ABOUT
Arts Connection is a cornerstone of empowerment in our community. We are committed to elevating Arts and Culture in San Bernardino County, as we promote creative and economic viability, enriching lives throughout the communities we serve by providing support, promotion, education, and advocacy for the arts. Arts Connection consistently works in collaboration with our city, state, and county partners to explore creative pathways that will continue to integrate the arts into the framework of the countywide vision.
OUR STORY
Celebrating Over 10 Years of Dedication
Arts Connection - The Arts Council of San Bernardino County proudly celebrated ten years as a nonprofit corporation in 2023! Launched after a two-year planning process with over 70 arts professionals, Arts Connection was later designated by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors as a state-local partner to the California Arts Council (CAC). As a state-local partner, Arts Connection supports increased grant submissions to the state agency and last year was co-granted millions through the Creative Corps regranting program. Arts Connection provides financial support, services, and other programs to support over 200 arts and cultural organizations and agencies, individual artists, and the diverse communities of the county. The council partners with dozens of regional organizations across the entire county. Arts Connection is a key regional advocate and organizer for arts and culture professionals in the region and participates regularly in state arts advocacy campaigns. The council serves our diverse creative communities in the region and stimulates creative and economic vitality through network building, mentoring, education, and advocacy. Arts Connection advances artist connections, community building, and artist sponsorship. The council fosters more vibrant and equitable cities and communities through its strategies and programs. We look forward to many more years serving you, San Bernardino County!
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to enrich lives by ensuring a vibrant and thriving arts and cultural ecosystem throughout San Bernardino County. By promoting, supporting, and advocating for the arts, we ensure that every person, regardless of age and socioeconomic status, has access to enriching cultural experiences and opportunities, fostering meaningful connections and a more inclusive society.
Strengthening Arts Education and Artist Career Pathways from Cradle to Career: Connecting Youth Programming and Career Pathways for Artists
Creative, Inclusive Economic & Workforce Development: Making & Sustaining Space for Creative Work and Culture.
Cultural Equity and Cultivating Communities of Belonging
Arts and Culture Advocacy and Policy: Capacity Building, Partnerships & Leadership Development.
Core Pillars of Arts Connection
LAND AND PEOPLES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Arts Connection - The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva, Serrano, Chemehuevi, Vanyume, Cahuilla, Halchidoma, and Mojave peoples as the traditional land caretakers of various parts of the region. As an arts and culture serving organization, we pay our respects to the ancestors, elders, and our relatives/relations past, present, and emerging. Acknowledgment by itself is a small gesture. It becomes meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and informed action. But this beginning can be an opening to greater public consciousness of Native sovereignty and cultural rights, a step toward equitable relationships and reconciliation.
