The Huntington Beach Art Center is a community arts and cultural center serving Huntington Beach and the Southern California region. The Center presents the works of artists producing in all media. Through exhibitions, performances, film/video screenings, lectures and educational programming, the HBAC serves to advance public awareness and understanding of cultural, historic, and contemporary perspectives. The HBAC creates opportunities for local, regional and national artists and the community to share in a climate of experimentation, education and experience.
The Huntington Beach Art Center is a public/private partnership with the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation, a non-profit private corporation. The Art Center is operated through the City of Huntington Beach Community Services Department, Cultural Services Division. Founded in 1989, the Art Center Foundation was created to raise funds for the Art Center construction and program endowment. Through 2002, the Foundation produced the annual Summer Classic Equestrian event as their primary fundraiser. The Art Center opened its doors to the public in 1995. The Foundation continues to raise funds through a variety of special events throughout the year. The HBAC Foundation has successfully raised over $2 million for the Art Center's renovation, programs and operations.