A History of Cultural Arts

Newport Beach has a long history of appreciation and support for cultural arts events, education, and organizations. Highlights of the City’s long-standing support for the arts include the establishment of the Balboa Theatre in 1912, the same year that a City Hall was established, the founding of the Orange County Museum of Art in 1962 (previously the Newport Harbor Museum of Art) and the beginnings of South Coast Repertory on Newport Blvd. in 1964.  As Newport Beach has grown to be a burgeoning and sophisticated city, the role of arts and culture became even more prominent. In 1972, the City’s arts and cultural infrastructure was formally established with the birth of the Newport Beach Arts Committee. The group transitioned into the Newport Beach Arts Commission in 1974. Since then, the City has become home to numerous art galleries and cultural events, including: Newport Beach Film Festival, the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, the Southern California Children’s Chorus, Baroque Music Festival, and the Newport Beach Art Exhibition.

Newport Beach has also been home to many artists such as renowned painters Rex Brandt and Joan Irving Brandt, animator Chuck Jones, fashion icon Don Ed Hardy, writers Dean Koontz and Joseph Wambaugh, architect William Pereira, violinist Jascha Heifetz, “The King of Surf Guitar” Dick Dale, actors June Allyson, Joey Bishop, Ray Milland, John Wayne,Buddy Ebsen, Kelly McGillis and the legendary Helena Modjeska.

Cultural Arts in Newport Beach

The Cultural Arts Division of the Newport Beach Public Library, with guidance and support by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, brings cultural and arts programming to the community. Cultural activities are ongoing throughout the year and include the coordination of revolving art and cultural exhibitions at Central Library, the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition, the annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, Concerts on the Green, and a variety of arts lectures and special events.

2024 Events

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION IN CIVIC CENTER PARK

Phase VIII is currently installed. A special dedication ceremony for Phase IX will take place during the Newport Beach Art Exhibition on June 29, 2024.

NEWPORT BEACH ART EXHIBITION 

June 29, 2024, Newport Beach Civic Green

STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

The 2024 Student Art Exhibition has ended. Details and dates for 2025 to be announced.

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN

2024 Concert dates and performers:

July 21 - Radio Rebels (80s Music Cover Band)
August 11 - Wilbury Super Group (Rock Tribute)
September 22 - AbSOULute (R&B, Funk, Soul, Classic Rock Tribute)

CONCERT AT MARINA PARK

October 13 - Gotham City Swingers (Jazz and Swing Tribute) 

ART IN THE PARK

September 14, 2024, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Newport Beach Civic Center
(Organized by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation)

CULTURAL ARTS GRANTS

Winners of the FY 2023-24 Cultural Arts Grants are as follows:

  • Backhausdance: $4,000
  • Balboa Island Improvement Association: $3,000
  • Baroque Music Festival, Corona del Mar: $4,500
  • Pacific Chorale: $5,000
  • Pacific Symphony: $3,500
  • South Coast Repertory: $5,000

News Articles

Photo Gallery

Please email Newport Beach Cultural Arts office at arts@newportbeachca.gov for information or hi-res photos.

Press Contact:

  • Email: mnicklin@newportbeachca.gov
  • Phone: Maria Nicklin, Marketing Specialist (949) 717-3816
  • Mail: Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Follow Newport Beach Cultural Arts