Our Creative Community Background One indicator of community vitality is its investment in the arts. Ventura has rich and varied cultural and artistic opportunities. The City of Ventura's Office of Cultural Affairs coordinates numerous programs including the Cultural Funding Program, Arts Access, Children's International Art Festival, Historic Tours, classes, festivals, and the Public Art Program. Other community partners from the Ventura County Museum of History and Art, Ventura College, Chamber Music Festival, and independent visual, performing, and literary artists contribute to the city's colorful lifestyle.
Efforts are also underway to promote cultural facilities and activities throughout the city.
The Seize the Future process affirmed and expanded upon the goals of the above-mentioned planning documents that focus attention on the continued development of the downtown as a cultural core of the city. The city government should continue to implement the Downtown Cultural District Plan and the cultural elements of the Downtown Specific Plan. The downtown would be bustling with theatres, street music, galleries and clubs. Once the Cultural District' is established, the city government will foster satellite cultural programs outside the downtown core. Establish a permanent city staff position, knowledgeable in the visual arts, to work with the visual artists and the community to further the visual arts within the city.