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OCA's mission is to provide leadership and support for arts organizations and individual artists, improving the quality of life for San Antonio Citizens and visitors alike.

Our vision is to be a recognized public agency leading the creative environment.

The Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) supports arts and culture in the community through programs tailored to help arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, community groups and the tourism industry. Technical assistance and a competitive funding process for operational and project grants assists organizations with obtaining essential funding, and helps community groups place arts and cultural projects directly in their neighborhoods and in commercial revitalization zones. Helping to make San Antonio an exciting place to live and visit, OCA promotes participation in arts and cultural activities by developing and marketing a wide range of activities and events. Through these and other research and planning programs, OCA advocates for the growth and recognition of San Antonio’s creative industry. OCA’s policies and procedures are advised by the Cultural Arts Board (CAB), whose members are appointed by City Council and the Mayor.
Current goals of the Office of Cultural Affairs are:

¨      Continue implementing the strategies of The Cultural Collaborative: A Plan for San Antonio’s Creative Economy, to support the growth and recognition of San Antonio’s creative economy in partnership with the Mayor’s TCC Implementation Committee and other partners.

¨      Continue to support the implementation of The Cultural Collaborative’s strategies by supplementing, through fundraising efforts, The Cultural Collaborative: A Fund for A Plan for San Antonio’s Creative Economy at the San Antonio Area Foundation.

¨     To implement the arts funding program including neighborhood program and projects

¨     To develop an Urban Performing Artist Program to encourage and allow artists to perform in designated public spaces.

¨      To support arts and cultural programs that serve citizens in all City Council Districts.

¨      To host arts and cultural projects affiliated with the Sister City Program.

¨     To continue to manage currently funded arts and cultural organizations and projects.

¨       Develop a comprehensive Cultural and Heritage Tourism Program.

¨      To increase the ratio of non-city dollars leveraged.

¨     To continue to collaborate with the Public Works Public Art and Design Enhancement Program, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Neighborhood Action Department, Economic Development Department and other departments to help develop and implement arts and cultural services. 

¨      To increase staff and restructure office organization to support workload and improve effectiveness and efficiencies of services.

¨      To provide specialized training to employees to improve job related skills in customer service and professional growth.

PUBLIC INFORMATION:
Danita Nelson 
210.207.6960