California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California have announced more than $2.6 million in community grants to bring art, culture and public events to parks across the state. ([parks.ca.gov](https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1437?utm_source=openai))
The latest round of funding will support local non-profit, community and tribal organisations staging music, dance, storytelling, visual art and cultural programmes in parks.
Officials said the projects are intended to celebrate local histories, strengthen community connections and help visitors engage with California’s natural and cultural landscapes. The grants form part of the Arts in California Parks programme, which is managed by Parks California in partnership with State Parks and the California Arts Council.
Thirty organisations were selected from more than 200 applicants, with individual awards ranging from $28,000 to $150,000, according to California State Parks.
Projects include youth-designed murals and a community sculpture in Lake County, year-round arts and nature activities for families in Oakland, and a memorial plaza, statue and mural celebrating Merced’s Hmong community.
Other initiatives include an exhibition by Indigenous women artists in San Pedro and free circus performances and parades in underserved San Diego neighbourhoods.
The programme was launched in 2024 as part of a four-year, $8 million initiative supporting artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes and community groups in creating installations and cultural experiences in local and state parks. ([parks.ca.gov](https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1437?utm_source=openai))
Since its launch, Arts in California Parks has invested more than $5.4 million, supported 61 projects and helped deliver more than 200 free public arts events, the organisations said. ([parks.ca.gov](https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1478?utm_source=openai))
