The High School Arts Mentorship Program
Since 1994, the Arts Mentorship Program has given talented young
artists in Santa Barbara valuable opportunities to work alongside
professional master artists. For eight to twelve weeks, these
students become immersed in their crafts, honing their skills
and breaking through to new frontiers as they create their own
portfolio-quality work. For many, art will become a career and
a way of life. For others, it offers a constructive outlet for
the creative energies of adolescence.
Individual Artist Awards (IAA) Program
Through the Individual Artist Awards Program, The Arts Fund spotlights the outstanding achievements of Santa Barbara County artists who enrich the cultural and creative life of our unique region.
Four Individual Artist Awards are given annually. Winners receive a $2,000 stipend, and when appropriate, a show in our gallery. IAA disciplines vary from year to year. The categories for 2010 are Collage & Assemblage, Drawing, and General Fiction. Click here to view work by 2010 Individual Artist Award winners.
If you are an artist, over the age of 18, who has resided in Santa Barbara for at least twelve months, watch for the IAA 2011 Call for Entries this summer.
Community Gallery
Opened in 2001, our gallery is an artistic anchor for Santa Barbara's eclectic "Funk Zone" neighborhood. The space provides an exhibition venue for participants in our other programs. We host 6-8 opening receptions per year, plus 1-2 fundraising events at the gallery. Estimated annual attendance is 2,000 people. In the past year, with support from The Santa Barbara Foundation and others, we have revamped our gallery space with a new lighting system, new computer systems, and remodeled hanging walls.