The Arts Council of Placer County (PlacerArts) was established in 1983 as a not-for-profit agency. As the catalyst for the arts and humanities in Placer County, the Council encourages excellence and expansion of visual, musical, theatrical, literary, media, and dance art endeavors. The Council serves as a clearinghouse for information on the arts in Placer County and also publishes a bimonthly arts magazine Perspectives . Its purpose is to create a forum for communication for artists and art organizations in Placer County and to increase awareness of activities and programs related to arts and culture in the area.

What We Do

Regranting

Technical Assistance

PlacerArts provides ongoing technical assistance to Placer County's established and emerging artists, local art agencies, and art groups. PlacerArts is part of several event and initiative committees in the county and has been instrumental in fostering three community concert series, six art festivals, one national arts exhibition, three major multicultural celebrations and three art education programs.

Public Arts and Culture Programs

PlacerArts presents professional performing arts and community theatrical performances in varying venues. Additionally, through its popular stART program , PlacerArts sponsors presentations in more than 30 schools.

The Arts Council of Placer County co-sponsors two popular public events each year: The Placer Farm and Barn Tour and AGROart (TM) Competition takes place each October at the historic Blue Goose Fruit Shed in Loomis and dozens of farms, ranches and wineries throughout the county.

One Root Festival takes place in September in downtown Roseville and celebrates cultural diversity through food, art and music.

Galleries / Exhibitions

The Autumn Art Studios Tour takes place each fall, and features artists throughout Western Placer County. Businesses in Old Town and Downtown host the popular Auburn Art Walk , four times a year. The Art Walk has increased local awareness and business support of PlacerArts programs.

Art in Public Places Programs

PlacerArts was instrumental in convincing the City of Auburn to pass a Public Art Ordinance and in establishing the Auburn Arts Commission to manage future Public Art projects in the county seat. New public installations have been dedicated in Granite Bay, Roseville, Newcastle and Lincoln with PlacerArts assistance.

Arts in Education

Artist-in-school residencies are provided through PlacerArts 's stART program and matching funds pool. Initiated in 1991 through a PlacerArts Regrant, the pilot was developed by local city partner Lincoln Arts, and since 1995 administered by PlacerArts. In cooperation with the Office of Education, PlacerArts serves foster children and other youths at risk via Kaleidoscope Program for After School Arts and School/Community Violence Prevention Program.

Information Services

Perspectives , a comprehensive bimonthly newsletter, regularly features county calendar of art events , reviews, calls for entries, current information, interviews, guest articles, and related ads. Perspectives is distributed by mail to PlacerArts members and targeted area residents as well as in person, to the public, via visitor centers, art centers, chambers, bookstores, coffee houses, schools, and libraries around the county.

Conferences