Gail Rich (1951-1996) was an inspiration to our community. In addition to being active in a number of local arts organizations--and a proud supporter of many others--she spent several years as a member and chairperson of the Cultural Council Associates and served on the Cultural Council Board of Directors. The broader Santa Cruz County community knew her as a Sentinel Arts Correspondent and a classical music programmer on KUSP.

The Cultural Council Associates annually produce the Gail Rich Awards, a celebration of Gail Rich's spirit. The Awards recognize select individuals who inspire our diverse and culturally-rich community.

Gail Rich

The Gail Rich Awards is produced in collaboration with the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Sentinel, and the Rio Theatre.

About the Cultural Council Associates: Members are representative of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations as well as individual artists in Santa Cruz County. Most members are also Cultural Council grantees. Associates meet bimonthly to network, promote arts events and programs, collaborate on projects, share information, resources and ideas, and advocate for the arts in our community. To find out more about the Cultural Council Associates, click here.