The Ventura City Council set the City’s direction for arts, culture, and heritage by adopting Strategic Priorities in March 2025 and approving the Arts and Culture Element of the General Plan in October 2025. The Arts and Culture Element was shaped through valuable community input, laying the foundation for the next phase of this work.
Now we’re continuing that conversation. City staff and the Cultural Planning Group are developing arts and culture policies, updating City grant programs, and creating a five-year implementation plan to present to City Council for approval. Your input remains an essential part of this process.
Everyone interested in Ventura’s arts and culture future is encouraged to participate by attending a community meeting, joining a pop-up activity, or completing a community survey.
Project Timeline:
- February 2026: Project Kick Off
- March 2026:
- Arts & Culture Commission Meeting
(public meeting open to the community) - Community Engagement Meetings
(public meetings open to the community)
- Arts & Culture Commission Meeting
- March – April 2026:
- Community Survey
- Community Engagement Pop-Ups
(drop-in engagement opportunities open to the community)
- April – May 2026:
- Arts & Culture Policy Development
- Grant Review and Updates
(City-facilitated grants: Cultural Funding, Special Event & Community Partnerships)
- May 2026: Arts & Culture Commission Meeting
(public meeting open to the community) - June 2026: City Council Meeting
(public meeting open to the community)
