Cultural Commission

The Cultural Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to the enhancement of multi-cultural experiences and beautification of the City through art. The Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on programs/activities to encourage educational, cultural, sports, technical and governmental exchanges to help acquaint citizens of Santa Clara with cultural diversity here and abroad.

The Commission also recommends potential City-funding and support for community cultural groups, organizes some City cultural events, and makes recommendations to the City Council on the purchase and placement of public art. It also makes recommendations on the City’s international exchanges, working closely with the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association and other supportive groups.

It organizes cultural events and activities, such as the annual Summer Concerts in the Park series, the biennial Indoor Sculpture Exhibition, the Franklin Square Street Dance, and the Friday Night Live performances. It also develops international people-to-people contacts designed to enhance cultural exchanges, communication and understanding with special emphasis on encouraging and coordinating activities with Santa Clara's three sister cities: Coimbra, Portugal, Izumo, Japan and Limerick, Ireland.

The Cultural Commission consists of Commissioners that are volunteers and are appointed by the City Council. To be eligible, you must be a registered voter and resident of Santa Clara, and may not hold any paid office in, or be employed by, the City of Santa Clara. For details call the City Clerk's office at (408) 615-2220. The Cultural Commission may also be contacted by email at CulturalCommission@santaclaraca.gov.

Please view the Utilities Box Project Overview to be showcased at City Hall.

Friday Night Live 

All community members are invited to the Friday Night Live series. Friday Night Live celebrate cultural diversity though a series of entertaining performances. See below for dates/time/locations. All Friday Night Live performances are free and open to the public.

Cultural Arts Grant Application

The Santa Clara Cultural Commission has released their 2019-2020 Cultural Arts Funding Application. The purpose of the Cultural Commission funding is to advance the arts in the City of Santa Clara. Please click on the below application for more information regarding application requirements, eligible organizations and programs, and evaluation criteria. 

The application must be fully completed and submitted (8 copies) to the Santa Clara Senior Center, attn. Cultural Commission, 1303 Fremont Street, Santa Clara 95050 by 5:00 pm on Friday, December 14, 2018. Applicants are invited to present at the Cultural Commission meeting at 7:00 pm on Monday, January 7, 2019 at the Santa Clara Senior Center. If you have any questions, please email mpieracci@santaclaraca.gov.

Cultural Commission Grant Application

Cultural Commission Monthly Meetings 

• Meets: Generally meets on the 1st Monday of each month at 7:00 pm
• Place: Senior Center- Room 205,1303 Fremont Street
• City Staff Liaison: Maureen Grzan-Pieracci, Recreation Supervisor – (408) 615-3192

Commission Members

Loretta Beavers

Term Expires: June 30, 2019
(Second Term)

Louis Samara

Vice-Chair
Term Expires: June 30, 2022
(First Term)

Harbir K. Bhatia

Term Expires: June 30, 2020
(First Term)

Niha Mahur

Term Expires: June 30, 2021
(First Term)

Debra von Huene

Chair
Term Expires: June 30, 2019
(Partial Term)

Jonathan Marinaro

Term Expires: June 30, 2021

(Partial Term)

Candida Diaz

Term Expires: June 30, 2020
(Partial Term)