Thematic Narratives

Because so much of our work is developed through the lens of community and public benefit, we saw an opportunity to identify core issues that are important to local citizens as a way to help us consciously embrace how art and history can integrate with and impact community life.

These areas of focus emphasize our sense of place, local identity, and collective history. Also seen as our spheres of impact, they will help guide how future programs and initiatives at the MAH are developed, curated, and organized, creating opportunities for cultural practitioners to collaborate, inspire, and elicit creative solutions that can result in deep and lasting change.

Health & Wellness

Mental health, holistic healing, art and wilderness therapy. Access to care, building community, focusing on the needs of our most vulnerable. Connecting communities and resources.

Environmental Justice & Creative Ecologies

Exploring the places where culture and environment intersect—sea level rise, natural resources, climate change, and equity. Interdisciplinary strategies to negotiate environmental issues.

Memory & Place

Looking back to look forward. Heritage, culture, and tradition. Movement, migration, and place. Institutional and collective memory. Storytelling.

Regenerative Design & Cultural Activism

Creation over consumption. Biomimicry, working with and through the land. Art that gives back—a tool for restoration, renewal, or revitalization. Advocating for long term public interest.

Joy & Beauty

Experiences that provides space to pause and imagine. Relief, reflection, escape. Stillness. Uncanniness. Consideration of the unknown. Inspiring wonder and awe. By recognizing issues and topics critical to the community’s future and situating or contextualizing our programs within those domains, we have an opportunity to: 1) produce work that has strong local relevance; 2) engage a wide range of partners and collaborators; 3) develop a compelling case for support to potentially attract future funding; and 4) effect positive social change in Santa Cruz County and beyond.