Browse Services
Our Home For Life logo, takes you back to Sustainability homepage

Sustainability and Arts & Culture

Our lively, dynamic arts and culture environment keeps Orange County a leading place to work and play. Art and culture helps to attract and retain creative industries and can inspire creativity and innovation in businesses. It can build bridges between the diverse elements of our communities and enhance the tourism experience of international guests and domestic visitors.

Sculpture on the Orange County administrative building lawn at night

Progress on our goals & strategies

Goal 21: Our Arts Organizations Are Well-Established And Stable


Strategy Time Frame Strategy Progress Information for 2019 Progress
1. Restore contributions from Orange County's general fund to $1 per capita Long Task complete. Achieved goal of restoration to $1 per capita from General Fund.
2. Dedicate at least $2 million from TDT revenue to renovate, repair, and build cultural facilities Medium The new ARC of the TDC allocated over $50 million. On-going effort.
3. Create an incubator fund/program to support growth of culturally diverse organizations and initiatives Long New funding to United Arts will encourage culturally diverse organizations, but no formal incubator fund has been established.
Table legend: Short time frame: 0 to 2 years, Medium time frame: 2 to 5 years, Long time frame: 5 years or more.

Goal 22: Cultural Events And Venues Are Well Attended

Goal 23: Our Cultural Reputation Is International

Goal 24: Arts Education Is Excellent

Goal 25: The Arts Support Environmental Sustainability

Our Target Measurements

Arts & Culture Indicators Baseline Last Reported Current Assessment Target 2020
Recurring Predictable Funding FY 2010
$2,266,000
FY 2017
$4,900,000
FY 2018*
$5,300,000
*includes added adjustment
Good Progress 3% of the 1st 4 cents of the Tourist Development Tax
Average Cash Reserves
(days)
(overall, mean average)
2010
69 days
FY 2017
82 days for UA-funded orgs
57 days for 15 large-budget orgs
FY 2018
113 days for UA-funded orgs
83 days for 15 large-budget orgs
Good Progress 90 days
Annual attendance to arts and cultural events FY 2010
3.5 Million
FY 2017
3.7 Million
FY 2018
4.0 Million
Good Progress 5 million
OCPS schools have Certified Visual and/or Performing Arts (VPA) Teachers 2010-2011
533 VPA teachers
6 schools without
2016-2017
708 VPA teachers
0 schools without
2017-2018
740 VPA teachers
0 schools without
Good Progress At least one per school

Want to get involved?

Maintaining and enhancing Orange County’s position as a leader in arts and cultural attractions will provide vibrant experiences for both local residents and the millions of tourists who support our economy. See the many offerings we have throughout the County.

Take it all in!

Choir singing in the middle of a stadium

Be inspired by performances in dance, music and theater. You’ll find amazing entertainment around the County for a variety of interests. The energy, enthusiasm and creativity will make you want to visit again and again.

Discover Public Art

Sculpture on the Orange County administrative building lawn

Visit the many pieces of public art around the County and educational exhibits. Plus, there are exciting festivals throughout the year celebrating the talents and cultures of our residents.

Making History

Children standing for a photo in front of the Orange County Regional History Center

The Orange County Regional History Center is a place where residents can learn about our history and about the special topics offered through traveling exhibits. There are classes for adults, summer camps for kids and special activities for groups. Travel through time at the History Center and experience the thrill of adventure.

Funding Opportunities & Grants

Computer monitor with the orange county arts and culture logo

Visit the Arts & Cultural Affairs Funding page to see what opportunities exist in support of the arts.