The Board of Supervisors has declared April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, recognizing the important role the arts play in strengthening the local economy.

The Board of Supervisors has declared April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, recognizing the important role the arts play in strengthening the local economy.

At the regular Board meeting March 24, Chair Lisa Swarthout said she appreciates that the arts encompass all of Nevada County. “Art is the thing that truly does bring people together,” she said.

The designation aligns with a statewide observance established by the California Legislature in 2019 and now in its eighth year.

From performances and visual arts to cultural traditions and local events, the creative sector brings people together, inspires connection, and contributes to the area’s identity.

The county is home to two of California’s 14 officially designated cultural districts: the Truckee Cultural District and the Grass Valley–Nevada City Cultural District. These districts help support artists, promote local culture, and attract visitors to the region.

The impact of the arts is also economic. According to the 2022–23 Arts and Economic Prosperity Study of Nevada County, the creative sector contributes approximately $66 million annually and supports nearly 1,400 full-time equivalent jobs.

“I think there’s not one day that goes by that you can’t touch some kind of art or culture that goes on in our community and that’s what’s really exciting,” said Supervisor Sue Hoek. “It doesn’t really matter what your interest is, there’s a place where you can go and find it.”

Learn more about Nevada County arts offerings at nevadacountyarts.org.