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Cultural Affairs Overview

The Cultural Affairs Division's mission is to:

• promote broad community awareness of, access to, and education in the arts and the city's historic resources in Ventura;
• provide opportunities and support to Ventura artists and arts organizations;
• foster cross-cultural understanding; and
• support economic development and tourism, especially in the downtown core.

The Cultural Affairs Division (CAD) is overseen by the Cultural Affairs Commission, an body of five that advises the Council on cultural matters. The Commission was created in 1994. Members of the Commission are appointed directly by City Council. The Public Art Commission, made up of seven members, advises the Council on matters pertaining to public art.

Cultural Affairs Division History

The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division (CAD) was established in 1992 as the Office of Cultural Affairs, as a direct result of the 1992 Community Cultural Plan. The Plan was formulated through an 18-month process, and involved over 200 citizens who served on eight task forces. The Plan presented a guide for development of the cultural community, with the active leadership of the Office of Cultural Affairs, which initiated numerous new programs to support local and regional artists and arts organizations.

Beginning with a full time staff of three, the Division has grown to include eight full-time and five part-time staff plus numerous instructors and special event support staff. The CAD provides programs through both direct delivery and extensive collaboration with local arts groups and artists. Its direct programs include: special events, ArtWalks, art and history tours, public art, educational outreach, art classes, grants, technical assistance, workshops, the “State Of The Arts” newsletter and more.

By 1998, the Cultural Affairs Division had fulfilled most of the recommendations of the 1992 Community Cultural Plan and took the final steps towards completion by commissioning the Downtown Cultural District Plan. Ventura’s historic downtown was officially designated the Cultural District as a result of this plan. The CAD continues to work on the development of the district, including facilities, activities, and marketing efforts.

The Cultural Affairs Commission, a body of five appointed officials that advise the City Council on cultural matters, was created in 1994 and provides oversight of the Division’s policies and programs. The Public Art Commission, made up of seven members, advises the Council on matters pertaining to public art.

  State of the Arts Newsletter

The State of the Arts e-newsletter is published bimonthly by the Cultural Affairs Division to provide information on our community's many cultural activities and resources. It includes both feature articles on local artists and arts organizations as well as updates on Cultural Affairs Division sponsored programs and services. Call 658-4726 to be added to the e-mailing list.

CREATING CALIFORNIA’S NEW ART CITY

Download the 2005 Ventura Cultural Plan (1.4 MB)

"Weaving culture into every aspect of life"

Flash-forward ten years: to 2015. Downtown Ventura’s Cultural District is home to a lively center for the arts. Artists are residing in an innovative live/work space that is sensitive to their creative process and variable incomes. Arts education programs have been fully integrated into the curriculum of our schools and all children can explore their innate artistic talents. Ventura’s unique cultural heritage is celebrated by the community in festivals that reflect each neighborhood's character.

A fantasy? Not necessarily. All of these visions can become a reality when the goals of the City of Ventura Cultural Plan 2005: California’s New Art City are realized over the course of the next decade.

 The Arts have a positive impact on all aspects of our community, whether in the area of student achievement, public safety, economic prosperity or civic engagement. Read more about the Public Value of the Arts

Children's Celebration of the Arts Educational Outreach

 

Professional artists visit classrooms during the school day and conduct a variety of workshops highlighting the art forms of world cultures. In past years this program has reached approximately 90,000 elementary school students.

• 2010 Children's Celebration of the Arts registration form & artist biographies
  
• 2010 Workshop Program

Cowboys & Heroes Rancho Jamboree

A unique cultural event for the entire family designed to stimulate interest in and to preserve American Cowboy Western heritage. Presented at the historic rancho era Olivas Adobe in Ventura, the event has four components: cultural workshops and demonstrations; period entertainment; interpreters as historic figures; a "cowboy college" and Chumash "village".

• Cowboys & Heroes overview
  
• Cowboys & Heroes brochure

Cultural Classes

The CAD provides a range of classes in the visual, performing, and literary arts, aimed at adults, children, and senior populations. Classes are held at the east-end Barranca Vista Center and selected elementary school sites. The program reaches over 6,000 participants yearly.

To register for classes and activities click eRecreation under Online Services.

To view recent offerings click My Ventura recreation catalogs under Hot Topics.

Cultural Funding

The Cultural Funding Program annually awards grants to arts organizations through a competitive panel review process. Awards are available in the following categories: General Operating Grants and Project Grants.

Created in 1993, the program has grown over the past decade to support the goals of the 2005 Cultural Plan. Among its goals are to: increase access to arts education programs for youth; increase the number of programs that celebrate Ventura's diverse community and rich history; and make the arts a major component of the community's fabric.

For more information visit "Cultural Funding" under "Arts" or view the current Cultural Funding brochure

Mayor's Arts Awards

In 2005 the Cultural Affairs Division of the City of Ventura, on behalf of former Mayor Brian Brennan, established the Mayor's Arts Awards to recognize the contributions to the cultural community by City residents, artists, educators, organizations and business leaders.

For more information visit "Mayor's Arts Awards" under "Arts" 

Public Art

Percent for Art Program

The City's Percent for Art ordinance allocates 2% of qualifying projects from the Capital Improvement Program for the inclusion of public art. The program is overseen by the 7-member Public Art Commission, which sets policy and has approval authority over all projects conducted through the program. The program also includes the Municipal Art Acquisition program, established by City Council to document the history of visual art in Ventura by featuring and highlighting important works of art created by area artists. The collection provides increased access to artwork of high artistic merit and aesthetic quality through its display in the public areas of City Hall and other municipal buildings.

For move information visit "Public Art" under "Arts"

• View the Public Arts Projects 

City Hall Galleries-Municipal Art Collection

The first and second floors of City Hall feature work from the Municipal Art Collection.

Click Municipal Art Collection brochure on an online guide to the collection.

City of Ventura Municipal Art Acquisition Program

In May of 1999, the Municipal Art Acquisition program was established by City Council to document the history of visual art in Ventura by featuring and highlighting important works of art created by area artists. The collection provides increased access to artwork of high artistic merit and aesthetic quality through its display in the public areas of City Hall and other municipal buildings.
The Municipal Art Acquisition Committee, a subcommittee of the Public Art Commission, oversees the purchase of master works in a variety of artistic media. The Public Art Commission plans to expand the collection in future years through annual purchase of major artworks created by leading area artists.

Special Events

The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division produces several special events annually. Enjoy all eight blocks of crafters, artisans, food and entertainment at the July 4th Street Fair. Or, if you like art, stroll through downtown businesses and galleries during one of the two ArtWalks.

For more information visit "Events" under Community Services for:

ArtWalk

Twice a year, galleries, businesses and sidewalks come to life with art exhibits that highlight Ventura's unique visual and performing arts community.

• Go to Artwalk Website

Olivas Adobe Music Under the Stars

Twilight music series presented in the historic Olivas Adobe Courtyard every Saturday throughout the summer, featuring a variety of music from diverse cultures.  See "Music under the Stars" under "Events"

• Go to Olivias Adobe Website

Festivals & Fairs

The 4th of July Street Fair is a Ventura tradition begun during our nation's Bicentennial. Visit "Fairs & Festivals" under "Events" for  more information. 

Technical Assistance

Management assistance for arts organizations and artists. This ongoing program includes individual consultations with professional arts management consultants, workshops, and seminars. Services focus on addressing needs identified by the local arts community and providing useful research and information on national, state and local trends affecting the arts.

Discover Ventura Tours

The Community Affairs Division has designed extensive programs designed to provide activities for tourists, including scheduled tours of Ventura?s historic sites, including the downtown area, Olivas and Albinger Adobes, and more.

Visit "Tours and Travels" under "Community Services" for more information.

Local Arts Organizations

Art Galleries & Museums

For an updated listing contact Julie Maechler at 805.658.4759.

643 Project Space
643 N. Ventura Av. Ventura, CA
www.643projectspace.com | info@643projectspace.com
643 A Project Space is an alternative exhibition space designed to give artists early career opportunities to exhibit their work. Our goal is to balance the potential of the local art community as well as involve the contemporary art dialogue on a regional and national level.

Art City Sculpture Studios and Gallery -
197 Dubbers St., Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-1690 | http://www.artcitystudios.com/gallery.htm
Art City provides a workplace for over 15 artists who work in a variety of media. It is predominately a sculpture studio, with stone carvings suitable for indoors or gardens, metal sculpture, murals, and more. Members of the public are welcome to visit the studio to discuss projects with artists and view their work in the studio's gallery.

Buenaventura Art Association and Gallery
700 E. Santa Clara St.,Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-1235 | www.buenaventuragallery.org
The Buenaventura Art Association has a membership of over 130 Ventura County artists who create works as diverse as oil and watercolor paintings, serigraphs, stone sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and handmade cards, and whose styles range from abstract to representational.

Community Memorial Hospital Public Art Gallery
47 N. Brent St. Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 652-5011 - www.cmhshealth.org
The first floor public art gallery at Community Memorial Hospital is the result of a partnership between the City of Ventura, Buenaventura Art Association, the Leadership Ventura program of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation. All art on display is for sale and the proceeds go towards the maintenance of the program, local artists, the BAA and philanthropic support of the hospital.

Focus on the Masters
1147 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: (805) 653-2501 | www.focusonthemasters.com
Fax: (805) 653-2347
The goal of Focus On The Masters is to demonstrate the full significance of the arts to society by bringing highly accomplished artists to the forefront of the community. The objectives are to document these extraordinary people and their work through museum-quality photography, personal interviews and biographical research which encompasses the artist's experiences, artistic thought and development, and to utilize our ever growing resources for the benefit of both the artists and the public at large through educational outreach, lecture series, regular exhibitions and quarterly newsletters.

San Buenaventura Artists' Union
330 California St. Plaza, Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-3012 | www.venturaartistsunion.org
The San Buenaventura Artists' Union is a nonprofit association of professional artists creating in Ventura County, California.

San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts
1141 E. Main St. Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 653-6100 | www.venturaarts.org
SBFA promotes the activities of our non-profit professional arts organizations through its website, including online exhibits of students and professional artists and a catalogue of youth arts education outreach programs. In the partnership with the City, it is leading an effort to create a Center for the Arts.

Ventura College Galleries (Gallery 2 and New Media Gallery)
4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 648-8974
The Ventura College Galleries showcases the artwork of students and faculty.

Ventura County Museum of History and Art
100 East Main St. - Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 653-0323 | www.venturamuseum.org
The Ventura County Museum of History and Art features changing art and history exhibits as well as its permanent exhibit on Ventura County history. It also features the George Stuart Historical Figures and the Stuart lecture series.

Albinger Archaeological Museum
113 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001
648-5823 | http://www.ventura.com/points_of_interest/archeosite

Bell Art Factory
432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, CA 93001
643-1960 | http://www.bellartsfactory.org

Lee Hodges Studio/Gallery
701 E. Santa Clara St. Suite 11, Ventura, CA 93001
647-6641

North Wind Studios
171 California Street, Ventura, CA 93001
653-0001

Red Brick Gallery
328 E. Main Street
643-6400

Sea Breeze Art Gallery
255 S. Laurel St., Ventura, CA 93002
643-3973 | http://www.seabreezeartgallery.com

 Stoneworks Studio
300 N. Ventura Ave, Ventura, CA 93001
643-5431 | http://www.stoneworksstudios.com

 Studio 1317
1317 N. Ventura Ave, Ventura, CA 93001
818-554-9819

 Sylvia White Gallery
1783 East Main Street, Ventura, California 93001
Tel: 805-643-8300 | Fax: 866-207-2506 | http://www.sylviawhite.com

 Titus Paul Gallery & Framing
881 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001
805.652.0667

 Performing Arts Organizations

New West Symphony Association
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite D,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 | (805) 643-8646 | www.newwestsymphony.org
The New West Symphony produces a regular concert season, as well as its Musics Alive! series, which presents music from other cultures. It also provides many arts events and activities through its Symphony League, which has representatives from throughout the County.

Pacific Sound Men's Chorus
contact@rinconbeach.org | 1-800-353-1632 | www.PacificSoundChorus.com
The aim of Pacific Sound is to be a top level a capella chorus with a varied repertoire in a wide range of musical styles. The chorus performs regularly in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and typically travels to perform in a national or international venue each year. The chorus is affiliated with the Barbershop Harmony Society which offers coaching and competition that and allows the chorus members to participate in the highest level of competition. The chorus rehearses in Ventura and membership is open to all talented singers.

Performances To Grow On
201 Park Rd., Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 648-4767 | www.ptgo.org
"Performances To Grow On" is a nonprofit organization which presents performances and workshops that develop a better understanding of world cultures and a greater appreciation of the arts to the people of Ventura County.

Ventura Improv Company
34 North Palm Street, Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-5701 | www.venturaimprov.com
Ventura Improv Company (VIC) performs improvisational comedy in a competitive format. The award-winning group is in residence at the Livery Theatre and offers an ongoing workshops and performances. VIC regularly hosts state-wide improv festivals.

Ventura Music Festival
89 So. California Street, Suite D, Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-3146 | www.venturamusicfestival.org
The Ventura Music Festival takes place every year in early May, featuring
ten days of remarkable music, performed in intimate, historic settings
throughout the City of Ventura overseen by Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta.

Ventura County Concert Band
6256 Sutter St. Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 642-5871
The Ventura County Concert Band, under the direction of Larry Weiss, performs four times a year at the Ventura High School Auditorium. The members of the band include business people, teachers, engineers, architects, students, retired persons and homemakers.

Master Chorale of Ventura County
P.O. Box 7388, Ventura, CA 93006
(805) 654-0995 | www.venturachorale.org
With a Master Chorale, Master Singers Ensemble, and a children’s choir, the Master Chorale of Ventura County provides a 10-concert season for the community which encourages professionalism through quality programs featuring classical and contemporary vocal masterworks. They also produce recitals, special events, and other activities.

All American Ballet
1932 Eastman Avenue, #104 & #105
Ventura, CA 93003
650-6316
aphelic@aol.com
www.allamericanballet.org

Channelaire Chorus
P.O. Box 7881
Ventura, CA 93006
805-247-1990
www.channelaire.org
This award-winning chorus is a registered chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances. The chorus welcomes enthusiastic women who love to sing.

Gold Coast Concert Chorus
PMB 217
1746F South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93003
675-4222 (tickets)
www.goldcoastchorus.org

Kingsmen Shakespeare Company
P.O. Box 1772
Thousand Oaks, CA 91358
(805) 493-3455
www.kingsmenshakespeare.org

Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main Street
Ventura, 93001
667-2900
www.rubicontheatre.org

Teatro de Las Am?ricas
P.O. Box 5184
Oxnard, CA 93031-5184
www.teatrodelasamericas.org

Ventura College Opera Workshop
4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura, 93003
654-6444 ext. 2968
www.operaworkshop.info

Ventura County Ballet
2750 E. Main St. Box 7
Ventura, CA 93003
653-2800 | http://www.balletacademyventura.com

Arts Education

California Poets in the Schools
PO BOX 2081
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
517-1807

Kids' Art
856 E. Thompson Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001
653-0817

Music 4 Kids
1255 Callens Rd., Suite A
Ventura, CA 93003
642-3800

Peace Thru Music
P.O. Box 4998
Ventura, CA 93007
805-647-6707 www.peacethrumusic.org

Peace Thru Music is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing access to music education, music appreciation, and musical instruments. Peace Thru Music partners with school districts, communities, Boys and Girls Clubs, and similar organizations to obtain the resources necessary to provide the children in these programs with musical instruments and music education.

Cultural Support Organizations

California Literary Arts Society
P.O. Box 782
Ventura, CA 93002
805/643-3385
www.literaryarts-ca.org
The California Literary Arts Society presents writing and publishing seminars, children?s writing programs, and annual book festivals.

Experience Ventura
1068 E. Main St., Suite 225
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 653-5425
www.experienceventura.com

San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts
1147 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
653-6100
653-6060 (fax)
www.venturaarts.org

Seaside Highland Games
9654 Kessler Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311-5533
www.seaside-games.com

Ventura Chamber of Commerce
801 S. Victoria Ave., Suite 200
Ventura, 93003
Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-4 pm
676-7500
650-1414 (fax)
www.venturachamber.com

Ventura County Arts Council
646 County Square Drive, Ste. 154
Ventura, 93003-9066
Mon-Fri, 9 am-5pm
658-2213
658-2281 (fax)
www.venturacountyarts.net

Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau
89 S. California Street, Suite C
Ventura, CA 93001
Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm,
Sun 10 am-4 pm
648-2075
648-2150
www.ventura-usa.com

Visual Journalism (JV) Multimedia Workshop

On July 31, 2009 over 46 visual journalists and visual journalism students combined their efforts to document our local community and produce a multimedia project in cooperation with Brooks Institute of Visual Journalism and the City of Ventura. Details at http://www.vjworkshops.org.
All the stories in the completed multimedia project--steeped in the documentary tradition but using the latest technology for visual storytelling that combines still photography with video and audio components--can be viewed online at http://www.vjworkshops.org/?p=813.