Shining a Light on Contra Costa Arts and Culture
The Creative Pulse report is a groundbreaking study that highlights the vibrant arts and culture sector of Contra Costa County. Spanning 18 months of in-depth research, the report provides a comprehensive inventory of over 300 arts organizations, showcasing the creativity and resilience of communities like Richmond, Concord, San Ramon, and beyond.
Contra Costa County, one of the fastest-growing areas in the Bay Area, faces unique challenges in leveraging resources and addressing significant disparities in arts funding. While ranking among the lowest counties in California for per capita arts investment, Contra Costa’s arts community continues to thrive, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and passion.
Key Findings
The Creative Pulse uncovers vital insights into the arts and culture landscape of Contra Costa County:
- More than 300 arts organizations actively contribute to the county's rich cultural tapestry.
- Nearly half (47 percent) of these organizations operate on small annual budgets of $25,000 or less, underscoring the need for funding and support.
- Contra Costa remains one of the lowest-ranked counties in California for per capita investment in arts and culture due to historic economic disparities and racial segregation.
These findings underscore the importance of building stronger connections, increasing visibility, and securing greater resources to help the arts community reach its full potential.
Taking Action
Strengthening the arts community in Contra Costa County requires a collective effort. The report recommends the following to safeguard the county's arts and cultural organizations for years to come:
- Holistic, intentional investments — including funding opportunities, technical support, and engagement with BIPOC artist communities
- Elevating county-wide infrastructure to raise awareness of diverse arts programs, such as events, marketing outreach, and highlighting individual artists
- Revitalize arts and culture districts at the county, city, and community level, such as improving transportation options and encouraging the establishment of walkable arts corridors
- Embed arts in planning and development, including the establishment and maintenance of community art venues and integrating arts in housing projects
How You Can Support the Arts
Supporting the arts is essential to nurturing creativity, cultural expression, and community building. There are many ways for individuals and organizations to contribute:
- Build connections across the arts community by attending events, fostering collaboration, and engaging in outreach efforts.
- Support local arts organizations by attending performances and exhibits, donating, and spreading the word about their work.
- Advocate for increased arts funding and resources to ensure that artists and organizations have the tools they need to thrive.
The Creative Pulse is more than just a report — it's a call to action for community members, policymakers, and stakeholders to unite and invest in the arts. By doing so, Contra Costa County can develop a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable arts and culture economy that benefits everyone.
The Creative Pulse Report was authored by Anh Thang Dao-Shah, Ph.D., Creative Equity Research Partners, and commissioned by The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation and The Zellerbach Family Foundation.