About Us

Santa Paula Arte & Cultura Collective is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening arts and culture in Santa Paula. Established on March 1, 2024, SPACC was formed to help build a more vibrant cultural landscape by supporting artists, cultural organizations, and creative experiences throughout the community.

SPACC brings together local artists, arts advocates, cultural leaders, and community partners who share a common belief: arts and culture should be a visible, meaningful, and lasting part of public life in Santa Paula. From murals and folk arts to youth creativity, music, theater, libraries, and public art, SPACC embraces the many forms of expression that reflect the community’s identity and creativity.

Board of Directors

  • Jennifer Carrillo, President

    president@santapaularts.org

    Jennifer Carrillo is a longtime resident, proud parent, and a self-proclaimed muckraker and going to be art shaker here in town.

  • Tracy Hudak, Vice President

    vicepresident@santapaularts.org

    As the Director of Policy & Advocacy for CA for the Arts, Tracy leads policy research and development, advocacy strategy and mobilizing California arts advocates.

  • Nicholle Azpera, Secretary

    secrertary@santapaularts.org

    Nicholle Azpera is a passionate community advocate and public service professional dedicated to fostering civic engagement, cultural appreciation, and inclusive community programs in Santa Paula.

  • Jonathan Royas, Treasurer

    treasurer@santapaularts.org

    Jonathan Royas is a local government professional and active nonprofit board member committed to public service, community-building, and civic leadership.

  • Member-at-Large: Vanessa Acosta

  • Member-at-Large: Dr. Maria Munguia

Committees

  • Steering Committee — chaired by Tracy Hudak

  • Arts Advisory Committee — chaired by Andy Sobel

Strategic Plans and Innitiatives

1. Strengthen Artists and Cultural Organizations

SPACC works to create the conditions needed for cultural organizations and artists to grow and thrive. Key initiatives include facilitating networking and collaboration within the arts community, producing a digital newsletter with resources and opportunities, conducting a cultural census of people and organizations in Santa Paula, surveying the arts community to better understand needs, supporting pop-up events, and exploring opportunities for a future multi-use arts center.

2. Create Opportunities That Nurture Talent and Integrate Art Into Public Life

SPACC seeks to nurture creativity across generations and cultures while making art more visible in everyday community life. Initiatives identified in the presentation include the Anything We Can Paint Project, free art activities at First Friday Cruise Nights, partnerships to increase murals in Santa Paula, development of a cultural walking tour, and a future multicultural, intergenerational arts mentoring program.

3. Elevate Visibility Through Marketing and Promotion

SPACC aims to bring greater visibility to Santa Paula’s artists, cultural organizations, and creative experiences. This includes developing a shared calendar, expanding cross-marketing opportunities, launching a website and social media presence, and building regional awareness of Santa Paula’s arts and cultural identity.

4. Build Partnerships That Help Santa Paula Thrive

SPACC values collaboration with the City and other community partners to advance shared goals. Future initiatives include supporting art exhibits and local art projects, launching a signature Santa Paula arts festival, and exploring a long-term “Percent for the Arts” policy to strengthen public investment in arts and culture.

Governance

Santa Paula Arte & Cultura Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a volunteer governing board and committee structure designed to support collaboration, planning, and community engagement. The organization’s leadership is responsible for strategic direction, organizational development, and helping ensure that SPACC’s work remains connected to community needs and opportunities.

SPACC’s governance model is grounded in partnership, community input, and cross-sector collaboration. The organization works to strengthen internal systems, improve decision-making processes, and coordinate effectively with community stakeholders and public agencies. Its near-term priorities include reinforcing its foundation, improving internal systems, and developing its first annual work plan.

Partners and Supporters:

SPACC is developing in partnership with a wide range of community organizations, institutions, and creative leaders. These partnerships help expand opportunities for artists, strengthen local cultural programming, and connect arts efforts with broader community goals. Member organizations include:

  • De Colores Multicultural Folk Arts

  • Blanchard Community Library

  • Santa Paula Theater Center

  • Santa Paula Art Museum

  • Cole Creativity Center

  • Santa Paula Society for the Arts

  • The Agriculture Museum

  • City of Santa Paula

  • Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce

  • Santa Paula Unified School District

  • Ventura County Arts & Culture Manager

  • More than 20 Santa Paula-based artists and creatives