40,000
Annual Attendees
From world-class entertainment in the Marisa Funk Theater, to Open Mic Night and theater performances in the Off Center Stage, the Center is always bustling with activity.
2023 Wrap Up
Executive Director of The Center for the Arts
Letter from Amber Jo
Every time I walk through the doors at The Center, I am grateful. I am grateful we successfully built a professional venue and have established The Center as a top presenter in the region. However, when I look out at the houses at several of our shows over this past year, I am reminded how desperately we need your support. Audiences have not returned to pre-covid levels and at the same time, we’ve experienced a 30% increase in expenses.
This end of year, give a donation from the heart or become a member to demonstrate to your community how proud you are to be a part of The Center. Remember how the arts have inspired you and help us to continue to inspire those around us. We are committed to deep, supportive collaborations with local visual and performing artists and to building the next generation of artists through youth arts education. But this work depends on you. 
675
Musicians played at the center
Larkin Poe, Snarky Puppy, Allison Russell, Dave Mason, Three Dog Night, Ruthie Foster, Kishi Bashi, Watchhouse Duo, ALO, Elephant Revival, Pink Martini, Tower of Power., and so many more!
1000+
Artists supported
$12,528 of income generated for artists in 2023
1320
Visitors to our Granucci Gallery
Visitors bought 127 pieces of artwork this year.
295
Visual artists displayed art in our gallery
$17,012 total gallery sales in 2023.
With student group shows, fine art exhibitions, and the Open Studios Nevada County West Tour, our gallery is filled with art year round.
With student group shows, fine art exhibitions, and the Open Studios Nevada County West Tour, our gallery is filled with art year round.
17
Teaching artists work at The Center
Dance, Visual Arts, Theater, Aerial Circus Arts and more. We are so grateful to have these artists in our community teaching future generations at The Center!
1644
Annual members
Membership is the backbone of The Center's success. Let's keep growing together!
67
Students performed on our stage
The Reluctant Dragon, Silver's Secret, and The Velveteen Rabbit were some of this year's productions that brought joy to audiences young and old!
887
Students attended our free matinee series
The Center for the Arts is proud to host FREE theater as part of an award granted by the California Arts Council. The award covers 2 years of FREE student matinees, and so far each has been a huge success and greatly appreciated by our local community, and educators. The Center looks forward to our next “sold out” matinee, Charlotte’s Web in March of 2024, and continuing to bring free live music and theater to young audiences in Nevada County.
1200+
People attend our FREE Family Fun Days each year
Popular with our local families, we strive to bring quality entertainment to kids 3 times a year. It is our generous sponsors who make this event free!
45+
Youth arts education programs
Our Center has daily classes, ranging from visual arts to dance, aerial circus, and theater. Each year we secure funding which provides necessary scholarships for young families who need the support, ensuring their kids get this valuable creative education.
NEW SONGS FEST
Launched in 2023
New Songs Fest 2023 was hosted by Rita Hosking, with workshops by Keith Greeninger, Laurie Lewis, Ruthie Foster, Royal Wood, and more!
$33,238
Donated for nonprofit rentals
In 2021, we received $25,000 for our Space Sharing Initiative that allowed us to waive our facility rates for many nonprofits organizations for a time. Between 2021 and 2022 we ended up donating $49,098 in facility rates to our nonprofit partners, double what we received funds for. In 2023, we donated $33,238 for nonprofit rentals without any fund allotments.
$238,640
Raised during our annual gala fundraiser
Our 6th Annual Gala on Saturday, November 11th, was a huge success. “A Gala That Pops!” raised an astounding $238,640 for The Center, providing critical support for operations and programs such as the space-sharing initiative, student scholarships, and The CREATE youth arts education program.
We believe that connection and creativity is vital to our community health. We can’t do it alone though – you’re an important part of our mission! With your help The Center for the Arts can continue to expand heARTfelt connections all across Nevada County and beyond.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT IN OTHER WAYS
If you’ve already made your gift, are currently a member or have joined us for an event this year, sharing your experiences on social media and telling your friends is the most important thing you can do to make sure our impact continues into 2024.
Thank you!
