Arts Council of Monterey County

Arts Council of Monterey County firmly believes that exposure to the arts improves the lives of all of us.

With the help of local PTAs, foundations, businesses, and individuals, Arts4MC has brought top-notch arts programs to 25,000 youths, seniors and veterans who have historically not had these opportunities. Among the many programs is Art4Business, which places original art pieces in local offices and storefronts. Poetry Out Loud, a competition that inspires high school students to perform spoken word, is now the largest event of its kind in the U.S. And beautiful, one-of-a-kind artworks in all price ranges are always available through the group's website.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region through the arts.

Services

We NURTURE the arts, ensuring that everyone can experience and have access to its benefits, from children to seniors.

We SUPPORT the arts, providing business and educational resources, as well as bringing in state, and local funding to grow our local artists, art organizations, and arts community.

We PROMOTE the arts, inspiring people's imagination and creativity. We advocate
for arts legislation, and participate in and organize community events and artistic initiatives.

Accomplishments

Arts4MC is the local partner for Urban Word, organizing the Monterey County Poetry Out Loud competition. The County winner then goes on to compete at the State and potentially National level.

Arts4MC established the Monterey County Poet Laureate and subsequent Youth Poet Laureates with the full support of the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors

History

Dick Crispo, James Alinder, Ilene Tuttle, George De Groat, Todd Lueders, George Faul, and Helen Kingsley, along with the support of Ansel Adams, created the Council in 1982 as part of a nationwide movement powered by the National Endowment for the Arts, “to develop and assist art and cultural programs, and to promote the employment of artists within the county.”

In 1985, the County of Monterey first contracted with the Council to provide cultural services to improve the economic health of the region — with funding from the County’s Tourism Occupancy Tax.

Thanks to our supporters and partners, we help bring high-quality arts programs to more and more residents — including those who have historically had little access. Over the years, we have strengthened the capacity of all arts organizations and cultural groups to more effectively serve our families and we have influenced a broad range of leaders to incorporate the arts to achieve their goals.

Partners

Funding partners include the California Arts Council, Community Foundation for Monterey County, County of Monterey, Harden Foundation, David & Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.

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