Providing and promoting an extraordinary and accessible center for the performing arts that elevates the arts in our community.
Founded in 1986, the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center was the driving force behind the creation of an outstanding performing arts venue in San Luis Obispo County. Generous community members, through the Foundation, contributed $12.5 million of the $30 million needed to complete the building, which began hosting events in 1996.
Today, the Foundation helps to ensure the Performing Arts Center remains accessible and affordable for both patrons and performers. In addition to funding their portion of the annual PAC budget to maintain the facility, the Foundation supports community arts organizations by awarding over $30,000 to community arts organization through the Clifton Swanson PAC Community Access Fund, subsidizing the direct costs of performing at the PAC. They also fund the School Matinee Program, which gives thousands of children from all local public, private and home schools the opportunity to attend educational, live arts performances at the PAC each year.