In March the county launched Make It: Building a Public Art Practice to help artists of all experience levels plan community-based projects. They’ll receive guidance about all the practical questions that arise when creating public art. The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, an umbrella for creative programs within the county, is offering the program.
The series will be the first of its kind in the region, the county announced in press materials. Public art professionals Susan F. Gray and Pat Gomez will teach the workshops in a hybrid format. Participants can attend eight weeknight sessions and in-person networking events where they’ll learn how to find public art opportunities, manage contracts, make a budget, design proposals, and construct installations.
“We’re excited to work with artists to expand public art production in the region,” the office’s executive director, Sarah York Rubin, said in a statement. “This program is an essential bridge to making that possible.”
Registration is open for the sessions, which start on March 5 and end on May 2. Artists can sign up for the entire series or select individual classes. Those who attend four or more courses are eligible for a public art commission opportunity.
Visit sbac.ca.gov/workshops to register.
This article appears in March 5 – March 12, 2026.