The Multicultural Arts Center (The MAC) in downtown Merced — nearing its 30th year of serving the community — is enjoying an impressive run of exhibits, stage performances, cultural events, and educational workshops. The success is linked to local partnerships, volunteer work and donations.
However, there’s also concern about cuts to government grant funding that has proven to be critical for high-quality programming and reduced costs to patrons.
And the act of just keeping up with day-to-day bills continues to be a constant struggle.
These were some of the major themes discussed at the annual “State of the Arts” gathering hosted by the Merced County Arts Council on July 24 at The MAC.
For the fiscal year of July 2024 to June 2025, the MAC reported a total income of $823,231.75, with expenses at $880,169.66, and a net loss of $56,937.91.
MAC Director Colton Dennis pointed out that the organization has a little over $50,000 in accounts receivable and cash liquidity to make up most of the difference, but admitted the situation was worrisome. The deficit, according to Dennis, is partly due to increased utility, maintenance and repair costs, including work on a broken elevator at the facility.
The Arts Center is also bracing for reduced funding from the state as a result of a “trickle down effect” from recent grant terminations at the federal level from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
“All these nonprofit organizations are so dependent on these funding sources … and so we look for grants outside of our community so people can afford to come to our events,” Dennis explained to the Times. “We are a rural community, and so usually we don’t get much funding in the Central Valley at all, compared to places like L.A. and San Francisco where they have more resources and the ability to be more competitive.”
Nevertheless, the local effort to apply for more state grants continues, Dennis told the gathering. He also said The Mac, in an effort to bridge the funding gap and keep up with utilities, will be increasing rental rates for affiliates and outside organizations who utilize space in the facility.
While the City of Merced owns The MAC building at 645 Main St., the Arts Council has been operating it without a lease for several years now. The Council is charged with taking care of the maintenance, including about $5,000 a month in energy costs. Dennis said they are looking at ways to add cost-reducing solar technology to the site.
On a roll …
Meanwhile, The MAC has been buzzing with exciting events and collaborations. Among the highlights over the past year were the “MAC Fashion Show,” in partnership with the Tioga Sequoia Taproom; the “Heartland Creative Corps” featuring 42 art projects in Merced, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne counties, thanks to the work and collaboration with United Way Merced and the California Arts Council; and the “Alma Corazon y Vida” program with UC Merced Arts and the Center for the Humanities.
“The MAC has truly become a home to artists of all mediums, serving as a fiscal sponsor and nonprofit umbrella for numerous organizations and projects,” Dennis said.
The MAC is also celebrating the return of the Phoenix Creative Collection, the continued efforts of Accessible Arts Merced, the incredible quality of their hit MAC Theater Camp, and the thriving ARTREE program.
With the return of Phoenix Creative Collection, The MAC experienced more than $7,000 raised to support local arts organizations through the revival of the innovative and interactive “Drama Island.” The series is expected to return in September.
Accessible Arts Merced has continued to grow and develop with its support from the MAC, hosting new classes and hosting a sold-out production of the “Falsettos” musical. The MAC Theater Camp has also steadily grown and improved, having hosted three fully sold out camps and productions to rave reviews. The ARTREE program has seen another major leap in participation, reaching more schools and students than ever — boasting over 51,000 hours of instruction given and booking 385 sessions already for the coming 2025-26 school year.
Dennis noted that in 2026, the MAC will be celebrating 30 years of being open to the public. He said The MAC’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Mardi Gras fest, will be held as a special Valentine’s Day themed event on Feb. 14, and will feature the selection of a Mardi Gras King and Queen.
The MAC director told the Times that local partnerships and community support are the key to the art center’s future involvement in the community, as well as the city’s state of the arts in general.
“We are not the only ones,” Dennis pointed out. “There’s Playhouse Merced, the Symphony, and others. We’re all in this together. We are actually all working together so we can make sure that we are all sustainable, and that we are all supporting one another. … I don’t think a lot of people realize how much goes into producing theater, for example. You’ve got royalty fees, you’ve got sets, you’ve got costumes, and all those things that come into play. For instance, we put on a very successful run of ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ Jenny Samuelson directed it. It was completely sold out. And we tried to keep the ticket prices as low as possible. But it cost like $25,000 to put on, and at the end of the day, we barely broke even. And that’s not including some of the staff time that went unpaid or some of the utility bills. … And so that’s why it’s so important for people like our members, our sponsors, our local companies, our local foundations, you know, our local people to support these things. With their support we can make great shows affordable for everyone.”
New board members
During the State of the Arts gathering, the Arts Council officially voted in and welcomed its newest board member, Jonathan Towell, who has been brought on with the goal of helping the MAC navigate its current financial situation.
The following officers were also sworn in: President, Rhonda Batson; Vice President, Alissa Haynes; Secretary, Kathy Hansen; Treasurer, Cliff Monte; and Recording Secretary, Lourdes Clesson.
The Arts Council also named Richard Lopez as the recipient of this year’s Arts Advocate Award.
As a grand finale, The MAC hosted a number of beloved local performers and organizations for a fun showcase.
The first to perform was the Bear Creek Ukulele Society. Band members played a few songs for the audience to sing along to. Up second were two young performers who displayed some of the work they have accomplished as a part of the MAC Theater Camp. Phoebe Stallings, who recently portrayed Matilda in their latest production, sang her solo “Quiet,” and longtime student Reagan Gray sang the song “Gimme Gimme.”
Up next was GB Blackmon II, the arts director of Accessible Arts Merced, who sang “I Don’t Care Much” as a teaser from their coming production of “Cabaret.” Following was a fun display of Hawaiian and Pacific dance from the students of Luna Dance Company. And lastly, the recently revived Homecoming Troupe performed a few bits from their upcoming showcase.