Palo Alto Art Center Foundation

The Palo Alto Art Center Foundation serves nearly 74,000 people with standards-based arts education programs in local schools, and children's and adults arts classes, public exhibitions and camps in its 28,000-square-foot facility. Built in 1951 as Palo Alto's City Hall, the facility was converted to an arts center in 1971, and the only significant repairs have been seismic improvements in 1987. The organization is now conducting a $7.9 million capital campaign for major facilities improvements, including a reconfigured Children's Wing, upgraded exhibition space, facade enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades to the HVAC and electrical systems. The Arts Center seeks to achieve a silver level LEED certification and to meet lighting and climate control standards for accreditation from the American Association of Museums. With a major commitment of $4.3 million from the City of Palo Alto, and successful fundraising from local foundations and individuals, the organization is within $500,000 of meeting its total fundraising goal. The permit review process is now underway; construction will begin in April 2011; and a community-based fundraising campaign will complete the capital campaign.

The Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, partnering with the Palo Alto Art Center, is facing a period of transition as it embarks upon a $7.9 million renovation of the Center, anticipated to reopen in July 2012 with expanded educational programs for children and museum-standard galleries. The Center is owned and operated by the City of Palo Alto and supported by the Art Center Foundation in a formally recognized private/public partnership. With its suite of programs tied to the facility, including exhibitions, classes, workshops, and summer camps, the Center serves 70,000 people annually. Several programs will be taken "on the road" during the year of facilities renovation. This effort will locate activities in targeted underserved communities in order to address issues of access and barriers to cultural participation. A capital grant of $250,000 for facilities renovation, through Special Projects, is also reported on this docket.

The Palo Alto Art Center is owned and operated by the City of Palo Alto, and supported by the Art Center Foundation, in a formally recognized private/public partnership that seeks to further integrate its strategies. With its suite of programs tied to the facility, which includes exhibitions, classes, workshops, and summer camps, the Art Center serves more than 100,000 people annually. Renewed support will help the Art Center continue to build arts education participation from established audience groups, while increasing outreach to a wider swathe of the community.