The Santa Monica Arts Foundation
The Santa Monica Arts Foundation was established by Council at the request of the Arts Commission in 1983. The purpose is to facilitate the raising of funds for the City’s arts activities. The Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 agency, controlled by a board of directors.
The Santa Monica Arts Foundation (SMAF) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Santa Monica, California. Its mission focuses on enhancing the community's cultural landscape through funding, programming, and advocacy for the arts.
Historically, the foundation has played a crucial role in fostering local artists and arts organizations, providing grants and resources, and facilitating community engagement with the arts. It often collaborates with various stakeholders, including schools, local government, and cultural institutions, to enrich the artistic offerings in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Arts Commission and the Santa Monica Arts Foundation serve different but complementary roles in promoting the arts in Santa Monica:
Santa Monica Arts Commission
- Governmental Body: The Arts Commission is a city-appointed advisory board that operates under the City of Santa Monica.
- Policy and Planning: It focuses on developing policies, planning cultural programs, and advising the city council on arts-related matters.
- Public Art Oversight: The commission often oversees public art projects, ensuring they align with community needs and city goals.
- Community Engagement: It works to engage the community in the arts and supports the integration of arts into city planning and initiatives.
- Nonprofit Organization: The Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting and funding the arts.
- Funding and Grants: It primarily focuses on providing grants and financial support to local artists, arts organizations, and cultural projects.
- Program Development: The foundation develops and implements arts programs and initiatives, often in collaboration with other organizations and the community.
- Advocacy and Support: It advocates for the arts and works to raise funds to sustain and enhance cultural offerings in Santa Monica.