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.

Step into the Past at STORIES ON THE SIDEWALK!
Take a stroll through history as Stories on the Sidewalk brings the remarkable figures of Bakersfield and Kern County to life! Walk along 18th Street in the east Chester Arts District and experience live reenactments of pivotal moments from our local past. This immersive event is a collaboration of local writers, actors, historians, theater groups, civic organizations, and downtown businesses, all coming together to share the rich history of our community. Fun for all ages! Don’t miss this chance to see history step off the page and onto the streets!
Tickets only $15!
EVENT DATES AND TIMES
Friday, March 14th
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, March 15th
11 AM – 2 PM
18th and N Streets
Downtown Bakersfield
Help Us Create a Mural for Saunders Park!

The City of Bakersfield Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Arts Council of Kern, is bringing a beautiful new mural to Saunders park—created by local artist Wendy Johnson! We want your input to help shape a piece of public art that reflects the beauty, history, and community of our local parks.
Please take a few minutes to answer this short survey. Your responses will help us design a mural that truly represents what makes this park special to you and your community.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Calling All Visual Artists!
The Arts Council of Kern is Celebrating Home!

ENTRY AND FEES
A maximum of three entries may be submitted. Accepted works are limited to one per artist. Entry fee is $10.00 per artwork. Fees are non-refundable. Arts Council of Kern members save 20%. For information on membership, please visit www.kernarts.org.
Deadline for Entry Deadline for entry to the juried show is Wednesday, April 2nd.
The Arts Council of Kern (ACK) is calling for Kern County visual artists to submit their works for Celebrating the Best of Kern, an exhibit that honors the diversity and beauty of all five districts of our county.
Who is Eligible?
Entry is open to all Kern County artists creating in all mediums, sculptors, photographers, painters and multimedia presenters are invited to submit. All art should represent the theme of Kern County. For detailed information please visit kernarts.org.
Awards
Cash Awards will be granted for 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place from each of our 5 districts. The 1st Place Winners, plus Best of Show and Innovation will be awarded Friday, April 11th 4pm to 8pm at the ACK Gallery, 1020 18th Street, Downtown Bakersfield.

Scan here for the online application!
For more information, please contact Jeanette Richardson at [email protected]
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:
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– 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


Support Local Artists at First Friday's ArtWalk
Hosted by the Arts Council of Kern, the ArtWalk will showcase a diverse array of talents, featuring artists, artisans, and vendors, creating a dynamic atmosphere for attendees. Engage in hands-on experiences such as jewelry making and storytelling, making this event a unique and enriching way to celebrate the month of creativity!
ArtWalk takes place in downtown Bakersfield on the first Friday of every month, from October through June.
The cost to participate as an artist-vendor is $35 per month.Â
supporters





