Our vision for the Center for Creativity in Redwood City is to be a community hub for creativity serving the San Francisco Bay Peninsula.

Redwood City is the San Mateo County seat. The San Mateo County campus is located within the downtown Redwood City business district. Both Redwood City and San Mateo County have robust arts infrastructure including The San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, The San Mateo County Arts Commission, The Redwood City Arts Commission, The Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services, the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation.

2023

Present findings of the feasibility study to all potential partners

2022
November
New Arts Center: Potential User Survey

To help assess the community need for this permanent arts center in the Redwood City area and to inform its activity, location, size, and operations, AMS Planning & Research is seeking input from local artists, arts organizations, small businesses, and any other individuals or organizations whose space and resource needs may be met by this arts center.

2022
August
Hired AMS Planning + Research to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study

Begin fundraising with philanthropists, foundations, and donors to cover the cost of the feasibility study

2022
July
Contracted with Casa Circulo Cultural to be our fiscal sponsor

2022
March

Began discussions with developers regarding an arts center as a community benefit

Advanced plans for an arts center feasibility study to include recommendations for an operating structure

2022
February

Redwood City Council voted to “Include an Arts Center as a Community Benefit sought as part of the Central Redwood City Plan” as one of the four priorities approved by the council

2022
January

Formed the Center for Creativity Steering Committee

We met with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager to discuss how the future arts center could be considered a community asset and benefit for development projects

Meet with City Council members to garner their support to recommend adding an arts center to the list of developer community benefits

2021
November

Survey results were delivered to the City Council and city staff

Consulted with city staff about recommended next steps, discussed multiple paths forward and were strongly encouraged to reach out to developers currently proposing projects within Redwood City

Incoming Mayor Hale and Vice Mayor Reddy strongly and enthusiastically encouraged our engagement with developers

2021
March – November

A list of supporters for our future arts center was compiled which included organizations, groups, businesses, elected officials, and community leaders

Website created and launched

Survey polled over 2300 residents of Redwood City and the surrounding communities

The survey results underscored the need for an arts center in the city of Redwood City

2020 – 2021
December- February

Met with City Council members and the City Manager to discuss how the future arts center mission could dovetail with the city priorities

We were met with enthusiasm and received positive feedback

We were tasked with exploring potential facility locations, garnering additional supporters, and surveying the community for feedback

2020
February

Vision for a permanent arts center presented to the Redwood City Arts Commission and received unanimous support

2019

Redwood City Economic Development Manager strongly encouraged ARTS RWC to pursue the idea of a permanent arts center in the city of Redwood City

2018

The Public Arts Master Plan passed

2016

The Percent for Art Ordinance passed as a result of advocacy and efforts by ARTS RWC

2012

Discussions about a permanent arts center in Redwood City began

2010

ARTS RWC was formed as a roundtable of artists, arts advocates, arts organizations and civic leaders

Resources

Presentations

Center for Creativity Vision Report 2022

The Arts Center in Redwood City: Vision and Opportunity for Redwood City
Slide show presentation

Vision for The Arts Center in Redwood City
One-page description with Americans for the Arts fact sheet

Examples of Successful Local Art Centers
Comparison chart

Survey Results
Survey Results

Press Releases
Press Release 10.18.21

Press Coverage
RWC Pulse 10.19.21
Climate Magazine 11.1.21