San Mateo County Creates Arts Council

The San Mateo County Creates Arts Council is a new initiative to foster collaboration, share best practices, and support strategic arts education planning across the county.

Its goals are to build community, support educational arts leadership and strategic arts planning, share best practices, organize county-wide events and collaborations, and provide updates, vision, and best practices for Prop 28/Arts Ed funding. Members meet regularly throughout the school year to build on their discussion and support each other in their work to lift arts education across the county.

During the 2024-25 school year, the Council and the County Office of Education are sponsoring several events to engage students in the arts. 

San Mateo County Student Arts Opportunities

SamTrans Art Takes a Bus Ride Contest

FallArtwork Due December 20, 5:00 p.m.

Showcase the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of San Mateo County and how SamTrans brings people together through the Art Takes a Bus Ride contest, an annual art competition for San Mateo County students grades 1 through 12.

The theme for the 2024-25 school year is Connecting our Community with SamTrans. Students are invited to create art highlighting local landmarks and everyday moments that illustrate the unity and shared experiences of riding public transportation, connecting everyone in our community. Artwork must be original and created by students only.

Access the competition guidelines in  and .

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Poster and Poetry Contest

Applications due October 18

Students are invited to participate in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day poster and poetry contest! This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their creativity while honoring Ruby's legacy of courage and equity. . 

Poetry Out Loud

County competition will take place on February 4, 2025

Poetry Out Loud (POL) inspires in high school students and teens the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal—poetry. It encourages teens to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Participants master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Student Arts Showcases

Winter/SpringThe County Office of Education is proud to present a series of digital arts showcases that highlight the incredible talent and creativity of TK-12th grade students across our county. These showcases will feature student work in all five art forms: dance, theater, music, visual arts, and media arts.

This project celebrates and uplifts student voices, fosters artistic expression, and provides a platform where students can share their work with the broader community. Through these showcases, we aim to inspire future artists and ensure that the arts remain a vital part of every student's educational experience. 

Explore each of the five sections below, which include submission requirements, judging criteria, important dates, and other information for each showcase.

Allison Gamlen

Coordinator, Visual and Performing Arts

Email: agamlen@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5335

Kylie Carpenter

Administrative Assistant

Email: kcarpenter@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5404