Arts Corner
Arts Corner – Mayor’s Ball for the Arts on March 21st at The Box
Contributed by Rachael Dzikonski, Executive Director, Riverside Arts Council
The Riverside Arts Council (RAC) announces the return of its annual Mayor’s Ball for the Arts, a signature celebration honoring artists and arts organizations whose work strengthens the Riverside community. The public ballot is now open, and community voting will close on March 9th. The event will take place at The Box at the Fox Entertainment Plaza (3635 Market Street) in the heart of downtown Riverside — now officially recognized as a California State Designated Arts and Culture District. The designation underscores the district’s growing creative energy and makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful.
With a “Rock of the Ages” theme, the evening will combine artistic flair and civic pride, inviting guests to dress to theme or attend in cocktail attire. The program will feature a welcome from Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, followed by a formal awards presentation honoring artists selected through a community nomination and voting process. The event runs from 6 pm to 9 pm, and tickets are $100. Please note that this is an 18+ event.
Award categories include Public Artwork, Music Performance, Dance Performance, Literary Arts, Theatre Performance, Art Based Event, and Arts Facilities. By placing nominations and voting in the hands of residents, the event reflects the voices of the community while elevating artists whose work enhances quality of life in Riverside. Community members are encouraged to secure tickets early and cast their vote before March 9th. The celebration will also include live and silent auctions featuring artwork from local artists, curated packages from downtown businesses, and unique experiential offerings.
The Mayor’s Ball for the Arts serves as an important annual fundraiser for RAC. Proceeds directly support free and low-cost arts programming for artists and the broader community, including professional development workshops, public events such as Riverside Artswalk, youth engagement initiatives, and community-based arts opportunities. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals who wish to support the arts while receiving recognition during the event and throughout promotional campaigns. Beginning next year, sponsorship options will also include award-category sponsorships, allowing partners to directly support specific artistic disciplines.
To vote, purchase tickets, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://riversideartscouncil.com/mayors-ball
For media inquiries or sponsorship information, please contact: Riverside Arts Council Rachael Dzikonski Rachael@riversideartscouncil.com 951.377.2852