Championing the Arts to Enrich the Lives of Our Community
What We Do
The Issue
Monterey County is home to incredible creativity, yet arts opportunities remain out of reach for too many. Limited funding, inaccessible programs, and gaps in arts education continue to leave communities without vital spaces for self-expression, cultural connection, and creative growth.
Without these opportunities, young artists struggle to find their voices, local creatives lack support, and entire communities miss out on the transformative power of the arts. That’s why Arts4MC is committed to closing this gap—bringing resources, funding, and arts education to where they’re needed most. When the arts are accessible to everyone, it benefits the entire community.
Our Work
At Arts4MC, our mission is to champion the arts to enrich our community – through education, healing programs and support for local creatives, nonprofits and cultural organizations. We connect artists with community and schools, offer programs like Arts4Healing to use creativity for wellness, and host Poetry Out Loud and our adult and youth Poet Laureates, to give students and community members a platform to express themselves. Public art, murals, and exhibitions help make spaces more vibrant, while grants and scholarships support local artists, nonprofits, and students pursuing creative careers and projects.
Every initiative we support strengthens the cultural fabric of our community, ensuring that art is not just seen but truly experienced by all.
Our Impact
Since 1982, Arts4MC has championed artists, students, and community well-being in Monterey County. Since 2020, our impact has grown even more:
- Supporting Artists: $374K+ in grants, helping creatives bring new works to life.
- Investing in Arts & Culture: $1.9M+ awarded to local arts projects.
- Expanding Arts Education: 22,000+ hours of instruction, reaching 64,000 elementary students.
- Building Creative Careers: $250k to build a pipeline for future arts educators.
Through these initiatives, Arts4MC continues to ensure the arts remain accessible, transformative, and thriving.
OSAT Registration is Here!
Showcase your art! Participate in the 2026 Open Studios Art Tour.
Regular Registration: 3/16 – 4/15 (Indiv. $300, Org. $600)
Late Registration: 4/16 – 4/30 (Indiv. $400, Org. $700)
Includes Special OSAT Exhibit with Artist Reception!
Latest Stories & Upcoming Programs
The 2026 Open Studios Art Tour will be in September. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your studio or gallery! Register early and take advantage of discounted early bird registration.
Join us on April 17 at our annual breakfast to honor your nominations for Champions of the Arts™. Tickets on sale now through April 12 or until sold out. Don’t wait!
Arts4MC is proud to offer Community Arts Grants, bringing public arts and culture programs to life. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or sustaining a beloved program, we’re here to support your vision.
Your voice has power! If you’re a young poet ready to lead, you could be the next Youth Poet Laureate and become a literary ambassador for our community! Applications accepted through April 30th. Click above to learn more on how to apply.
A positive space in Downtown Salinas for culture & community. Every first Friday starting at 5 PM, businesses are open late, and the streets are filled with arts & performances.
Visit or be a part of it!
Open to Monterey County artists at any career stage. This fellowship is designed to uplift your unique artistic vision and recognize your impact on the local community.
Join us for Zoom office hours, from 2 – 3 pm, Thursdays starting 4/16 – 5/28 to get your questions answered and fine-tune your submission.
We’re gathering mural locations to create a Mural Tour to share in the Open Studios Monterey County mobile app! Help us make sure every mural can be included!
View Price List for Currenct Exhibits
Visiting one of our public exhibitions (like the Government Center, Health Department, or Chamber of Commerce) and need a price list or purchase details? Click the photo above for current exhibits with artist and price information.
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Start Your Journey with
Arts Council for Monterey County
Looking for Inspiration?
Are You an Artist or Nonprofit?
Are You a School or Community Organization?
Get Involved
Your time and talents can ignite creativity in our community! Join Arts4MC as a volunteer and help bring the arts to life. Whether you’re guiding young artists or supporting local creatives, you make a difference.
Donate Today
Your support matters! Gifts like yours go directly to providing Arts Education to thousands of students at schools without resources, healing activities for isolated seniors, grants to emerging artists, and so much more! Be a partner in keeping Monterey County a vibrant community by donating to the Arts Council now.
