About
The art of learning, engaging and sharing
The San Benito County Arts Council was founded in 2006 as a 501(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the State-Local Partner (SLP) to the California Arts Council. Since our founding, the Arts Council has raised millions of dollars in arts funding for the county, opened three multi-disciplinary arts space, and provided culturally-relevant and accessible arts programs and services to some of our county’s most under-resourced communities including economically-disadvantaged students and families, people with disabilities and justice impacted youth.
We are led by a dynamic team of staff members and our Board of Directors. The Art Depot, our arts facility in downtown Hollister, houses our administrative offices, as well as program and event space for art classes, exhibitions, workshops and other community events.
Learn more about the State-Local Partner Program.
Spaces
Come visit us at our Art Depot in downtown Hollister, Monday-Thursday from 10 am-2 pm.
Art Depot, 35 5th Street, Suite D
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Serves as the San Benito County Arts Council’s exhibition, indoor & outdoor learning, meeting, and office space for all things arts and culture.
Explore our website to learn more or contact us anytime at or contact us at info@sanbenitoarts.org.
Our Mission
To activate and connect people, spaces, and communities in San Benito County through arts, culture and creativity.
Our Vision
San Benito County is a thriving community where arts, culture, and creativity are essential, diverse in their expression, accessible to all residents, and integrated into everyday life.
Statement on Cultural & Racial Equity
To support a full creative life for all, the San Benito County Arts Council commits to championing policies and practices of racial and cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable community.
Read our complete Statement on Cultural & Racial Equity HERE.
Our Values
Diversity: we seek to represent and include all members of our community.
Collaboration: we strive to develop sustainable and authentic relationships that become the foundation on which all of our successful collaborative efforts are built.
Leadership: we seek to lead transformational change through the arts by catalyzing people, communities and spaces.
Commitment to Excellence and Effectiveness: we aim for the highest quality and excellence in everything we do.
Who We Serve
The Arts Council serves all residents of San Benito County with a particular focus on children and youth, artists, and historically marginalized communities.
Our Programs and Services
The Arts Council’s signature programs and services include:
Arts in Education
Exhibiting and Presenting
Grantmaking
Creative Placemaking
Professional development and capacity building
History
The San Benito County Arts Commission was the first umbrella arts organization in the county. In the 1990s, the Commission had a large budget deficit that the County was unwilling to take over. The Commission closed, leaving the county without a representative arts organization for over 10 years.
Following a grassroots campaign, the San Benito County Arts Council was founded in 2006 as a private nonprofit organization, which now serves as the official State & Local Partner of the California Arts Council. Over the last two decades, the Arts Council has raised millions of dollars in arts funding and has grown into the robust organization that it is today.