Downtown Oxnard has been designated a California Cultural District by the California Arts Council, a prestigious state recognition honoring the district’s vibrant creative community, historic commitment to the arts, and growing role as a regional center for cultural activity.
The designation is part of the California Cultural Districts program to identify areas of concentrated cultural activity that contribute to economic vitality, cultural preservation, and tourism. Downtown Oxnard was selected through a highly competitive process, with more than 70 applications submitted and only 10 new districts awarded.
Downtown Oxnard was recognized for its distinct artistic identity and depth of creative activity, including visual and performing artists, musicians, designers, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs. The designation also reflects years of collaboration between the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC), and the City of Oxnard to intentionally integrate arts and culture into downtown revitalization efforts.
“This designation validates what our creative community has been building for decades,” said Abel Magaña, director of the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association. “It recognizes the collective power of artists, cultural organizations, and partners who believe creativity is essential to a strong, thriving downtown.”
As a state-designated Cultural District, Downtown Oxnard will receive grant funding, technical assistance, joint marketing support, and participation in a statewide cohort of cultural districts. These resources will support arts-driven economic development, cultural tourism, and expanded opportunities for local artists and creatives.
“This recognition belongs to the artists and cultural workers who continue to shape Downtown Oxnard,” said Carolyn Mullin, executive director of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation. “It affirms that sustained investment in the arts strengthens communities and creates lasting economic and cultural impact.”
The Cultural District designation positions Downtown Oxnard to further elevate its creative economy, attract new investment, and expand access to arts and cultural experiences for residents and visitors, ensuring the arts remain central to the district’s future growth and identity.
About the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association: The Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association is dedicated to promoting the vitality and economic growth of Historic Downtown Oxnard. Through partnerships, public art, events, and community initiatives, the Association works to make Downtown a vibrant place to live, work, shop, dine, and explore.
About OPAC: Established in 1998, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corporation (OPAC) is dedicated to fostering and serving our community through inclusive programming, cultural and artistic exchange, and developing people-centered spaces. TheOPAC.org