Huntington Beach Municipal Art Center Foundation

The Huntington Beach Art Center (HBAC) is a community arts and cultural center presenting original artworks in all visual mediums to local, regional, national and international visitors. HBAC serves to advance public awareness and understanding of cultural, historic, and contemporary perspectives through public exhibitions, performances, film and video screenings, lectures, and educational programming.

Established in 1995, HBAC is the primary art and culture center in Huntington Beach, California. Over 15,000 guests annually visit HBAC for community engagement initiatives. We accomplish this through extensive outreach, educational programming, and dynamic exhibitions. Onsite and remote classes provide a creative outlet for lifelong learners in subjects such as drawing, painting, ceramics, digital photography, Polynesian dance, Tai Chi, yoga, and learning the ukulele.

In an effort to provide access to the arts for all, HBAC offers exhibition programming and corresponding events free the public. Classes coordinated with the City of Huntington Beach are offered at a nominal price with further discounts available through Art Center membership.

Funds directed to the HBAC directly impact exhibition and educational programming. Exhibitions feature hundreds of artists, annually drawing over 15,000 guests into the Art Center’s 3000 square foot galleries. Community events, grant-funded public school field trips, and reduced cost art classes and day camps led by professional artists provide free or low cost arts education to local community members.

1. Additional Staff: Specialized personnel to focus on curatorial advisory and exhibition programming. Cost: approx. $25,000 for a curator; $30,000 for exhibitions staff.

2. Better Outdoor Signage and Visibility: Our plan is to commission a public artwork for the exterior of the building. At present the beauty and creativity inside our galleries does not translate to the outdoor appearance of our building, something we would like to change. Cost: $8,000 - $10,000.

3. Exhibitions Program: Exhibition funding allows for in-depth research, adequate materials, and most importantly, provides artist honoraria. It is vital that we foster our community of artists by providing financial support to acknowledge their contribution to society.

4. Performance Series: We would like to incorporate more music and dance at HBAC, emphasizing the many different forms art may take, and rounding out our offerings as an Art Center. We seek to establish a platform for performing artists, hosting 10 performances a year. Cost: $32,000 annually.

5. A/V Equipment: To remain technologically current, we require equipment that would be utilized for exhibitions, lectures, screenings, educational programs, and our performance series: 2 digital projectors and 1 large flat screen HD monitor.

As HBAC is owned and operated by the City of Huntington Beach, Community and Library Services department, we have the mandate to primarily serve Huntington Beach communities. Yet, while keeping a close eye on the needs and interests of local audiences, it is our sincere desire to develop relevant, inspirational, and informative world-class leveled exhibitions and art classes in order to remain an integral part of the creative and cultural dialogue unique to Orange County and the Southern California region.

HBAC plays a unique role in the Southern California arts community. Community exhibitions showcase local and regional artists and students from all school districts in Huntington Beach. Contemporary exhibitions are considered in light of art historical context, emerging artists, and topics that reflect societal concerns. HBAC also offers art classes, taught by distinguished, professional artists for students of all ages at very low costs.

Popular annual special events, such as Family Arts Day are offered for free or at a nominal price. As the city of Huntington Beach increasingly becomes a globally recognized tourist destination, HBAC’s location in the city’s downtown core on high-traffic Main Street gives the Art Center the potential to be a widely recognized, world-class arts establishment for residents and visitors alike. Especially in light of the annual US Open of Surfing which happens right here, and brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to our city, with increased funding, HBAC has what it takes to become a globally known go-to spot for high quality arts offerings.

With increased funding, HBAC is able to implement growth in key areas that would increase our visibility and the breadth of our offerings. We would love to present performing arts along with the visual arts, and to give opportunities to up and coming new talent: musicians, dancers, and choreographers. Funding for a concert series would also engage an entirely new audience.

Gallery exhibitions would benefit from additional related programs that deepen the educational experience, including symposiums, artist driven projects, and new opportunities for artists and audience alike. In the coming years, we embrace the opportunity to drive HBAC into new artistic directions, explore the interests of a new generation of viewers and participants, and develop donors and patrons who will bring participation, support, and stability to the Huntington Beach Art Center.