Mural Madness, a live mural painting competition was a huge success at the September Arts & Culture Fest. There were nine artists that painted murals which are on view at the Center for Creativity in Redwood City through the end of February.
In December 2025, the Artists @Work Exhibition showcased the diverse artworks of 17 County staff members from 13 different departments.
Mural by Heather Hardison and residents of the Navigation Center, Redwood City, CA 2025.
Arts Commissioner and Executive Director of Noorani Dance, Farah Yasmeen Shaikh, getting ready to perform at the 2025 September Arts & Culture Fest in downtown San Mateo.
Dancing was a big hit at the September Arts & Culture Fest in downtown San Mateo.
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Mission
The Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) and the Arts Commission champion the arts as essential for a healthy and vibrant community and policies and practices that promote social and cultural equity. We foster a thriving and inclusive community by advocating for the arts as a cornerstone of societal well-being. Our programs and exhibitions aim to showcase and uplift the artistic talent in the region, focusing on the presentation of contemporary and cultural arts. Through these programs and exhibitions, the County not only highlights the creativity within the County and beyond but also supports and amplifies the voices of local artists, reflecting the dynamic cultural landscape of our communities.
This month at the Office of Arts and Culture:
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Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26th, 2026, 11AM - 6PM! Join us in the heart of Downtown San Mateo for a fun day-long celebration of art, music, dance, poetry, food, and culture! Applications for visual and performing artists are open until July 13. For more information, click here.
- To view the San Mateo County's 2026 Directory of Arts and Culture Nonprofit Organizations, a collaborative effort by the Office of Arts and Culture and Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits, click here.
- Youth Arts Fellows in the News - Click here to read the San Mateo Daily Journal article: Daly City high schooler and Youth Arts fellow creates digital magazine For(e)thought Collective. Applications for 2026-27 will open in July. Stay tuned.
- San Mateo County's Office of Arts and Culture and Arts Commission is pleased to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in or serving San Mateo County. To meet our 2026 grantees, click here.
- The Office of Arts and Culture is able to provide sponsorships for events, festivals, performances, exhibits, or awards that you or your organization is hosting. For more information or to apply, click here.
