Press Release | Arts in California Parks

News & Updates

Catch up on completed projects and related news.

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A group of 17 youth and adults stands smiling in shady grass with a forest backdrop. Everyone is smiling happily, dressed in a variety of casual to business clothes. On the far left is Kirsten Casey - a gleeful woman with long white hair and dark sunglasses. In the center is Lee Herrick - a Korean-American man with short dark hair and glasses in the center. He is the 10th California Poet Laureate, and the first Asian American to serve in the role. The line is anchored on the right by Scott Green in a park ranger hat, dark sunglasses, and a black suit.

Poetry in Parks: Empire Mine State Park

May 3, 2024

Poetry brought history to life and celebrated California’s diversity at the third annual Empire Mine State Historic Park Poetry in Parks event, with readings from students, local poets, and California’s Poet Laureate Lee Herrick.

A woman with long dark hair and glasses is presenting to a crowd of people on a wooden porch fronting on a gravel courtyard. She is wearing a denim jacket, skirt, and flowered leggings and is smiling as she gestures with her hands. In the background is a brick building, and on the porch in the foreground is a black sandwich board with “Arts in California Parks” Workshop Here” written in chalk.

Public History to Public Art Workshop

May 3, 2024

Sacramento area art faculty and State Parks staff explored connections between public art and public history, and brainstormed ways to engage artists, students and communities in future collaborations.

A young Black boy wearing a sport jacket and holding a bouquet of pink tulips stands with one hand in his pocket against the outside of a building next to a black wooden “Alhecama Theatre” sign. He is looking at the camera with a serious and proud expression.

Poetry in Parks: El Presidio de Santa Barbara

April 27, 2024

Poetry lovers enjoyed live music, tribal performance, and poetry readings by local poets including Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Melinda Palacio and award-winning 4th grade poet Takunda Chikowero.

New Grant Program for Local Parks and Arts

April 12, 2024

The Local Parks Grant Program is one of two distinct programs of the Arts in California Parks program, which was jointly announced last year by the three partners. Today’s launch makes the grant program available for the first time, with two additional cycles planned for 2025 and 2026, for a

A group of people with blue Arts in Parks lanyards stand on a modern staircase.

Arts in California Parks Advisory Committee

February 6, 2024

The Advisory Committee gathered for the first time on January 29 to discuss opportunities, explore examples of incorporating arts into parks, and offer inspiration and guidance on the development of the program.