California Designates 10 New Cultural Districts

The addition of a new California Cultural District in Los Angeles County increases the total to four locations, none are located in the San Fernando Valley.:

• Little Tokyo - A vital Los Angeles cultural community with more than 130 years of profound history.
  
• The BLVD Cultural District
  A thriving and dynamic cultural center located in California’s High Desert.
  
• *NEW* Historic South Los Angeles Black Cultural District
  Los Angeles – Los Angeles County
  
• San Pedro Arts & Cultural District
  An artist community juxtaposed with industry, against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

Previously there was not a district in Ventura County, the addition of the Downtown Oxnard Cultural District recognizes the community's artistic diversity.

Learn more about California’s 24 state Cultural Districts at caculturaldistricts.org.

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Arts Council (CAC) has announced its selection of 10 new California Cultural Districts. These districts amplify the program and expand the original cohort established in 2017 by further representing the thriving creativity, diversity, and unique artistic identities of communities throughout our state, driving cultural, economic, and social vitality. 

The following are established as California’s newest state-designated cultural districts:

• American Indian Cultural District, Yelamu (San Francisco) – San Francisco County
• The Arts and Culture District, Riverside – Riverside County
• Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego – San Diego County
• Black Arts Movement Business District, Oakland – Alameda County
• Dos Rios Arts and Culture District, Modesto – Stanislaus County
• Downtown Merced Cultural District, Merced – Merced County
• Downtown Oxnard Cultural District, Oxnard – Ventura County
• Historic South Los Angeles Black Cultural District, Los Angeles – Los Angeles County
• San Jose Japantown, San Jose – Santa Clara County
• Watsonville Cultural District, Watsonville – Santa Cruz County

“The announcement of our newest California Cultural Districts comes on the heels of the release of The Future of California Is Creative, the first strategic plan for the Creative Economy,” said California Arts Council Executive Director Danielle Brazell. “Arts, culture, and creative businesses employ people and strengthen social connection which are the conditions for vibrant communities. Cultural Districts are an integral part of our economic, civic, and cultural ecosystem that fuels innovation, reflects California’s diversity, and shapes the stories we tell and export across the globe. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our 2025-26 California Cultural Districts cohort!”

“On the eve of our agency’s golden anniversary—and here in the Golden State—it’s wonderful to have this opportunity to honor the real treasures of California, and the things that we truly value and enrich who we are: diversity, innovation, artistic and cultural expression,” said California Arts Council Chair Roxanne Messina Captor.

These new districts will receive $10,000 over a two-year period, official state certification, technical assistance, and access to joint marketing and branding resources. The designation period will run from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030.

We've got a BIG announcement to make:... - California Arts Council | Facebook

2026 Announcement — California Cultural Districts

Members of the California Arts Council include: Roxanne Messina Captor, Chair; Leah Goodwin, Vice Chair; Gerald Clarke; Caleb Duarte; Vicki Estrada; Roy Hirabayashi; Alex Israel; Dorka Keehn; Phil Mercado; Nicola Miner; Rick Stein. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.

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