City of Santa Clara Cultural Commission

The Cultural Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to the betterment of the city through art and cultural events. Commissioners are volunteers who are appointed by the City Council. The commission makes recommendations to the council on programs and activities to acquaint citizens of Santa Clara with cultural diversity here and abroad.

The commission makes recommendations to the council on potential city funding and support for community cultural groups and on the purchase and placement of public art. It organizes cultural events and activities, such as the annual Summer Concerts in the Park series, the biennial Indoor Sculpture Exhibition, the Franklin Square Street Dance, and the Friday Night Live performances.

Commissioners also make recommendations on the city’s international exchanges, working closely with the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association and other supportive groups. It develops international people-to-people contacts to enhance cultural exchanges and communication with a special emphasis on encouraging and coordinating activities with Santa Clara's three sister cities: Coimbra, Portugal; Izumo, Japan; and Limerick, Ireland.