Cultural Arts

Cultural Arts Programs encompass several objectives that promote and encourage community interest in arts, culture and creative expression. These goals are realized through three major components: the Public Art Program, the Art Gallery Program and Youth in Arts. An invaluable aspect of accomplishing these objectives is the work done cooperatively with other agencies and the private sector to accomplish goals of mutual benefit.

The Public Art Program provides for the installation of temporary and permanent art accessible to viewing at public and private locations throughout the City. In addition, projects have included renovations of treasured icons, embellishment of City entrances and parks and beautification of the downtown area. Over the past 30 years, the City has acquired an artwork collection that includes over 40 permanently sited, interior and temporary artworks. Artworks may be viewed online at the Interactive Public Art Map.

The vision for the Art Gallery Program is to present exhibitions that reflect a wide spectrum of art styles and media crossing all areas of art and interest groups. This is accomplished via a series of quarterly art gallery exhibits designed to showcase the creativity of local and Bay Area artists. From emerging to experienced, visual artists participate in shows which are occasionally supplemented by performing arts presentations. The exhibitions are open to the public, admission free, for approximately one month.

In 2023, a Solo Artist exhibition program was introduced at the new Library | Parks and Recreation Center. Established artists were selected to exhibit art from their body of work for a three-month period. The aim is to continue the solo artist exhibition program on a regular basis. 

Cultivating and showcasing the talent of the next generation of artists is the aim of the Youth in Arts programs. Current and past youth art programming include exhibitions such as art displays by Recreation Department pre-school and childcare participants, and the annual Youth Art Show presented in collaboration with the South San Francisco Unified School District.

In 1999, a scholarship program for graduating South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) high school seniors was conceived by the Cultural Arts Commission. Titled the Jack Drago Cultural Arts Commission Youth Art Scholarship, it was named to honor Jack Drago, former South San Francisco mayor and founder of the arts commission. Financed exclusively by community donations and fundraising dollars, it provided the recipients with an opportunity for continued education in the arts. The scholarship program ended in 2024. In its lifetime, forty-eight (48) SSF Unified School District graduates were awarded.

The Jack Drago Youth Art Internship was established in 2025 to advance the goal of nurturing the talent of young artists. This paid summer internship program is open to both juniors and seniors attending school with the SSF Unified School District or residing in South San Francisco. The opportunity was designed to provide financial support to a young creative while also enabling the candidate to engage in meaningful, project-based work and develop real-world skills in arts administration, public engagement, and creative programming.

Please Donate to Enable Our Community to Connect, Unite, Inspire

Support the vision to promote the arts, culture and creative expression for all people. Contributions to SSF Cultural Arts Programs, may be made by sending a check to: “City of South San Francisco.” Please be sure to write “Donation-Cultural Arts” on the memo line. Mail your donation to Cultural Arts Programs c/o SSF Parks & Recreation Department, 901 Civic Campus Way, SSF, CA 94080.

A donation may also be made with a credit or debit card. Phone the Parks and Recreation Department administrative phone line at (650) 829-3800, Monday through Friday, during business hours for assistance or email Cultural.arts@ssf.net.

Your donation is tremendously appreciated.