Our Mission
The Center for the Arts is a cultural and educational organization that promotes and presents the literary, visual & performing arts for the enrichment of our community.
The Center for the Arts has truly become the hub of arts for Nevada County. We are committed to bringing a diverse array of programming to western Nevada County, including music, dance, theater, film, visual art, comedy, youth arts education and literature. We manage and maintain a multi-use 21,000 square foot facility in downtown Grass Valley which includes a 492-seat Main Theater, a visual arts galleries, classroom space, and a 90 seat black box theater. We provide marketing and production services to support local artists and arts organizations and collaborate with area non profits to provide event services and fundraising support.
The Center is the only cultural organization in Nevada County that offers such a variety of events to such a large demographic. In more than 150 performances a year, we serve audiences from 2- to 90-years-old and attract patrons from our area as well as Placer County, Sacramento, Tahoe, Reno and the Bay Area.
In addition to improving the local quality of life through a rich arts scene, The Center’s visibility in outlying regions makes us a viable economic engine for the county. The Center is committed to building Nevada County as a destination for the arts.
Read Our History > • Read Our Diversity Statement >
Download Annual Reports: 2015 Annual Report | 2016 Annual Report | 2017 Annual Report | 2018 Annual Report
Venue Information
The Granucci Gallery
Donated by art enthusiasts and founding supporters Leo and Gayle Granucci, the Granucci Gallery features an additional 602 square feet of wall space and includes an open floor plan that integrates smoothly with the lobby. The new visual arts gallery will feature works by local artists, as well as special private collections.
Gallery Specs
- Free to the public
- Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 12 - 4pm. Reserve private gallery time for up to ten people by emailing Gallery@thecenterforthearts.org or calling 530-274-8384. Learn More.
- Hangable Wall Space: 1,556 sq. ft. | Plywood-backed Walls
- Contact: Gallery Manager, gallery@thecenterforthearts.org
Available for special event rentals
Main Stage Theater
Our 492-seat theater has become Grass Valley’s premier venue for the performing arts. The stage is expanded to over 1,800 square feet for music, theater and dance presentations.
A brand new Meyer Sound system and theater lights are permanently installed. The room features raked theater seating and a 1500 square foot maple dance floor.
This multipurpose venue is available for concerts, dances, seminars, festivals, workshops, trade shows and exhibitions. Rental packages include access to private green rooms for up to 20.
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Venue Info
- Capacity: 492 Fully Seated, 750 Standing, 224 Banquet
- Area: 5,000 sqft.
Off Center Stage
Our professionally equipped studio theater located at the back of our building at 315 Richardson Street offers an intimate space suitable for a wide variety of performances and events.
The Off Center Stage features it’s own separate performance space, lobby/bar, and green room.
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Venue Information:
- Capacity: 50-85
- Area: 5000 sq ft.
- Seating: Yes
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
The Center’s Off-Site Series often makes use of the 950-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Just a mile from The Center at 255 South Auburn Street in downtown Grass Valley, the venue has been a great setting for David Crosby & Graham Nash, Clint Black, Chris Isaak, Brandi Carlile, David Sedaris, Kris Kristofferson, Wynton Marsalis and many more. The auditorium has been retrofitted with new seating in the bleachers.
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Venue Information:
- Capacity: 998
- Seating: Yes