Class 39 Arts & Culture Day

This was a full-day immersive program exploring the role of arts and culture in Santa Cruz County's economy, community identity, and civic life. The day was designed to give Leadership Santa Cruz County participants a firsthand look at how the arts ecosystem functions locally - not just as entertainment, but as a driver of economic development, community empowerment, and cultural preservation.

The morning opened with a substantive session on the relationship between arts and the local economy, followed by a panel focused on the film industry in the region. Participants then split into groups for walking tours of downtown Watsonville, experiencing public art installations and community arts projects up close.

The afternoon shifted toward policy and governance, with a panel examining how local city governments integrate arts into community development planning. The day then transitioned to a live performance by youth music and dance programs, putting a human face on arts education and its community impact. It wrapped up with a tour of a local artisan manufacturer, connecting craft, design, and local business.

The throughline was clear: arts aren't a luxury - they're woven into economic development, cultural identity, youth development, and civic life across the county.

Thank you to our Sponsors