Our Work
Economic Development
One of our core focus areas is supporting entrepreneurs and small business development in our community. We provide space and support for several small businesses utilizing our repurposed buildings and shop spaces. We actively support the development of social-ventures that lead to hiring locally, job training, and advance social & environmental community initiatives as partners and collaborators. Furthermore, we are working to implement unique tourism strategies that create opportunities for visiting the Cuyama Valley while appreciating the rural lifestyle our community holds close to their hearts. With over thirteen million people living within a three-hour driving radius, the Cuyama Valley is an ideal spot to explore the beautiful high desert of California.
Made in CUyama
Tourism & Hospitality Business Resources
Creative Community Engagement
Using creative community engagement as one of our key strategies, we’re working to create a space that welcomes locals and visitors alike, while supporting a diverse range of projects and events. We are seeking partnerships with academic institutions to create place-based educational opportunities, while also developing space and tools for professional artists and designers to create work in and with New Cuyama and the Cuyama Valley. By fostering creative people and projects here in the valley, we are growing a diverse community of stakeholders that each contribute meaningfully to the unique identity of our place.
The Desert Fellowship
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
The Long Weekend 2018
555 Rural Artist residency
Rural Summit 2017
Food Systems
The Cuyama Valley is a highly productive agricultural region located in Santa Barbara County's northeast corner. As a valuable agricultural resource in the region, we believe the Cuyama Valley can greatly contribute to our regional foodshed. We are working to foster strong partnerships with local community organizations, foundations, business leaders, small and large agricultural producers, and school districts with the ultimate goals of increasing access to healthy, affordable food and growing a resilient local food system. Strategies to achieve these goals include continuing programming for culinary arts and nutritional education, food ventures, and community fundraisers through the use of the Cuyama Kitchen, and connecting a network of local producers that contributes to locally sourced foods accessible to residents
Cuyama Valley food action Plan
LA COCINA CUYAMA / CUYAMA KITCHEN
Building local networks
Community Development
The 300-square-mile Cuyama Valley is home to the unincorporated townsites of New Cuyama (pop. 517), Cuyama (pop. 57), and Ventucopa (pop. 92), with many others living outside of townsites on ranches and farms in our unincorporated area. New Cuyama - the largest townsite and where Blue Sky Center is based - was originally a company town built in the early 1950s by Richfield Oil Company (now ARCO). Through research, advocacy, and community outreach, we’re committed to improving access to resources and improving community development opportunities within the Cuyama Valley.
Cuyama Valley Community Action Plan
Cuyama Valley Business & Resource Directory
New Cuyama home value report
New Cuyama Housing Assessment
Research and Resources
We're committed to research and data collection in order to develop reports, case studies, and a general body of knowledge on our community. Follow the link to review our existing studies and reports.
We draw on a wide variety of resources to inform and enrich our work. Click the link to check out our favorites.