Art has the power to connect, heal and inspire — especially when rooted in place. Arts in California Parks is a partnership between California State Parks, the California Arts Council and Parks California. Its grants program, administered by Parks California, is designed to support community-based organizations, tribal governments and local agencies in bringing culturally rich art experiences to parks across California.

The program empowers communities through grants to collaborate with artists, culture bearers and California Native American tribes — creating free, public arts events that welcome new and returning visitors to celebrate creativity, deepen connection to nature and reflect the voices of the people who call these places home.

From murals and music to installations and storytelling, these experiences invite us to see parks not just as natural landscapes, but as gathering spaces where art, culture and community thrive together.