History of the
Arts Council
The Sierra County Arts Council organized in 1980 and incorporated in March 1981. Its purpose is to promote, support, and advocate the arts throughout Sierra County. Over the years the Arts Council has organized and sponsored a wide variety of events throughout the County.
The Yuba Theatre
With about 3,500 year-round residents, Sierra County has the second smallest population of any county in California. (Because of the its superb athletic and recreational opportunities, the County enjoys a much larger population in the summer.) Sierra County is spread across 950 square miles of rugged terrain divided by the Yuba Pass at elevation 6,701 feet. About 80% of the county is contained in the Tahoe, Plumas, and Toiyabe National Forests.
Authors' and Poets' Gathering in Alleghany, 2005
The Arts Council is the only arts organization serving the entire county and has, over the years, created a cohesive arts voice for the residents of this beautiful, remote region.
Since 1996, the Arts Council has leased the historic Yuba Theatre in Downieville from its private owner. This has provided a business office, as well as a positive focal point for arts programming and community cultural events.
With the loss of funding to the California Arts Council and local arts agencies in 2002, SCAC became an all-volunteer organization in 2004. The Arts Council intends to hire an Executive Director as soon as funding permits.