Arts & Culture District

The Arts and Culture District, Riverside

Downtown Riverside has been named one of California’s state-designated Cultural Districts, marking a defining moment for artists, cultural spaces, and creative life.

Support Artists Explore Programs

Downtown Riverside arts and culture district

State Designation California Cultural District

Official state certification through the California Arts Council program

District Name The Arts and Culture District, Riverside

One of California’s newest state-designated cultural districts

Designation Period 2026-2030

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030

What It Means

A cultural district is more than a boundary on a map

California Cultural Districts are places with a concentration of cultural resources, creative activity, historic assets, artists, organizations, venues, and community stories. The designation recognizes the role arts and culture play in shaping local identity, civic life, tourism, and economic vitality.

For Riverside, this designation creates an opportunity to celebrate Downtown’s cultural strengths while also addressing the responsibility that comes with creative growth: making sure artists, cultural workers, and creative spaces can remain part of the district’s future.

A Defining Moment

Without artists, there is no Arts & Culture District.

The designation is not simply a title. It is a responsibility to ensure that creativity is not priced out, artists are not displaced, and the people who give Riverside its cultural identity have places to create, connect, and thrive.

District Priorities

What this moment calls us to protect

Artists

Support working artists through visibility, opportunity, professional development, and creative space advocacy.

Creative Spaces

Champion places where artists can create, exhibit, rehearse, gather, teach, perform, and collaborate.

Cultural Memory

Honor the stories, communities, histories, and creative traditions that make Riverside distinct.

Public Access

Keep arts experiences visible, welcoming, and connected to everyday life in Downtown Riverside.

Riverside Arts Council supporting artists downtown

RAC’s Role

Connecting artists, partners, programs, and public life

Riverside Arts Council helps connect the district’s promise to real programs and opportunities, including Artswalk, public art, exhibitions, artist calls, youth arts learning, creative workforce pathways, community partnerships, and events that bring people together.

RAC’s role is not only to celebrate designation, but to help keep artists at the center of the district’s future.

Support the Patrons of the Arts Program

Connected RAC Programs

How the district comes to life

Riverside Artswalk Monthly public arts access, galleries, artists, vendors, venues, and community connection. Art in Public Places Public exhibitions, civic spaces, and opportunities for artists to be seen. Artist Opportunities Calls, workshops, exhibitions, vendor opportunities, public art, and creative pathways. Creative Career Pipeline Mentorship, Creative Workforce Fellowship opportunities, professional development, and future creative workforce pathways.

01 Patrons of the Arts

Support the artists and creative opportunities that give the district life.

02 For Artists

Find artist support, opportunities, workshops, and pathways to participate.

03 Events

Experience Artswalk, festivals, performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings.

04 Contact RAC

Reach out about partnerships, support, programs, and cultural district questions.