The City of Sacramento will recognize “Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month” this April with a series of events hosted by the Office of Arts and Culture.
Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month (ACCM) is a statewide initiative led by California for the Arts. Now in its eighth year, ACCM highlights the role of arts and culture in communities across the state.
This year’s theme, “Boundless Culture & Creativity,” and subtheme, “Building Joy, Action + Power,” reflect the impact of creative expression on California’s civic and cultural life. Public celebrations will also highlight the role of the arts in promoting social well-being, freedom of expression and a sense of belonging, as well as how creative work helps communities imagine a more just future.
“Arts and culture are an essential part of what makes Sacramento a vibrant and connected community,” said Jason Jong, cultural and creative economy manager. “Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month is an opportunity to recognize and support local artists and creatives while highlighting the role they play in shaping Sacramento’s identity and future.”
The following events are scheduled throughout April:
Birds and Benches: Mentor Artist Speaker Series featuring Larry G. Meeks
- When: April 7, 6-7 p.m.
- Where: North Natomas Community Center
- What: A mentor artist presentation featuring Sacramento metal artist Larry G. Meeks, who will share his creative process, experience and approach to public art as part of an ongoing professional speaker series.
- Registration and details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/d1-birds-and-benches-mentor-artist-presentation-larry-g-meeks-tickets-1981261648926
CA Arts & Culture Summit
- When: April 19-20
- Where: Sacramento Memorial Auditorium and SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
- What: A two-day statewide gathering focused on the role of arts and culture in civic engagement and community development, featuring sessions, workshops and discussions on advocacy, collaboration and creative practice. The City supported scholarships to help 30 Sacramento artists and creative workers attend. A reduced-price ticket is also available for artists, creatives and students at $190 compared to the $375 general admission rate.
- Registration and details: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/90509/summit/
California Arts Council 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony
- When: April 21, 6-8 p.m.
- Where: Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
- What: The California Arts Council will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026 with an awards ceremony following the CA Arts & Culture Summit. The free event will honor artists, cultural leaders and organizations whose contributions have shaped California’s cultural and civic identity over the past five decades.
- Registration and details: https://secure.everyaction.com/hxioITB-6UWD-go4xJPv2Q2
Arts Advocacy Day
- When: April 21 at 9-10 a.m.
- Where: SAFE Credit Union Convention Center – West Lobby Entrance, Room A1 (corner of 13th and K streets)
- What: A free statewide advocacy event that brings together artists, arts workers and organizations at Capitol Park. The day includes a rally with speakers and performances, followed by a walk to the Capitol and meetings with state lawmakers to discuss arts funding and policy.
- Registration and details: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/90509/arts-advocacy-day/
Birds and Benches: Artist Talk featuring Matthew Flores
- When: April 23, 12-1:30 p.m.
- Where: Online via Zoom
- What: An artist talk featuring Matthew Flores, who will share his artistic journey, inspirations and experience as the 2024 Del Rio Trail Artist Ambassador as part of the Birds and Benches series.
- Registration and details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-by-matthew-flores-birds-and-benches-artist-ambassador-tickets-1984933713169
Birds and Benches: Artist Talk featuring Ene Osteraas-Contable
- When: April 30, 12-1:30 p.m.
- Where: Online via Zoom
- What: An artist talk featuring Ene Osteraas-Contable, who will share her work and approach to creating environmentally focused public art as part of the Birds and Benches series.
- Registration and details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-by-ene-osteraas-contable-birds-and-benches-artist-ambassador-tickets-1985941504500
The Office of Arts and Culture is also planning to relaunch its artlook® Sacramento platform at the end of April. The online tool connects arts educators, organizations and teaching artists with schools and youth programs across the region, allowing users to search offerings by discipline, program type and age group. More details will be shared as they become available.
Last year, the Office of Arts and Culture launched the Public Art GIS Mapping Tool, an online resource that allows residents and visitors to explore Sacramento’s public art collection. The interactive map includes information on dozens of artworks throughout the city and is intended to make the City’s public art inventory more accessible. Community members are encouraged to explore the mapping tool during ACCM.
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