James Kidd Foundation for the Arts

Building Components

The Foundation for the Arts will be a 35,000-40,000 square foot multi-use, interdisciplinary center focused on arts, education, creativity, and exhibition. This facility, funded by a 35-million-dollar endowment, will include a large-format, live performing arts venue, multiple gallery spaces, a large art archive and library, multiple art studios, and more. Its location in the heart of Davis will provide and promote an extraordinary and accessible center for the arts to grow and flourish.

Proposed building phases: Phase 1: Remodel of existing structure (beginning Spring 2026); Phase 2 & 3: auditorium, galleries, multi-purpose rooms.

Planned Building:

Permanent Exhibits: Over 200 Northern California paintings, sculptures, and drawings by Northern California Artists will be a significant part of the multiple gallery exhibitions. (Approximately 20,000-25,000 sqft)
Educational instruction and museum access will be free and open to the public 6 days a week. The center will include a small cafe/coffee shop for visitors.
Educational Center & Museum:
Performance Hall: This 300-400 seat auditorium space will be designed for enhanced acoustics and recording equipment for hosting and recording world-class festivals, concerts, and events. Flexible seating will accommodate lectures as well as performances.
Classrooms & Studios: The Foundation will feature 5 studios or classrooms, each 850 square feet, designed for teaching and creative production. Through an artist-in-residence program, artists will receive room, board, materials, and studio space in exchange for teaching in disciplines such as ceramics, printmaking, painting, & drawing.
Scholarships & Outreach: The Foundation will award up to 8 annual $5,000 scholarships to support continuing education for artists working in various mediums, including art, music, and sculpture. In addition, the Foundation will run an outreach program that provides funding and opportunities for Davis schools to visit and engage with the facility.
Art Archive & Library: The Foundation will host a 1,500-square-foot library featuring books and literature by renowned UC Davis and Northern California artists.