For Immediate Release
October 22, 2024
$2.8 million Awarded to 31 California-based Nonprofit and Community Organizations to Bring Vibrant Art Installations and Cultural Programming to Local Parks
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks, the California Arts Council, and Parks California, today announced the inaugural recipients of the Arts in California Parks Local Parks Grant Program. A total of $2.8 million will fund 31 local nonprofits, community organizations and artists, allowing them to create unforgettable experiences in local parks across the state that will enrich and inspire residents and visitors alike.
“These first-of-their-kind grants will bring community-centered art projects directly to the heart of local parks,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We hope these projects will foster a sense of pride and belonging, showcasing the unique stories and creative spirit that make our local parks cherished gathering places for all.”
More than 200 applications were received for this grant program administered by Parks California, the collaborative grant partner for State Parks. Recipients were selected through a competitive review process, ensuring statewide representation and meaningful local impact through art, culture, and nature.
“Parks California is delighted to support local artists and organizations in the creation of art and programming in parks,” said President and CEO of Parks California Kindley Walsh Lawlor. “We hope these projects will serve as catalysts for engagement, giving residents and visitors a new view of parks as community spaces. Along with partners, we work to connect people, art, and nature in new and creative ways.”
Some of the projects that will benefit from Arts in California Parks, Local Parks Grant Program funding this year include:
- “This grant enables the Mariposa Arts Council to develop an inclusive residency program that brings together a diverse array of artists, encouraging collaboration and creative exchange,” says Cara Goger, Mariposa Arts Council’s Executive Director. “We are especially excited to collaborate with our local Indigenous communities to create a unique traditional arts residency within the broader initiative. Through the development and implementation of this residency program, we are eager to delve into Mariposa’s profound connection to the land and its long-standing traditions of stewardship, fostering meaningful conversations, artistic exploration, and deep community involvement.”
- “Because of this grant, the City of Bakersfield will take another step towards advancing the quality of life of our community through art and engagement,” says Darin Budak, Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks Department for City of Bakersfield. These art installations and cultural programs will have far-reaching benefits, promoting a greater sense of connection to place, enhancing health and well-being, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage with arts in accessible outdoor spaces. Arts in California Parks is a way to invite everyone to enjoy the benefits of art and nature.
- “Exploring themes of healing and heritage through media art, our transformative ‘Land and Lenses’ program engages youth as leaders and changemakers—connecting the community to one of our region’s most valued natural resources, Otay Valley Regional Park,” states Sarah E. Beckman, the Executive Director of Outside the Lens.
A map of grant recipients and their projects can be found here.
These art projects will have far-reaching benefits, promoting a greater sense of connection to place, enhancing community well-being, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts in outdoor spaces. Be sure to check out the upcoming events in a local park near you by visiting artsincaliforniaparks.org. Projects will launch this month and continue through September 2025. Interested organizations can apply for the next grant cycles in spring 2025 and 2026 – don’t miss the chance to be part of this creative movement.
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About Arts in California Parks
Arts in California Parks is a program from California State Parks, in partnership with Parks California and the California Arts Council, that supports artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and communities in creating artwork that reflects on our past and helps reimagine our potential. Arts in California Parks aims to foster sustainable community connections, health, and well-being through art installations and programming in state and local parks. This program aligns with California’s Outdoor Access for All initiative, the Outdoors for All initiative led by the Natural Resources Agency, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past initiative.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom or click here.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
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About California Arts Council
Established by the State of California in 1976, the California Arts Council is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. The California Arts Council is California’s only public arts grants provider with funding that is accessible to all 58 counties. As a state agency, they support local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants, programs, and services. The arts sector is large and diverse and its businesses and workforce are a significant contributor to our state economy and identity. California is home to 11,563 nonprofit arts organizations and our state’s creative sector accounts for $18.67 billion in assets and 15.4% of California’s total employment.
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About Parks California
Parks California is the official public-private nonprofit partner to California State Parks. Working statewide, it’s uniquely positioned to innovate and work hand-in-hand with communities and experts to bring resources together, ensuring that everyone can experience healthy and thriving parks for generations to come. This year, Parks California celebrates 5 years of partnering with over 100 nonprofits and tribal groups to help more than 28,000 people experience one of California’s 280 state parks – many for the first time ever – in the hopes of starting a lifelong love of nature. Facebook I Instagram I YouTube I Blog | LinkedIn
CONTACTS
California State Parks
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
California Arts Council
Carissa Gutierrez
Parks California
media@parkscalifornia.org
