Established in 1985, Cal Poly Arts has served as a vibrant cultural force on the Central Coast, presenting exceptional performing arts experiences to the public. The 1996 opening of the Performing Arts Center marked a bold new chapter, greatly expanding the scope and diversity of our programming.

Since day one, the continued support of our generous donors has been the backbone of our success. This endowment will build a lasting and solid foundation for Cal Poly Arts - raising $2.5 million to ensure $100,000 in annual program support - allowing Cal Poly Arts to safeguard our mission, expand community engagement, and sustain artistic excellence for generations to come.

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Updated June 2025

“Not many towns the size of SLO have an auditorium the size and quality of the PAC. Nor do they have a program like Cal Poly Arts that brings in so many different styles of entertainment for so many different people’s tastes. It is expensive to bring these shows to SLO, and therefore we support the Cal Poly Arts Endowment for these intercultural experiences.
Big applause for Cal Poly Arts!”

— Candee and Bert Forbes, Encore Circle Members

Why Your Support Matters

Building a Lasting Legacy

Your gift creates a lasting testament to your love for the arts. An endowment gift ensures that your impact will extend far beyond your lifetime, preserving Cal Poly Arts as a vital cultural institution in the greater SLO community.

Expanding Community Engagement

A stable endowment allows us to expand our outreach, educational programs, and accessible performances for underserved populations. Your support ensures cultural enrichment for everyone in our region.

Preserving Cal Poly Arts’ Mission

Your contribution helps to safeguard our core mission against shifts in funding trends or economic instability, ensuring the arts continue to inspire and connect our community.

Supporting Innovation and Growth

An endowment provides the flexibility to explore new artistic ventures. With your help, Cal Poly Arts can take creative risks, innovate, and evolve.

Sustaining Artistic Excellence

With endowment support, Cal Poly Arts can continue to attract top-tier talent and deliver outstanding performances, elevating the cultural experience for all.

Fostering Artistic Talent

An endowment supports commissions and artist residencies, cultivating emerging artists and premiering exciting new work developed right here in SLO.

Ensuring Long-Term Financial Stability

An endowment provides a financial safety net, allowing Cal Poly Arts to weather economic uncertainties and continue delivering enriching artistic experiences.

“Cal Poly Arts serves an important role in the community by providing a wide range of performances from around the US and beyond. I supported the endowment to help assure its sustainability for future generations.”

— Ann Robinson, Encore Circle Member

Become a Part of our Encore Circle

Lead the way in building a strong foundation for Cal Poly Arts’ future with a $50,000+ gift. Benefits include:

Recognition in onstage speech at Spotlight by Cal Poly Arts’ Director
Recognition at all Cal Poly Arts events with special signage, in all digital programs, and on the Cal Poly Arts website
Invitation to exclusive artist events, private receptions, behind-the-scenes arts experiences, and curated arts travel experiences
Special briefings with artistic leadership

Planned Giving

Your dedication to the arts can live on with a legacy gift, ensuring cultural enrichment and inspiration for future audiences.

Annual Giving

Allocate a portion of your annual giving towards the endowment to help us reach our goal, any amount helps!

Ways to Give