Mission

From Left to Right: Executive Director Beth Bowman and Artistic Director Christine Sandin From Left to Right: Executive Director Beth Bowman and Artistic Director Christine Sandin

Who We Are

Sunset Cultural Center, a nonprofit organization, was formed in 2003 to manage and operate the newly renovated Sunset Center Theater. Our historic campus was built as a grade school in the 1920s with a school auditorium added in the 1930s that regularly hosted world-class performers for the Carmel community.

Today, under the mantle of Sunset Presents, we continue to deliver a diverse range of world-class live events including global music, comedy, rock shows, theatre, and dance. We also offer no-cost arts education and community outreach programs on our campus and in school classrooms.

Sunset Theater is home to resident companies Carmel Bach Festival, Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Symphony. In keeping with our role as the cultural heart of Carmel, we are also home to the Center for Photographic Art, Harrison Memorial Library Book Drop, Sally Russel Art Studio, and Yoga Shala.

Vision

To set the standard for artistic excellence and community impact on the Central Coast as an iconic cultural destination where creativity thrives, everyone belongs, and extraordinary experiences inspire generations.

Mission

To champion the performing arts on the Central Coast by preserving and activating our historic home as a vibrant community gathering place for world-class performances, arts education, and creative experiences that are accessible to all and enrich the cultural vitality of our region.

Core Values

EXCELLENCE
Maintain the highest standards and innovation in all that we do

SERVICE
Provide leadership, accountability, and responsiveness to the community

DIVERSITY
Institute inclusive programming, leadership, and practices that reflect a diverse community

ACTION STATEMENT

To serve as a multi-purpose gathering place that enriches, educates, and entertains by:

  • Delivering diverse, high-quality arts programming 
  • Promoting arts education for all ages through accessible education programs 
  • Hosting public and private events 
  • Supporting the activities of local performing arts groups 
  • Providing and maintaining a state-of-the-art facility that is responsive to the needs of our audiences and performers  
  • Forming supportive community partnerships 
  • Nurturing our partnership with the City of Carmel for the benefit of the entire community 
  • Fostering economic vitality, tourism, and local development