Sept 13–22, 2024

CommonGround is a new biennial festival of place-inspired, outdoor work presented by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) from September 16–25, 2022.

Focused on temporary and performative public art projects in rural, urban, and architectural space, the 10-day event features site-responsive installations and interventions across the area’s natural and built environments, connecting people, stories, and landscapes.

CommonGround takes place Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 25, 2022 at different times and locations throughout Santa Cruz County.

CommonGround is a mostly FREE event. While the majority of works can be visited at no cost, some festival performances are ticketed and there is a small admission fee to the MAH to view supporting exhibitions and installations.

Museum Admission

• Adults: $10, Children (12 and under): $5
• MAH Members: FREE

MAH members get FREE entry into the museum and discounted tickets to select festival performances:

• Friend ($60) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults
• Family ($80) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults and four children under the age of 18
• Fan ($125-999) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults and four children under the age of 18, plus two additional guests

Sign up today and enjoy free admission, special viewing access, exclusive programming, and other member benefits.

You only need a ticket for select performances in the festival, which are noted on this website. However, if you choose to visit the artworks inside the museum during regular hours of operation, the cost of admission—if you are not a MAH member—is processed onsite at the time of the event. There is no advance ticket purchase option, other than purchasing or renewing a membership to provide a limited number of museum admissions.

Museum Admission

• Adults: $10, Children (12 and under): $5
• MAH Members: FREE

For events happening downtown or at the museum, we encourage attendees to visit the food and beverage vendors at Abbott Square Market, immediately next to the MAH. There are also many downtown restaurants in close proximity to the museum. Please keep in mind that food and drink are not allowed inside the MAH or its exhibition galleries.

Generally, CommonGround is a rain-or-shine event, although some outdoor performances may be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather. Dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if necessary!

The MAH continues to implement pandemic restrictions during CommonGround including masking recommendations, social distancing guidelines, and venue capacity limitations (both indoor and outdoor).

For the safety of our guests, staff, and community, the MAH continues to encourage masking, social distancing when possible, hand hygiene, and other preventive measures. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, please visit the festival another time.

How nice to hear you would like to volunteer! Please email us to express your interest.

CommonGround is made possible with the support of many partners and collaborators. To read more about partnership opportunities and how to get involved with us, visit our sponsorship page. You can also email Nikki Patterson for more information.

Artist submissions for 2022 are currently closed. Please keep an eye on the MAH website and social media channels for updates about opportunities to get involved in future festivals and projects.

You can also join our mailing list for the most up-to-date information on how to showcase your work at the MAH.