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 

 Santa Monica Arts Foundation