Downtown Merced and South Los Angeles are basking in the spotlight after the California Arts Council’s recent announcement recognizing both areas as official cultural districts, a move that underscores the state’s commitment to celebrating diversity and supporting local arts. The decision, made public on December 12, 2025, marks a significant milestone for communities in the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles County, as they join a select group of districts celebrated for their cultural vibrancy and economic potential.
In a state renowned for its creative dynamism, the California Arts Council’s designation of ten new cultural districts this year—including Downtown Merced and the Historic South Los Angeles Black Cultural District—signals a deliberate effort to broaden the narrative of what constitutes a cultural hub. According to The Merced FOCUS, this is the first time Downtown Merced has been recognized in such a manner, and it stands alongside enclaves in Modesto, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in the latest cohort.
For Merced, the news was met with pride and excitement. Gloria Valdovinos, executive director of the Downtown Merced Partnership, played a pivotal role in the application process, coordinating a tour for California Arts Council judges that highlighted the city’s unique offerings. "A part of my letter was we’re not San Francisco, we’re not LA that is known for cultural stuff, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have culture, within the downtown, within Merced," Valdovinos said, as reported by The Merced FOCUS. The judges’ tour included stops at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center and a lively performance by the Bear Creek Ukulele Society, culminating in a display by the local Lao organization. "It was just things like that, us trying to show them what Merced has, in a limited timespan. I think that was really impactful for them…" she added.
The recognition comes with tangible benefits. Downtown Merced will receive a $10,000 state grant, distributed over the next two years, to fund technical program assistance, joint marketing resources, and the district's four-year certification. The Merced County Arts Council, which manages the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, will oversee the use of the funds. Colton Dennis, the council’s executive director, emphasized the importance of investing in public art and access for all. "The downtown is the heart of any city. If that’s strong, then all these other places would be strong," Dennis remarked. He also noted the high costs involved in creating murals—some running into tens of thousands of dollars—and expressed hope that the grant would be used to further values like equity and access in the arts community.
One of the next steps for Merced is developing resources to make the city’s artistic assets more accessible. Patricia Pratt, a founding member of Cien Ojos Studio’s creative collective, suggested, "A map or something that just gives information on how to get a hold of artists, it could possibly bring more revenue to the city for the arts sector." In response, a map illustrating the boundaries of the new cultural district was published in December 2025, offering a visual guide to the area’s creative hotspots.
The designation period for Merced’s new status runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, aligning it with other newly recognized districts such as San Francisco’s American Indian Cultural District and Los Angeles’s Historic South LA Black Cultural District. The California Arts Council’s Executive Director, Danielle Brazell, summed up the significance of these districts in a statement: "Arts, culture, and creative businesses employ people and strengthen social connection which are the conditions for vibrant communities. Cultural Districts are an integral part of our economic, civic, and cultural ecosystem that fuels innovation, reflects California’s diversity, and shapes the stories we tell and export across the globe."
Meanwhile, in South Los Angeles, the mood was jubilant as the area was designated California’s first ever Black Cultural District. The announcement was made by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas at a press conference and community reception at the California African American Museum. "Today is a powerful moment for South L.A. – our community, our culture, and our future," Smallwood-Cuevas declared. "South L.A. has been the epicenter of Black culture, activism and creativity for generations. This designation acknowledges the deep historical contributions that Black communities have made – and continue to make – in this region."
The Historic South LA Black Cultural District is expected to bolster community-driven economic development, enhance cultural preservation, and uplift Black artists and innovators. The area, which boasts California’s highest concentration of Black residents, businesses, and cultural landmarks, will also benefit from $3 million in state funding to install cultural markers and monuments. Mayor Karen Bass lauded the achievement, stating, "This designation exemplifies South Los Angeles’ history of creating and inspiring generations of prominent Black artists, entrepreneurs and civic leaders who have continued to enrich and shape the culture and legacy of Los Angeles."
Support for the district echoed across the city’s leadership. L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes South Los Angeles, commented, "The history, people and global cultural influence of South Los Angeles are tied to our shared past, present and future. This designation honors that legacy and impact while helping to ensure that longtime residents and businesses can remain rooted and thrive."
The road to designation was paved by years of advocacy and community engagement, led by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas and LA Commons. Karen Mack, LA Commons’ executive director, described the moment as historic: "This designation affirms what we’ve always known – that our creativity, our stories, and our history matter. LA Commons is honored to be part of this journey, and we are committed to ensuring that this new cultural district benefits the community through youth leadership, artist engagement, public art, and programming that brings people together."
For local business owners, the recognition is more than symbolic. Aminah Muhammad, president of the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association, said, "This designation recognition is a step toward repair. For a community long displaced, overlooked and underinvested in, a Black Cultural District in South L.A. signals hope – an acknowledgement that our culture has value, our presence has meaning, and our future deserves protection."
The timing of these designations is especially poignant, coming at a moment when diversity and inclusion initiatives face mounting challenges nationwide. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas highlighted this context, saying, "At a time when federal actions are putting DEI initiatives and cultural institutions at risk, California is charting a different path: One that is rooted in inclusion, equity and respect for all communities of color."
With the addition of these new districts, the California Cultural District program now encompasses 24 nationally recognized areas, each with its own distinct identity and contribution to the state’s cultural landscape. The hope, as expressed by both state officials and community leaders, is that these designations will inspire investment, foster pride, and ensure that the stories of all Californians continue to be told—and celebrated—for generations to come.