Oxnard—The City Council, Tuesday, January 20, heard a Cultural and Community Services Department update, which continues with Assistant Director Rene Rakestraw giving a Cultural Arts Snapshot.
CULTURAL Arts programming provides educational programming, recreational art participation, and special events,” she said. “The data reflects both unduplicated and duplicated participation, and it demonstrates the community’s wide reach.”
She first highlighted the Mini Murals program, which she said was launched in September of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Mini Murals program provided a safe, creative outlet that allowed residents of Oxnard to find their community again, while our centers were closed,” she said. “The program was intended to reduce isolation and foster community pride during the pandemic. Because of its strong impact, the program has continued with at least two events per year, and it has installed over 140 murals so far.”
She said the program created a giant coloring book, community members from pre-school-aged children to Senior Services participants can come and put their mark on Oxnard, regardless of their skill level.
“The Dia de los Muertos Community Alter was established in 2021 and provides a culturally significant space for remembrance and reflection,” she said. “With over 1,000 visitors annually, the…
