Marin County is an area of vibrant art across all mediums, ages and areas, and more than a few nonprofits are dedicated to keeping the arts thriving in the county.
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Art Works Downtown (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Arts Nonprofit picks see below.
Our 2026 Philanthropy category sponsor is Marin Community Foundation. View the rest of the Philanthropy category here.
Southern
Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon
Central
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Northern
Novato
West
Bolinas – Forest Knolls – Inverness – Lagunitas – Marshall – Nicasio – Point Reyes – Stinson Beach – Tamales – Woodacre
Southern Marin
Headlands Center for the Arts
Sausalito
What was once a cluster of military buildings has been transformed into an environment for artistic creativity. Its residency programs provide artists with the space and time to truly dig into and explore their passions and craft.
944 Simmonds Rd, Sausalito, 415.331.2787
ICB/ART
Sausalito
Founded in the 1950s in Sausalito’s historic WWII shipyard, this thriving collective of 100+ Bay Area artists hosts open‑studio events — including Winter and Spring sessions — offering classes, workshops, commissions and gallery‑quality works in diverse media.
480 Gate 5 Rd, Sausalito, 415.332.0730
Sausalito Center for the Arts
Sausalito
From its inception in 2021, Sausalito Center for the Arts has put cultural enrichment through artistic expression at the core of its efforts. Plus, its home in Sausalito means the Center is set against a stunning backdrop of the Bay and surrounding hills.
750 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Central Marin
Art Works Downtown
San Rafael
Firmly rooted in the heart of downtown San Rafael, Art Works Downtown is committed to sharing art of all kinds where the public can easily access it. It’s dedicated to promoting art education in the community and strengthening that bond between artist and city.
1325–1337 4th St, San Rafael, 415.451.8119
MarinArts
San Rafael
Following its mission statement to be the premier nonprofit online calendar guide for art, culture and events in Marin, MarinArts is where to turn when you’re looking for something to do while also stimulating your creative side. Plus, it’s a great way to support the local art scene and encourage the growth of the ever-expanding arts community.
5800 Northgate Dr # 250, San Rafael, 415.578.3856
Marin Society of Artists
San Rafael
Since 1927, the Marin Society of Artists has been committed to promoting arts in our community. Particularly popular is their Marin Open Studios event, where artists around the county open their doors for people to view the best of their work.
1515 3rd St, San Rafael 415.454.9561
Celebrate the organizations and individuals making a difference through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This category highlights the nonprofits, community leaders, and philanthropic efforts that strengthen Marin County.
Selected through reader votes, each listing reflects meaningful local impact and trusted community support. Readers’ Choice honorees represent the most recognized contributors to Marin’s well-being.
Explore more community-driven excellence in the full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more.
Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.
Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.
Philanthropy Sponsor
Marin Community Foundation
MCF is the philanthropic engine of the County. They partner with more than 560 individuals and families who are committed to solving the toughest challenges the community faces, using expertise, connections, and resources.
Marin Community Foundation | Novato, CA | 415.464.2500 | marincf.org
