Most of you know me as the recent MCBA Membership & Communications Manager. My true interests and experience lie in the arts. I have taken on a new project as Marketing & Community Outreach Director of MarinArts. MarinArts promotes the arts and culture of Marin County through its online platform at marinarts.org. Launched quietly in early 2017, MarinArts is already making an impact as a cultural events resource and an advocate for the arts.

MarinArts’ web platform makes it easy to discover and participate in creative and cultural events throughout our community. Detailed information about arts events and educational opportunities for all ages is just one click away. The platform is powered by Artsopolis, a project of Silicon Valley Creates. Artsopolis is used by arts communities large and small throughout the United States. Its widespread adoption is the result of ease of use by patrons and providers alike. Prominent graphics make navigation easy, including a ticket button with each listing. You can also search for events by the type of activity, venue, or organization.

For Marin arts and entertainment providers and Marin artists of all disciplines, MarinArts provides a free and easy-to-use platform to raise audience awareness. And sponsorship opportunities for individuals and businesses are available.

Why the MarinArts platform? After the Marin Arts Council folded in 2011, artists and arts leaders came to believe that Marin County needed an umbrella for all of the arts—visual, theater, film, literary, and music, as well as arts education. Executive Director Mary O’Mara of MarinLink (the community project incubator and fiscal sponsor), Marin Arts Council past president Pam Morton, and a dedicated group of arts community volunteers led 6 years of community planning. MarinArts is the result.

MarinArts is funded in part by grants from the California Arts Council and the County of Marin. MarinArts is proud to be part of the newly formed Marin Coalition for the Arts, and the Downtown San Rafael Arts District. Our growing roster of community partners includes Artworks Downtown, California Film Institute, Kanbar Center of Performing Arts, Lark Theater, Marin Center, Marin MOCA, Marin Theatre Company, TedX Marin, Whistlestop, and Youth in Arts. Plans for a Spanish language page are in the works.

Anyone who partakes of our rich Marin County cultural opportunities or who seeks family-friendly arts events and education opportunities for their children will find MarinArts an invaluable resource. Next time you are looking for something to do— fun with the kids, a romantic evening out, or showing visitors what Marin has to offer—MarinArts will make it easy.

Interested in getting involved? MarinArts is looking for new board members with interest in the arts and arts education, legal expertise, a broad network in Marin, and fundraising know-how. If this sounds like a good organization for you, please contact me.