40+ YEARS CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
The mission of The Arts Fund: to create, support, and administer programs and projects that foster the arts for the people of Santa Barbara County; to act as a catalyst which maximizes the effectiveness of arts resources; and to nurture collaborative relationships with other arts organizations.
40+ YEARS CELEBRATING COLLABORATION
The Arts Fund is committed to programming that nurtures local talent, enriches arts education, and promotes public awareness of artists in our community.
40+ YEARS CELEBRATING COMMUNITY
Teen Arts Mentorship
Community Gallery
Public Art Program
Press & Events
Celebrating 40+ Years of the Arts
Thank you for your interest in The Arts Fund. We believe that exposure and involvement in the arts are essential to enrich and strengthen our community.
Art gives us time to reflect, inspires creativity, and acts as a catalyst for change. Each of us has a unique perspective, and when it is shared through the universal language of art, it has great power. Visual art, dance, theater, music, and the written word have all had a significant impact in history, and they compose the heart and soul of a city.
So whether you are a creator or consumer of art, I welcome you to our vibrant arts community. Please reach out – we’d love to partner with you, or even just get to know you, as we foster and advance arts and culture in Santa Barbara County.
2018 RECIPIENT
Leadership in the Arts Award
The County of Santa Barbara Arts Commission has recognized The Arts Fund for its “Significant impact on the arts and culture of our region through innovative thinking and exemplary commitment to promoting sustaining, and advancing our quality of life through the Arts.”
Your Impact
You can make a difference for the arts in Santa Barbara.
Our generous donors help ensure that the arts continue to thrive in Santa Barbara County, and that students and professionals alike have the opportunities and resources to develop and share their passion for art and creativity.
Take a look at the 2023 Teen Arts Mentorship Recap to see what we’ve been able to accomplish through generous giving, and consider how you can make an impact by donating to The Arts Fund.
Hear From Our Community
“The Teen Arts Mentorship Program is a win-win situation, the kind we need more of in the arts.”
JOE WOODARD
SB News Press
“From studio setting to public display, the Teen Arts Mentorship Program offers young artists in SB County extraordinary access to artistic experience.”
CASA Magazine
“Thank you for creating touchstones for young people to discover more about themselves.”
MARY-ANN SIMON
The Simon Foundation
“The Teen Arts Mentorship Program gave me the confidence, skills, knowledge, and connections to pursue a career in the arts. It prepared me for my future, that I now see as exciting and promising instead of something scary and unknown.
“I am now pursuing a degree in Nursing and Graphic Design from Allan Hancock College. Thank you Arts Fund!”
DOMINIQUE PADRON
North County Teen Arts Mentorship Program
“Thank you so much for your careful guidance and inspirational instruction throughout these couple weeks, making [my teen’s] summer unforgettable! [My teen] became fond of music even more than before! […] The world has become better because of you.”
PARENT OF STUDENT
Fundamentals of Music Production Mentorship