The mission of the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded 1973, is to support the mission and goals of the Palo Alto Art Center, promote unique art experiences and education for people of all ages, and serve as the Art Center’s advocates and ambassadors in the community.

The Foundation serves the Art Center by means of a City Council–acknowledged public/private partnership. The mission of the Art Center (founded 1971) is to foster creative process and thought by forging a greater appreciation and understanding of the visual arts through exhibitions, studio experiences, and related educational programs. The Foundation, through its fundraising efforts, enables the Art Center to offer innovative educational experiences for children and adults, produce high-profile exhibitions and catalogues, pay artists equitable participation fees, and broaden its audience to serve the community as a truly regional art center. The Foundation is also spearheading the planning of a $10 million expansion and renovation of the Art Center.