Culture Forward

Shaping the future of arts, culture & creativity in Nevada County

Culture Forward
Vision Statement

“A vibrant, equitable, and thriving arts and culture ecosystem, driven by continuous innovation and strategic long-term planning to meet evolving community needs. Creativity is celebrated, all residents have access to enriching cultural experiences, artists are valued and supported, and the arts serve as a cornerstone of community well-being, economic prosperity, ecological regeneration, and a shared sense of place.”

Culture Forward is Nevada County’s six-year Arts and Culture Action Plan developed through a partnership between the Nevada County Arts Council, Grass Valley-Nevada City and Truckee Cultural District. It is a community-driven roadmap designed to strengthen and sustain the county’s creative ecosystem.

Click the images below to view each plan

Regional Marketing Plan for the Arts

Strategic Framework and Action Plan

Funding Plan for the Arts

Creative Career Pathways Plan

To align the arts, culture, and creative industries with broader community priorities—economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and social cohesion.

Goals & Objectives

Activation, Recreation, and Engagement: Sustain a vibrant, year-round cultural life across Nevada County through accessible events and creative experiences for residents and visitors.
Learning, Skills Development, and Career Pathways: Support a lifelong journey in the arts—from early exposure and education to mentorship, professional development, and sustained careers.
Infrastructure, Resources, and Partnerships: Invest in sustainable, inclusive cultural infrastructure and cross-sector partnerships that ensure the arts are treated as essential to community wellbeing.
Land, Culture, and Stewardship: Honor the county’s diverse cultural heritage and natural environment by supporting artistic practices grounded in place, ecology, and accessibility.

The 4 pillars of Culture Forward:

Get Involved

The only way we can elevate the role of arts, culture, and creativity in Nevada County is through the active participation of everyone in our communities. Between summer, 2024 and now we have held in-person listening sessions across the county, in every corner, as well as expert interviews and stakeholder group meetings. Our online community survey in English and Spanish garnered close to 700 thoughtful community perspectives—perspectives that will have a profound impact on the development of our plan.

For inquiries, contact us at info@nevadacountyarts.org

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