Arts Council for Monterey County

Education Administration ProgramsCalifornia, United States11-50 Employees

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

The legendary Ansel Adams led dedicated civic, arts and business leaders to create our agency in 1982 as part of a nationwide movement powered by the National Endowment for the Arts. By 1985, Monterey County first contracted with the council for cultural services to improve the economic health of the region — with funding from the Tourism Occupancy Tax.

Today, after more than 30 years of observation, research and experience, we find over and over that “The Arts Are the Answer” to overcoming our communities’ greatest challenges and achieving our region’s greatest potential. 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.


The Arts Council provides arts education to thousands of students each year thanks to support from local PTAs, foundations, businesses and individuals. We provide promotional, technical and financial support to more than 50 arts organizations thanks to funding from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

We are very passionate about our work and dedicated to making Monterey County the very best place to live, work and visit.  In appreciation of the impact of our efforts, we have received several honors and accolades from the media, community groups and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

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