To cultivate the arts in the Monterey Peninsula area by creating inspiring and engaging experiences that touch hearts, challenge minds, and enrich lives. Belief in being a vibrant cultural center that provides opportunities for shared artistic experiences and encourage the development of both emerging and established artists. Ignite the creative energy of youth through arts programs, recognizing its transformative power.
Funds from the 2024 MC Gives grant created the Monterey County Arts Expo. September 20, 2025, the expo will feature 258 submissions globally with ~400 attendees. This free public event removes barriers to art by offering open access to independent films, documentaries, and experimental works.
The Expo is celebrates local creativity, elevates underrepresented voices, transforms public spaces into vibrant third spaces for shared cultural experiences via artist and filmmaker submissions. The Expo usea local parks, libraries, community centers, and spaces to reimagine how and where art is experienced, creating welcoming spaces for connection.
Funds will support website development, A/V equipment, logistics, staffing, and facility rentals.
The Pacific Grove Art Center (PGAC) continues to lead with its use of augmented reality projection mapping, or "lightcasting." PGAC supports local events like Butterfly Days, Big Sur Fashion Show, Good Old Days, and First Fridays. Funds support equipment, instruction, and the promotion of lightcasting.
Since 1969, the Art Center has served as a cultural cornerstone for PG. The PGAC is an outgrowth of the Chautauqua movement and continues the tradition of our community sharing in learning and exploring culture, and still exudes the hippie spirit of 1969.
The Art Center serves artists of all disciplines, four galleries, displays children’s art, local school art programs, and a place for locals to rent an affordable event space for book signings, memorials, educational topics of interest such as lectures and recitals. Local art associations annually display the works of their members. There are 18 studios providing local artists an affordable space and public access.
The Art Center is well placed to bring community together because we share common concerns such as many absentee landlords and empty storefronts and decrepit buildings in the middle of town which is effecting renters, businesses, nonprofits, and the spirit of the citizens.
Art plays an unique roll in the city's civic environment by allowing local artists the opportunity to create, share, and network. Interactive workshops, rotating exhibits, and hands-on classes for members of the community of all ages are the threads that weave a community together.
- Sam Al-Maqtari, Pacific Grove
