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.

Indoor Sculpture Exhibit and Contest

The City of Santa Clara and the Santa Clara Cultural Commission is hosting a 2024 Indoor Sculpture Exhibition and Contest. The exhibition’s theme is “One World, One Hope.” Submissions will be judged, and approximately ten 3-dimentional sculptures will be chosen to be installed and displayed in one of five City of Santa Clara facilities (Mission Branch Library, Northside Library, Central Park Library or City Hall) for a 4-month period. The semi-finalists have been selected. Check back in May for more information. 

Art Map

Looking to see art in Santa Clara. Check out the Google Map to plan and explore the wonderful art located across the city. The map includes sculptures, murals, utility box art, and much more. 

Commemorative Months Coloring Pages

Celebrate what makes Santa Clara so special! We hope you enjoy the monthly coloring pages as we celebrate the diversity of our City. Print out the coloring pages and create artwork with a purpose. Share your artwork with us on social media at Facebook.com/CulturalCommission or Instagram.com/CulturalCommission using the hashtag #SantaClaraArts.

January Coloring Page (PDF)
February Coloring Page (PDF)
March Coloring Page (PDF)
April Coloring Page (PDF)
May Coloring Page (PDF)

Home Decorating Contests

The 2023 Halloween and Holiday Home Decorating Contests have come to a close. Thank you to everyone who entered and made Santa Clara brighter. We look forward to seeing all the decorated homes in 2024.

Utility Box Art

The Utility Box Art Program completed the 2022-2023 season. The program is a public art initiative designed to transform common utility boxes into distinctive works of art, creating a more vibrant, attractive cityscape. This year’s theme was “Renewal." Acknowledging that we are emerging from a pandemic, while noting the rich history and diverse population that makes up our City. Click on the link above for more information. 

Concerts in the Park

The 2024 Concert Series Line up is out. Click on the Link above for all the information. Concerts are held at the Central Park Pavilion, 909 Kiely Blvd. or Live Oak Park, 641 Moreland Way from 6:30-8 p.m. See you there for evenings of great music, food and community.

Street Dance

The 2024 Street Dance, presented by EdgeCore, will be held on Friday, Aug. 2 from 6-9:30 p.m. on the 1300-1400 block of Franklin Street. Join us for another year of music, food, dancing and community! Featured band is Neon Velvet! This band features amazing vocals, props, choreography and high fashion. Everyone will be dancing in the streets all night. 

Cultural Commission Monthly Meetings

• Meets: Generally meets on the 1st Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
• Place: Senior Center- Room 205,1303 Fremont St.
• City Staff Liaison: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager (408) 615-3147

Commission Members

Candida Diaz (Vice-Chair)

Term Expires: June 20, 2028

Neetu Garg

Term Expires:  June 30, 2025

Jonathan Marinaro (Chair)

Term Expires: June 30, 2025

Abinas Roy

Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Louis Samara

Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Debra von Huene

Term Expires: June 30, 2027