A new arts center—featuring everything from sculpture classes to live performances—is coming to town.
Organized by the 11-year-old ARTS RWC, a local group of artists and activists in Redwood City, the proposed "Center for Creativity" will offer guests the opportunity to experience, study, and make art of their own.
ARTS RWC is seeking community input on the project through an online survey until November 12th. The survey, available in English, Spanish and Mandarin at rwccfc.org, is intended to identify the desires and needs of the community at large. Individuals of all ages who live, work, learn, or play on the Peninsula are asked to provide input.
ARTS RWC’s vision for this Center for Creativity includes support for a broad range of arts genres including visual art, theater, music, dance, interdisciplinary arts, art using technology, and immersive and interactive experiences (3D and 4D environments, augmented reality, virtual reality). A significant focus will be in arts education and experiences for children and youth to augment public school offerings, which have been significantly reduced in recent years.
As a roundtable of artists, arts advocates, arts organizations and civic leaders meeting monthly in Redwood City, ARTS RWC has long envisioned a dedicated arts-focused community center based in Redwood City. In recent years the group has held numerous discussions with government entities, educators, business groups, and developers to take the pulse of support and interests as well as identify possible locations.
Results from the community survey will be used to enlist the support of the Redwood City and San Mateo County governments and guide the next step, a formal feasibility study that will go deeper into programming as well as facilities and potential locations.
“ARTS RWC has been instrumental in promoting Redwood City’s well-being through art over the years,” said the group’s founder Beth Mostovoy, “from the Percent for Art ordinance passed in 2016 to utility box and mural painting programs and more. We’re excited to now focus on realizing a dedicated home for the arts in Redwood City to enhance community connection, learning, enjoyment and economic contribution through the arts. We hope everyone will take the survey to help us hone the vision.”
Among others, the project is supported by Casa Circulo Cultural, the Chamber San Mateo County, District Supervisor Warren Slocom, the Redwood City Arts Commission , the Redwood City Elementary School District, the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation.
