Arts in California Parks

We’re excited to introduce you to Arts in California Parks, a new program from California State Parks. This initiative brings together talented artists, wise culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and our diverse communities.

Together, we’re creating art that celebrates our past, reflects our present, and dreams up our future. Imagine beautiful installations and engaging programs in our State and local parks, all designed to spark meaningful connections, boost community well-being, and inspire a healthier, happier California.

Program Partners:

California State Parks
California Arts Council
Parks California

Volunteers of all ages paint a colorful mural on an outdoor wall.
Community members help paint a vibrant mural in Candlestick Point State Recreation Area on May 18, 2024. Photo by California State Parks.

We invite you to be part of this unique collaboration where nature and creativity blend to shape the future of our parks and communities.

A crowd walks together through a park during a community procession.
Procession Community Event at Los Angeles State Historic Park on October 21, 2023. Led by Lazaro Arvizu Jr., Tina Calderon, and Nobuko Miyamoto. Photo by Fulcrum Arts.

We’re working hand-in-hand with some amazing initiatives that are all about making nature accessible and enjoyable for all Californians:

Learn More

Arts in California Parks supports two distinct programs

An artist paints a colorful mural on an outdoor wall.
Artist Belen Islas paints a mural at the Dia de los Muertos event in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. ©2023, California State Parks.

Arts in State Parks

Arts in State Parks supports projects located within State Park boundaries.

Learn More

Grants Program

This program will award funds for projects and programs in local parks across California through three grant cycles, anticipated for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Learn More
Young people take part in outdoor hip hop activities at a park camp.
Hip Hop for Change Camp at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. © 2021 Hip Hop for Change.
An artist kneels on the pavement drawing colorful chalk art.
Artist Katie Bush draws chalk art at the Dia de los Muertos event in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on October 28, 2023. Photo by California State Parks.
A child reaches up with a paintbrush to color in a stylized bobcat illustration on a large outdoor wall mural. The wall features a paint-by-number design with blue, orange, and white sections. In the background, a young girl in a floral dress looks up, while an adult with sunglasses on their head sits near the base of the wall.
A young visitor reaches to paint a mural's bobcat at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. Photo by California State Parks.

Are you an artist interested in creating public art in California State and /or local parks?

You’re invited to join the Arts in California Parks Artist Directory! It’s a fantastic resource for State and local California Parks staff and the public to find artists like you. Search by location, art medium, and more to explore exciting collaboration opportunities in both State and local parks. Come be part of this creative community!

Artist Directory

Explore California State Parks as potential venues for events and programs! The Venue Finder invites artists, event organizers, and the public to explore California State Parks as potential venues for projects and events.

Venue Finder

Learn how each of California’s State Parks and the 21 State Parks Districts align with county boundaries, and which of California Arts Council’s designated State-Local Partners (SLP) art organizations and agencies are associated with your favorite state parks!

California State Parks and SLP Map

Experience art in parks!

Check out our Explore Projects page to discover all the installations, events, and programs we’ve got going on as part of Arts in California Parks’ Pilot Projects. Use the interactive map to find exciting art projects in parks near you!

Explore Projects
Skeleton figures with bright butterfly wings hang from tree branches.
Skeletons or calacas with brightly colored butterfly wings adorned the trees at the Día de los Muertos celebration at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on October 28, 2023. Photo by California State Parks.
A person paints part of a colorful outdoor mural.
A community member helps paint a vibrant mural in Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. Photo by Parks California.

Support Arts in California Parks!

Help expand the role of community-led art experiences in California’s parks and create a shared space for resources, collaboration and exploration.

Parks California, created by the State of California to expand the reach and impact of its parks system, strengthens our public lands and inspires all people to experience these extraordinary places.

Make a gift