At SLOMA, we believe art matters because our community matters. And for art to truly be for everyone, it needs to be accessible, affordable, and fun. That’s why we offer free admission, host exciting monthly events, and showcase inspiring exhibitions by renowned artists, all in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo. Whether you’re a longtime art lover or just looking for something new to explore, SLOMA is the place to connect, create, and be inspired.
A Creative Hub in the Heart of SLO
Our story goes back to the 1950s, when we started as the San Luis Obispo Art Association. In 2011, we officially became the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, marking a new chapter in our mission to bring amazing art experiences to the Central Coast. Since then, we’ve been curating more than just exhibits: we’re curating experiences that invite people of all ages to explore, create, and celebrate why art matters to them.
MISSION
Art Matters: We enrich our community by using art as a doorway to deeper insight and connection.
VISION
Bringing people together through art.
VALUES
We take risks and push limits
We create experiences that challenge biases and illuminate the issues of our time.
We bring people together
Relationships are at the core of everything we do: with artists, audiences, staff, communities, and donors.
We are a safe place of belonging
Being open, kind, vulnerable, and empathetic is central to who we are.
We value curious minds and joyful hearts
We create a space for exploration, playfulness, and diverse ways of knowing ourselves and the complex world around us.
Approved by the Board of Directors Feb 2023.
sloma team
Working together, our dedicated staff, visionary board leadership, and enthusiastic interns and volunteers strengthen SLOMA’s impact on our Central Coast community and ensure our legacy is safeguarded for future generations.
commitment to diversity
From showcasing emerging artists to telling diverse stories and establishing organizational partnerships that increase access for visitors, SLOMA is deeply committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (“IDEA”). Every initiative we take is guided by the belief that inclusive, accessible art experiences enrich the San Luis Obispo community and strengthen the Central Coast’s cultural landscape. Keep reading to learn how SLOMA turns these values into meaningful action.
resources
Looking to join a local artist group or get your art collection appraised or authenticated by a professional? While SLOMA does not provide these services directly, we’ve compiled a helpful list of art resources for artists and collectors in the San Luis Obispo and Central Coast area.