Celebrating the breadth and diversity of California’s extensive cultural assets: Applications Due August 7, 2025

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Source: California Cultural Districts

California is a land rich in resources. As the most populated state in the United States, California’s economy rivals that of most countries, the sixth largest in the world. Hollywood, redwoods, deserts, mountains, and fertile farm country all make their home in the Golden State. But with its impressive size, geography, and economic diversity, California’s cultural landscape is the strongest signifier of its identity.


California Cultural Districts highlight the cultural legacy of our state’s most valuable resource—its diversity. From larger, urban areas to uncharted rural locations, each district helps grow and sustain authentic arts and culture opportunities, increase the visibility of local artists, and promote socio-economic and ethnic diversity through culture and creative expression. 14 districts will serve as California’s inagural state-designated Cultural Districts, highlighting some of the thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across California.

A Cultural District, as outlined by the program, is a well-defined geographic area with a high concentration of cultural resources and activities. Each of the 14 districts received the designation for a period of five years, per state legislation. 

Originating with the adoption of Assembly Bill 189 in 2015, authored by Assemblyman Richard Bloom, the California Cultural Districts program aims to leverage the state’s artistic and cultural assets. Aligning with the mission and values of the California Arts Council, the districts will celebrate the diversity of California while unifying under an umbrella of shared values—helping to grow and sustain authentic grassroots arts and cultural opportunities, increasing the visibility of local artists and community participation in local arts and culture, and promoting socioeconomic and ethnic diversity. Districts will also play a conscious role in tackling issues of artist displacement.

California Cultural Districts

California’s state-designated Cultural Districts highlight the thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across California.

Balboa Park Cultural District
A cultural center of San Diego, captivating residents and tourists alike.

Barrio Logan Cultural District
A vibrant artists’ community with a high concentration of creative energy rooted in Chicano history.

The BLVD Cultural District
A thriving and dynamic cultural center located in California’s High Desert.

The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District
An arts and culture mecca and bustling Latino enclave at the heart of San Francisco’s eclectic Mission District.

Rotten City – Emeryville Cultural Arts District
An innovative district in the midst of a renaissance devoted to art and creative production.

Eureka Cultural Arts District
Something for everyone to discover, surrounded by the redwood curtain.

Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District
Twin cities rich in cultural history, the arts, and innovation, deep within Gold Country.

Little Tokyo
A vital Los Angeles cultural community with more than 130 years of profound history.

Oceanside Cultural District
An emerging cultural coastal town rife with theaters, museums, galleries and practicing artists.

Redding Cultural District
The gateway to true Northern California, bridging nature with arts and culture experiences.

San Pedro Arts & Cultural District
An artist community juxtaposed with industry, against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

Downtown San Rafael Arts District
An urbanized nerve center for culture in the suburban outpost of Marin County.

SOMA Pilipinas – Filipino Cultural Heritage District
A cultural, social, arts, and service hub for Filipinos throughout Northern California.

Truckee Cultural District
World-class scenery in a rugged high alpine setting that catalyzes and inspires art and culture.

Technical Support

LIVE Webinar

Below: Watch the archived recording of the grants program overview webinar held on June 10, 2025, hosted by California Arts Council Program staff Josy Miller, Gabrielle Rosado, and Yaquelin Ruiz.

Office Hours

Join California Arts Council program staff as they answer general questions regarding 2025 Cultural Districts (CD) grant program. Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed.

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