About San Rafael Arts
San Rafael Arts represents the downtown arts community, partnering with local arts leaders, businesses, city officials, and community members to foster a vibrant and engaging art scene in the district. Providing access to world-class arts and culture education and experiences, San Rafael Arts invites locals and visitors alike to look around and discover the eclectic community of arts here. It’s an inclusive community that builds relationships and dialogue to address pressing social and economic issues by engaging historically marginalized populations to
promote greater equity and diversity.
So, if you have a passion for art, San Rafael Arts is here to help you discover how much of it comes together here in downtown San Rafael.
Our Mission
Our Artistic Approach
Foster unity
through the arts
Support arts and culture as a key economic contributor to the health and quality of life in San Rafael
Champion community access to and participation in arts and cultural activities
What We Do
The San Rafael Arts is a collaboration among arts and culture organizations, businesses, the City of San Rafael, and the community we serve. By amplifying arts and culture, we strive to advance economic vitality and the quality of life in San Rafael.
Purpose & Vision
San Rafael Arts mission is to create a dynamic and inspiring downtown arts district that stimulates the cultural and economic life of San Rafael. We will: Foster unity through the arts Support arts and culture as key drivers of health, quality of life, and economic vitality Champion access and participation for all community members
California Cultural District
San Rafael Arts is one of only 14 designated California Cultural Districts. Established in 2017, the District has been championed by Art Works Downtown, California Film Institute, the Downtown Business Improvement District, Marin Society of Artists, Youth In Arts, and the City of San Rafael. The District was awarded a $709,000 grant in 2023 by the California Arts Council (CAC).
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District Activities
All arts activities in Downtown contribute to the District’s vitality. The California Arts Council grant is administered by core coalition of arts partners and the City of San Rafael. The steering committee prioritizes projects based on community impact, inclusivity, community ownership and crossorganizational partnerships. Between June 2023 and June 2025, the District has established a working collaborative, strategic plan, and funded over 25 cultural events and projects.
Why It Matters
Public investment in the arts builds stronger, more inclusive communities. It provides economic uplift, educational enrichment, and cultural vibrancy. As a top-3 ranked mediumsized U.S. arts community (SMU DataArts, 2024), San Rafael stands at the forefront of civic arts leadership.