Quick Facts
36
performances across 3 premier venues in the Performing Arts Center
27k
performance attendees +26% from last year
7
artist talks deepened audience engagement
Presenting. Collaborating. Advocating. Inspiring.
Cal Poly Arts enriches the cultural fabric of the Central Coast by presenting world-class performances, fostering meaningful partnerships, and advocating for diverse artistic expression that engages and uplifts.
Cal Poly Student Engagement
90%
reported social/emotionalimproved wellbeing after attending a workshop
said workshops enhanced their academic experience
“The most impactful part of the HADESTOWN masterclass was the kindness of the leader and her positivity and inclusivity.” CP Dance Student
1,900+
local K-12 students impacted by 10 artist in-school workshops
Expanding Arts Access
93% 1.1k 400+
individuals reached through 12 free campus & community artist residency activities
Cal Poly students received deeply discounted $17 tickets
free tickets offered to lowincome and marginalized community members
“This year, our engagement work reached inside the walls of Juvenile Hall where The Pack Drumline led a percussion workshop for incarcerated youth. This was a powerful reminder of the arts’ ability to uplift and connect in any space with any population.”
Molly
Clark, Director of Cal Poly Arts
Looking Ahead
Since 1985, Cal Poly Arts has been a vital cultural force in our community—bringing world-renowned performing artists to San Luis Obispo and fostering meaningful engagement with the community beyond the stage.
As we enter our 40th anniversary season, we look forward to continuing to inspire, challenge, and unite through the power of the performing arts—on campus, in classrooms, and across our broader community.
This year marked the launch of our Encore Endowment Initiative—raising $325,000 toward a 2.5 million goal—to ensure a strong future for artistic programming, community residencies, and educational outreach.
Thank you for joining us in transforming lives through performing arts experiences.
Campus Partners:
Cal Poly Partners
College of Liberal Arts
CP Swing Club
HSI Symposium ¡Adelante! Journalism Department
KCPR Radio
La Casa
Music Department
Mustang Band
Office of University Diversity and Inclusion
Orfalea College Of Business
Performing Arts Center Outreach Program
Students with Dependents
Theater and Dance Department
Community Partners:
Big Brothers Big Sisters San Luis Obispo County
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Maria Bonita United School District
Housing Authority San Luis Obispo
Go See Foundation
Restorative Partners
SLO Museum of Art KCBX
Matt’s Ukulele Club
SLO Rugcutters
Allan Hancock College Dance Department
Righetti High School
City of San Luis Obispo Foundation for the Performing Arts Center
Bill Gaines Audio
Central Coast Funds for Children
The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County
Creative West (formerly WESTAF)
“Thank you for taking a chance on these interesting international performers. It broadens our horizons.”
Audience Member
K-12 Schools Visited
This Year:
Laguna Middle School
Jiménez Elementary
SLO County Juvenile Hall
Arellanes Jr. High
San Benito Elementary
Pacheco Elementary
Family Partnership Charter School
Morro Bay High School