Who We Are

Board President Dave Parker with Executive Director Christine Sandin

Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. (SCC) is a 501 (c)3 non-profit corporation that was formed in October of 2003 to manage the historic Sunset Center. What began as a public school in 1926 has been transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts center with an intimate 718 seats, stunning gothic architecture and incredible acoustics. Under the mantle of Sunset Presents, we bring a wide range of truly world-class performances and live events including global music, comedy, rock shows, theatre and dance. We pride ourselves on programming a lineup with diversity, sophistication and star-power.

Our venue is also home to our historic presenting partners – the Monterey Symphony, Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay and the renowned Carmel Bach Festival. In keeping with our role as the cultural heart of Carmel, our facility is also home to the offices of the Arts Council for Monterey County, the Center for Photographic Art, the Forest Theatre Guild, Dancekids of Monterey Bay and the Yoga Center of Carmel. A number of high-profile annual events are held at the Sunset Center, including the Carmel Art & Film Festival, the Carmel Author’s and Ideas Festival and the beloved Nutcracker from Dancekids of Monterey Bay.

Our Board

SCC 2012 Board of Trustees

David S. Parker - Chair
Elece Otten Leverone - Vice Chair
Lisa Boardman - Treasurer
Deanna R. Adolph - Secretary
Kathleen Bang
Mary Gifford
Kurt Grasing
Robert L. Oppenheim
Judith Profeta
Sally Reed
Gerard A. Rose

Former Trustees

Demi Briscoe
Katherine Bucquet
Sarah W. Brown
Steven Hillyard
Karen D. Kadushin
Mara Kerr
Matt Little, Jr.
Gary Luce
Michael L. McMahan
Nicholas M. Pasculli
James Price, Former Chair
James Sanders
Fred O'Such
Perry L. Walker, Former Chair
Ron Wormser

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve as a multi-purpose gathering place that enriches, educates, inspires and entertains Monterey County residents and visitors by presenting performances, visual arts, educational programs and hosting public and private events.

SCC Operating Principles:

Support the activities of local performing arts groups
Deliver diverse, high-quality arts programming
Promote arts education for all ages
Provide and maintain a state-of-the-art facility that is responsive to the needs of our audience and performers
Form supportive community partnerships
Operate in a fiscally responsible manner
Nurture our partnership with the City of Carmel for the benefit of the entire community
Foster economic vitality, tourism and local development

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