More than $2.6 million invested to bring art into California parks

Families across California will soon have new opportunities to explore creativity in the outdoors as state officials announced more than $2.6 million in grants to bring arts and cultural programs to local parks through the Arts in California Parks partnership. The funding will support 30 organizations in creating family-friendly experiences that blend nature with music, dance, visual art and storytelling. Parents and children can look forward to activities ranging from mural-making workshops to free circus performances designed to make parks more welcoming and engaging for all ages. Projects include hands-on art activities where kids can help create murals celebrating cultural heritage, youth-led gardens combining art and nature education, summer camps featuring multicultural art classes, and family-friendly circus shows touring underserved neighborhoods. The four-year, $8 million initiative aims to transform parks into spaces where families can connect with both nature and their communities while children discover creative expression outdoors. State Parks Director Armando Quintero said the program helps families see parks as places for "reflection, healing and shared experience" beyond natural beauty. The grants, which range from $28,000 to $150,000, were selected from more than 200 applications. Families can find upcoming events and programs at ArtsInCaliforniaParks.org.