We are more than thrilled to announce the grantees for the 2023 California Heartland Creative Corps, a partnership between administering agency Merced United Way and the Merced, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne county arts councils. Merced County saw 17 grant-funded projects bringing over $1 million, creating 209 full and part time job opportunities for Merced County artists. For a full list of funded projects and summaries, visit the Heartland Creative Corps website.

We are excited to bring the Caminos exhibit from Arte Américas in Fresno to the MAC this July and are looking for sponsors to help this six-month exhibit take on life. Caminos (Spanish for paths, roads) aims to highlight the varied paths Latino-origin peoples have followed to the central San Joaquin Valley and the contributions they have made to the culture here. So, if you represent a business or community group and are interested in helping us tell the amazing story of the people of the central valley, please contact us about sponsorship today! For more information on the exhibit visit us online.

Join our partners at Merced Shakespearefest for As You Like It starting June 17th at 10:00 AM at the MOAT in Applegate Park. Bring your own chairs or blankets, and relax in the park while they entertain you with one of Shakespeare's most loved comedies. For more info, visit mercedshakespearefest.org .

A local production of Crowns, a beautiful, gospel-filled musical will be performed in Merced on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. Written by Regina Taylor and directed by Michelle W. Allison, Crowns is adapted from the book Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, is a musical testament to faith, hope, courage and love as seen through the eyes of six African American women. Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for teens, and $5 for under 12.

“Probably one of the most joyous pieces of theater you will ever see,” Centerstage Chicago.

Kids & Family Day
Blue Morpho Butterflies
Country of Origin: Amazon Rainforest!
WHEN: Sunday, June 25 from 1- 3pm
WHERE: The MAC Main Gallery | 645 W. Main Street, Merced
WHO: Kids and families!
These classes are free and open to the public, on Sunday afternoons in the Main Gallery of the MAC. No need to book a place - just drop by anytime between 1:00 and 2:45pm and enjoy the project! Free for the whole family!
Kids & Family Day is sponsored by the Merced County Arts Council.

24 Hour Plays
WHEN: Saturday, July 8 at 7:30 pm
WHERE: The MAC | 645 W. Main Street, Merced
WHO: Anyone
WHAT: Join producer Dawn Trook as she and other writers, directors, and actors present their short plays after having only 24 hours to create them! If you haven’t experienced one of these productions before, you’re in for a treat!
COST: Sliding Scale: $1-20

While they have enough directors and writers, they're still looking for actors.
Email Dawn with any questions or to participate at [email protected]