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.

2025 Events

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION IN CIVIC CENTER PARK

Phase VIII and IX are currently installed. The call for entries for Phase X of the Sculpture Exhibition is currently open and will close on September 30, 2025. Installation for the Phase X sculptures is scheduled for July 2026.

NEWPORT BEACH ART EXHIBITION 

June 28, 2025, Newport Beach Civic Green

STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

The 2025 Student Art Exhibition will open October 1 through November 30, 2025. Exhibit dates will be from January 5 through February 23, 2026. Exhibit will be at the Newport Beach Central Library (1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660).

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN

  • CASSIE B - July 27, 2025, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Civic Center 
  • PACIFIC SYMPHONY - August 17, 2025, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Civic Center - Musical Playground starts at 5 p.m.
  •  TIJUANA DOGS - September 14, 2025, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Civic Center

CONCERT AT MARINA PARK

  • 805 SOCIAL CLUB: THE HISTORY OF POP October 12, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Marina Park

ART IN THE PARK

September 20, 2025, 10 a.m. - 5p.m., Newport Beach Civic Center
(Organized by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation)

CULTURAL ARTS GRANTS

FY 2025-26 Cultural Arts Grants will be announced at a future time. 

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

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