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Support the Sesnon Today!

Since 1971 the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery has been a vibrant space for the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), allowing on and off campus communities to experience contemporary art and providing experiential learning opportunities to students and the public. The Sesnon provides an opportunity to learn about the next generation of creatives, cutting edge research in the arts, and about the work of accomplished Arts Division alumni.

With the beloved Sesnon Galleries approaching their 55th anniversary, newly expanded professional development and career pathway opportunities are being launched to better support our students. Beyond just telling students about careers in the arts, the Sesnon provides places for students to learn the essential skills required and actually practice them. We are dedicated to helping students envision their careers as they participate in multiple opportunities at the Sesnon. 

Through the Art Hustle (Internship and Work-Study) Program students can not only learn how to install an exhibition, engage visitors, or write an artist’s statement, but they will also learn how to navigate their industry: how to apply for a public art project, meet and talk to gallery owners and city commissioners, practice a presentation to a collector. Graduates will be equipped to thrive in today’s – and tomorrow’s – complex interconnected art world. 

In celebration of the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery’s upcoming milestone anniversary we invite you to partner with the Arts Division in building the next phase of its development. Gifts to the Sesnon will allow us to continue providing world-class contemporary art programming to UC Santa Cruz, support student success by increasing the number of scholarships to engage in Gallery and Museum experiences, and implement our vision for the growth of the Sesnon in the next 55 years.

• Sponsor the Sesnon’s operations at any level
• Sponsor an art workshop for students for $2000
• Sponsor the Sesnon Microgrant Program for 1-year for $2250
  (Benefits 15 students for one academic year. Open for students of all majors to apply for one-time $150 grant to advance and support their creative expression)
• Sponsor a visiting scholar $5000
• Sponsor a student Art Hustle internship for $5000 (Benefits one student for one academic year)
• Sponsor the Art Hustle (Internship and Work-Study) Program for $28,000 (Benefits seven students for one academic year: funding for internship and work-study stipends, one-on-one mentorship from professional staff, and professional development opportunities.)

We are located on the second floor of Porter College Academic D Building, above the koi pond, at the University of California Santa Cruz. Porter College is within the northwest area of UCSC’s campus.