About Us

Photo Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams

The mission of the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region through the arts.

Dick Crispo, James Alinder, Ilene Tuttle, George De Groat, Todd Lueders, George Faul, and Helen Kingsley, along with the support of Ansel Adamscreated the Council in 1982 as part of a nationwide movement powered by the National Endowment for the Arts, “to develop and assist art and cultural programs, and to promote the employment of artists within the county.”

In 1985, the County of Monterey first contracted with the Council to provide cultural services to improve the economic health of the region — with funding from the County’s Tourism Occupancy Tax.

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.

Kids showing their drawings for the photo

Arts4MC provides visual and performing arts education to more than 25,000 youth, seniors and veterans thanks to support from local PTAs, foundations, businesses and individuals. We provide promotional, technical and financial support to more than 100 arts and cultural organizations thanks to funding from the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors and grants 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.

The 2020 Economic Loss to the Arts due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Arts Council for Monterey County acknowledges that our work is done on the ancestral lands of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation.

We strive to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees and connects us to the communities we serve.