Sacramento relaunches Artlook to link teaching artists and cultural groups with schools

The Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture on May 11 unveiled a relaunched Artlook Sacramento, a searchable online directory intended to connect teaching artists and cultural organizations with schools and youth-serving programs across the county. Grants and programs manager Melissa Cerrone introduced the pilot and described the site’s application and outreach plans.

Cerrone said the platform was originally piloted locally in 2020 and built on a tool used in other cities, but that Sacramento’s multiple independent school districts and pandemic-related disruptions limited the earlier approach. “Artlook Sacramento is an online directory for arts education here in Sacramento County,” she said, and the office has shifted the site’s emphasis to list programs and independent teaching artists that schools and community organizations can hire.

The relaunch highlights profiles, program listings by discipline and age range, media like photos and videos, and an annual update requirement to keep listings current. Cerrone outlined eligibility: organizations or independent teaching artists who deliver youth programming in Sacramento (PreK–12) in disciplines such as dance, music, media arts, visual art, theater, literary arts, multidisciplinary and traditional arts. Interested providers are directed to sacramento.arts artlookmap.com to apply.

Public commenters praised the site’s user-friendly approach and suggested additional support. Shira Lane of Atrium 916 asked, “If an artist doesn’t feel like that they’re adequate … is there a way that we can direct them to the right training?” Cerrone said the directory is a first step and that the office will work with school partners and applicants to strengthen submissions and provide guidance where possible.

Commissioners pressed practical rollout questions: how to reach independent artists, how to market the tool within districts, and how to reduce district procurement hurdles that can keep schools from hiring teaching artists. Commissioner Winlock urged active outreach and district engagement, saying the directory will help schools identify local artists and vendors. Commissioners suggested low-cost promotional methods such as QR-coded postcards and district walkthrough demonstrations; the office said it will supply marketing materials and is prepared to meet with districts and community partners.

Cerrone said the application process is open for several months and that the office will begin heavier marketing once a substantial number of profiles are live. The commission received two public comments in favor of the program during the item and commissioners signaled support for helping the office promote Artlook to schools, community centers and libraries.

The commission did not take formal policy action on the relaunch during the meeting; staff outlined next steps for outreach and technical support.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the exchange; staff said materials and how-to videos are available on the Office of Arts and Culture website.