About the MAH

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The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is a thriving community gathering place that offers a full slate of art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, education and outreach programs, and cultural celebrations in collaboration with our many partners.

Our vision is to ignite shared experiences and unexpected connections that enrich our community.

To achieve that, our mission is to bring people together through art and local history to explore our diverse cultures. We are guided by the following values:

• Engagement & Collaboration
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
• Innovation & Experimentation
• Excellence & Rigor
• Accountability, Integrity & Responsibility

Read MAH 2026, our latest strategic plan.

A portrait in numbers

These statistics paint an interesting picture of the MAH. Get the full view by reading our 2022-23 Annual Report.

Visitors

17,000

2011

85,000

2023

Budget

$700K

2011

$2.0M

2023

Events

25

2011

200

2023

The People of the MAH

Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Sarah Fisher

Sarah Fisher (they/them) came from the East Bay and is currently a UCSC student in their last year studying history of art and visual culture with interests in contemporary arts. They are also an artists who enjoys the acrylic, pen,…

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Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Miles Backer

Miles Backer (he/him) is a recent graduate from UCSC with a major in history and minor in anthropology, specializing in the ancient world and the concept of magic. He hopes to eventually curate historical wonders and inspire new ways of…

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Featured Team Member

Rentals & Events Manager

Jessi Bond

Jessi Bond (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz. With over two decades of experience in event management, Jessi has cultivated a wealth of expertise. Her professional…

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Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Litzy Mozqueda-Franyutti

Litzy Mozqueda-Franyutti (she/her) was born and raised in Watsonville CA, she has developed a deep love for Santa Cruz County, with endless fields of fruits, breezy beaches, and compelling history. Being surrounded by people who guide and…

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Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Jamilli Pacheco-Urquiza

Jamilli Pacheco-Urquiza (he/they) hails from New Jersey. He is currently working towards his M.F.A. in Social Documentation at UC Santa Cruz. When not at school or at the museum, they like to read, cook, and watch movies. Their favorite…

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Featured Team Member

Preparator

Shanti Nagwani

Shanti Nagwani (she/her) earned her BA in Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is a public artist, painter, printmaker, muralist, henna artist, art instructor, and ceramicist. As a visual artist, Shanti provides a…

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Meet Us All

Our History

The Evolution of the MAH

From our humble beginnings to the dynamic space we are today, the MAH has adapted to meet the needs of Santa Cruz County.

Dig into our history of partnerships, perseverance, and resilience to discover how we became one of the country's most creative and forward-thinking community museums.

Our Story

Work at the MAH

Join the crew behind Santa Cruz County’s most creative events, exhibitions, and partnerships. Check out job opportunities or apply to be a volunteer or intern today.

Careers

Other Ways to Get Involved