Since 1981, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, as the local partner of the California Arts Council, advances the visual, literary, and performing arts through programs that promote public access to the arts, arts in educational settings, local arts planning and collaboration, and opportunities for artists and arts organizations.

We coordinate programs such as Art After Dark, the Open Studios Art Tour, Poetry Out Loud, and the Poet Laureate. We re-grant funds to community organizations and artists and offer grant support and fiscal sponsorships. We pursue research, education, and advocacy around the value of the arts and culture sector in order to expand rich, cultural opportunities for our citizens. As your local Arts Council, we are building an infrastructure for our local arts and culture sector to flourish.