Creativity Runs Deep In Kern County
Explore the arts with the Arts Council of Kern! ACK strives to address its diverse population and support our growing art community.
Welcome to the
Arts Council of Kern
Come explore the arts with us!
We work hard to make art accessible to all our residents and pride ourselves on highlighting traditional and contemporary artists in and around the county. We are your starting point for discovering new experiences and programs that will unlock your creativity and introduce you to new ideas.
Become a Member With Us!
Become a member with the Arts Council of Kern and help contribute to the arts community in Kern County! Take part in the many events held by ACK year round!
Arts Council of Kern Members Are:
– Entitled to Free Admission to Gallery Shows
– Eligible For Discounts on Arts Events and Workshops Presented by ACK, Highlighted in our Newsletter and on Social Media
– Acknowledged in the Kern County Arts Directory
Arts Council of Kern Gathering of Lights Closing Reception for the Contemporary Women’s Art Show
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of art, light, and community as we come together to celebrate creativity, resilience, and the power of women in the arts.
Light up the night with us during one of the darkest months of the year as we shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and creativity of Kern County’s women artists. This special evening will not only celebrate the beauty and impact of their work but also honor the women who have made a difference in our lives.
See the brand new mural on the west side of the building, painted by artist Nathan Richard Phelps, sponsored by the city of Bakersfield.
Enjoy the open mic with spoken word of women poets and writers; shop the new rotation of artisans at the Makers Market to purchase art by our local creatives.
Thursday Jan 16th
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
1020 18th St. Downtown Bakersfield 93301
Free admission with donations accepted for activities and beverages!
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Donation- Based Customizable Luminaries
Wall Painting Under Black Light
Open-Mic Poetry and Stories from 6:30-7:15 under a spotlight
Photo opportunities
And more…!
new artisans coming to MAKERS MARKET
Happy New Year 2025! Makers Market is thrilled to introduce a new rotation of six talented artisans, showcasing an exciting array of jewelry, digital art prints, sculptures, and rugs. The Gathering of Lights Reception will be the perfect opportunity to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of our latest artists.
End of the year reflections
As the year comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude and pride on the impact we’ve made together in 2024. The Arts Council of Kern has been a beacon for creativity and culture across Kern County, bringing transformative arts programs to underserved communities, fostering local talent, and celebrating the power of art to inspire and connect us all.
This year, your support helped us:
• Empower incarcerated youth and adults through our Arts4Rehabilitation and Prison Arts Initiative, transforming lives while decreasing recidivism through expression in music, writing, and visual arts.
• Showcase the strength of Indigenous storytelling and arts in our Common Ground program, which reached schools, museums, and community events throughout the county.
• Launch new creative spaces and initiatives, including workshops, exhibitions like the Contemporary Women’s Art Show, and a burgeoning First Friday and Maker’s Market at our downtown Bakersfield facility.
• Provide opportunities for artists to bring murals to beautify city streets and parks, collaborate, teach, and grow through programs that bring art into the heart of Kern’s communities.
But, there is still so much more we can do and YOU can be a catalyst for those opportunities… As state funding for the arts continues to face challenges, we need your PARTNERSHIP AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT to sustain and expand our mission of access, advocacy, and education.
Here’s how you can be a catalyst:
1. Become a Member: Join a community of art enthusiasts and advocates who believe that art work is real work and builds the creative economy. Learn how to participate and be active in the arts scene through our member newsletter. Your membership directly supports our programs and initiatives.
2. Make a Donation: Your contribution, big or small, ensures that we can continue to provide free or low-cost arts programs to those who need them most.
3. Sponsor an Artist or Program: Help us fund a specific project, artist, or workshop to bring more art and opportunity to Kern County.
Your support matters. Every membership, donation, or sponsorship brings us closer to our vision of a thriving arts community that uplifts and connects everyone in Kern County.
Together, we can make the new year even more impactful. Visit: kernarts.org or call us at (661) 324-9000 to become a member, donate, or learn more about our programs and initiatives.
Thank you for believing in the power of the arts to change lives. We look forward to creating, growing, and thriving with you in the year ahead.
Destination for Innovation
with Les Mood
Our Executive Director Jeanette Richardson recently had the honor of being interviewed by Les Mood for the series, Destination for Innovation, presented by the The City of Bakersfield and GreenTech Network.
In this series, we witness the profound impact of art in fostering connections, enriching community, and igniting innovation. Jeanette’s unwavering commitment to the community exemplifies how art can transcend personal passion to become a catalyst for public good, urging us all to champion and nurture artistic endeavors within our communities. Join us this week as we immerse ourselves in Jeanette Richardson’s remarkable story, a powerful reminder of art’s pivotal role in forging stronger, more interconnected communities, not just in Bakersfield, but beyond.
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