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.
COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN!
Community Grant Applications Are Now Open!
We’re excited to support local projects that make a difference! If you have a community-focused initiative, now is the time to apply for funding. Applications are available in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all.
The deadline to submit your application is Friday, February 14th, by 5 PM—don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life! Apply today and take the next step in making a positive impact in your community.

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
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.

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