The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.
In 2000-2001, AC5 conducted a research project, which resulted in the Contra Costa County Cultural Plan. The County’s population was widely polled, and these opinions helped shape AC5’s mission. Advocacy and outreach, arts education, and communication were identified as the top three arts and culture priorities of county residents.
AC5’s mission is addressed in a variety of ways, through programs and projects.
Ongoing Programs and Projects
Art Passages Public Space Exhibit
AC5’s ongoing exhibition program, Art Passages, highlights the work of artists from each of the five supervisorial districts within Contra Costa County. Art Passages has shown work from NIAD (National Institute of Art and Disabilities), in Richmond (District 1); The Lamorinda Arts Alliance and Scene on the Strait artists (District 2); Stanley Mouse and the Brentwood Arts Commission (District 3); the California Watercolor Association and the Gallery Concord, in Walnut Creek and Concord (District 4); the Pittsburg Arts Collaborative (District 5), and many others.
Artists are encouraged to sell their work at these exhibits, and many successful sales have transpired. At the opening of each exhibit, participating artists are invited to attend a special gallery opening night where they can meet and greet fellow artists and invited guests and engage in information sharing on a personal level about their art to the public. AC5’s Public Art Committee actively seeks input from the Board when planning each exhibit.
ARTBEAT Monthly Electronic Newsletter
ARTBEAT is AC5’s monthly electronic newsletter covering artists and arts news in Contra Costa County. The newsletter highlights artists of varying disciplines each month through featured sections and interviews. Artist's Spotlight features an in-depth interview of a selected artist or arts organization, giving a behind-the-scenes view, and conducted by artists for artists. Interviews are candid and conversational, designed to get to the core and essence of the artist's work in a way that goes beyond simply reporting. Artist of the Month features a randomly selected artist chosen from the AC5 sponsored Arts Directory. Artful Photographs of the Month showcases submissions from Contra Costa County photographers. Arts View is dedicated to revealing the latest trends in arts as it relates to the media. Literary Corner highlights a selected poet or writer, with an in-depth personal interview, selected writings, and photographs. These are the recurring features of ARTBEAT and in addition there are various arts related articles pertaining to current arts events in the county. The newsletter serves approximately 600 subscribers and statistics show that the readership is strong and growing. The newsletter is publsihed monthly to its subscriber list and is also linked on the AC5 web site.
ARTBEAT Television Programs
AC5 sponsors ARTBEAT's video programs on CCTV. There are currently three programs:
Fine Arts Series, A National Gallery of Art Video Loan Program
ARTBEAT Video Magazine, Interviews of Contra Costa County Artists on Location
Art Passages, Video footage of the Art Passages Gallery in Martinez
Advocacy and Outreach
AC5 continually works to advocate for the arts by communicating with regional, state, and federal arts organizations. The California Arts Council, California Arts Advocates, and Americans for the Arts are just a few of the many groups we are involved with. AC5 has advocated for itself and for the arts in general through its website and Commission and/or staff participation in presentations and meetings.
On a local level, AC5 provides outreach to other arts agencies, arts organizations and providers, and individual artists within the County. Commissioners and staff frequently visit other arts commissions, associations and councils. AC5 uses these opportunities to communicate progress and to find out what the needs are of these artists and arts supporters.
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