Great question! The buildings are owned and maintained by the City of Escondido but the facilities are managed by a private non-profit, California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation.

Most of the CCAE budget is made up of earned income through ticket sales, events, concessions, grants and donations. About 8% of the budget is supported by the City of Escondido through a fantastic partnership designed to serve our community.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido had its grand opening in October 1994 and is currently celebrating its 30th year for cultivating arts and culture for Escondido and beyond.

A nonprofit organization is a a tax designation for an entity that is created and operated for charitable or socially beneficial purposes rather than to make a profit for individuals. Any profit made at the end of the year goes back into the organization for further programming and public benefit whereas profit in a for profit business goes to an individual or individual(s).

It’s FREE!