culture as essential to community vitality, economic strength, and quality of life. Through public investment, partnerships, and regional collaboration, the County supports public art, arts education, cultural planning, and artist-centered initiatives that serve communities across all supervisorial districts.
The County’s commitment to the creative sector advances access, equity, cross-sector connection, and long-term sustainability for artists and arts organizations countywide. These programs, services, and opportunities are developed and administered by the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture.
Santa Barbara County Arts Commission
Arts Commission Overview
The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission is a publicly appointed advisory body representing all five County supervisorial districts. Each Supervisor appoints up to three Commissioners, who serve as ambassadors for arts and culture throughout the region.
The Commission meets bimonthly at locations across the County to advise the Board of Supervisors on cultural policy, public funding, and long-range arts planning. Commissioners may also serve on the County Art in Public Places (CAPP) Committee and participate as grant review panelists for the Arts Making Impact (AMI) Grant Program.
County Grant Programs
County Funding Programs
Arts Making Impact (AMI) Grant
This County-funded program supports artists and arts organizations working in collaboration with schools, nonprofits, and community partners. AMI projects focus on education, access, equity, and community impact.
Additional Funding Opportunities
In addition to the AMI Grant, the County periodically offers other funding opportunities to address emerging community needs and support artists, cultural organizations, and creative workforce initiatives.
More than $50,000 in Arts Making Impact grants are awarded annually through a partnership between Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation.
Visual Arts
Public Art & Exhibitions
Santa Barbara County invests in visual arts to enhance public spaces, celebrate local artists, and expand access to creative experiences. Through public art installations and curated gallery exhibitions, the Office of Arts & Culture brings high-quality visual art to communities across the region.
PERMANENT & TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS
Public Art
The County supports a range of public art initiatives, including murals, conservation efforts, and the Percent for Art Program. These projects foster civic pride, reflect regional identity, and ensure long-term care of public art assets.
CURATED EXHIBITIONS
County Galleries
The Office curates rotating exhibitions at the Channing Peake Gallery (Santa Barbara) and the Betteravia Gallery (Santa Maria), showcasing work by regional artists and creating opportunities for public engagement with visual art in civic settings.
Programs
Community Programs
Santa Barbara County supports a range of arts and cultural programs that expand public access to creative experiences, celebrate local talent, and strengthen community connection. These initiatives span film, poetry, and public recognition, serving youth and adults across the region.
Summer Film Series
Free outdoor film screenings presented in partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures in the historic Sunken Gardens at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Learn About the Summer Film Series →
Poetry Out Loud
A national poetry recitation program that helps high school students build confidence, public speaking skills, and literary appreciation.
Learn More About Poetry Out Loud →
Leadership in Art Award
An annual recognition honoring individuals, organizations, and community leaders whose contributions have strengthened arts and culture in Santa Barbara County.
Learn More About the Leadership In Art Award →
Cultural Policy & Planning
Policy, Research, & Investment
Santa Barbara County advances long-range cultural planning and regional strategy through research, policy development, public art investment, and cross-sector collaboration. These initiatives help strengthen the creative economy, support civic identity, and expand public access to arts and culture throughout the region.
Creative Economy Research
Research and economic analysis highlighting the impact of arts and culture on Santa Barbara County’s economy, workforce, tourism, and community vitality. Reports and data help inform public policy, advocacy, and long-range cultural planning efforts.
Percent for Art Program
The County’s Percent for Art Program supports the integration, conservation, and long-term stewardship of public art through civic capital improvement projects, helping enhance public spaces and strengthen community identity.
Regional Collaborations
Partnerships & Initiatives
The Office participates in regional and state-level initiatives such as the Central Coast Creative Corps, the Individual Artist Fellowships, and the Creative Economy Workgroup, connecting Santa Barbara County to broader networks of cultural innovation and advocacy.
Central Coast Creative Corps
A regional arts workforce initiative supporting artists and community organizations through collaborative projects focused on public health, civic engagement, climate resilience, and social impact across the Central Coast.
Photo: Mural by Artist Riko Rivera, Central Coast Creative Corps Artist, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
Individual Artist Fellowship
A statewide fellowship opportunity recognizing and supporting California artists at pivotal stages in their creative careers through unrestricted funding and professional recognition.
Photo: Cheri Owen, 2023 Individual Artist Fellow
