Santa Barbara

UCSB Arts & Lectures

For more than six decades, UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) has enriched Santa Barbara's cultural landscape by presenting internationally acclaimed artists, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, authors, scientists, and thought leaders.

UCSB Arts & Lectures

World-Class Performances, Inspiring Conversations & Unforgettable Cultural Experiences

For more than six decades, UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) has enriched Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape by presenting internationally acclaimed artists, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, authors, scientists, and thought leaders. Founded in 1959, Arts & Lectures has grown into the largest and most influential performing arts and public lecture series between Los Angeles and San Francisco, offering more than 100 events annually across Santa Barbara and the UC Santa Barbara campus. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to educate, entertain, and inspire.

Whether you’re interested in a Broadway-caliber dance production, a Grammy Award-winning musician, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, or a conversation with one of the world’s leading authors or scientists, UCSB Arts & Lectures offers experiences that rival those found in the nation’s largest cultural centers.

A Cultural Treasure on the Central Coast

Unlike a traditional theater, UCSB Arts & Lectures is a presenting organization that brings exceptional performances and speakers to multiple venues throughout Santa Barbara.

Performances regularly take place at:

  • Campbell Hall (UCSB)
  • The Granada Theatre
  • Lobero Theatre
  • Arlington Theatre
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
  • Additional venues throughout Santa Barbara and the UCSB campus

This flexibility allows Arts & Lectures to present everything from intimate chamber music performances to major orchestral concerts, dance productions, outdoor films, and large public conversations.

January 2027 Highlights

January is one of the most exciting months of the Arts & Lectures season, featuring internationally recognized performers and groundbreaking productions.

🎭 The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor

Wednesday, January 20, 2027
Lobero Theatre

Tony Award-nominated choreographer Sonya Tayeh presents The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor, a powerful contemporary dance production created for an ensemble of ten women. Co-commissioned by UCSB Arts & Lectures, the performance celebrates the late Irish singer’s fearless individuality through movement, music, and theatrical storytelling.

🎼 Winter Performing Arts Season

Throughout January, visitors can expect an outstanding variety of performances that may include:

  • Classical music concerts
  • Jazz performances
  • International dance companies
  • Contemporary theater
  • Distinguished guest speakers
  • Literary conversations
  • Documentary and feature film presentations
  • Family programming

Complete event schedules are released through the official Arts & Lectures calendar as the season progresses.

Distinguished Speakers

Arts & Lectures has become nationally recognized for presenting some of the world’s most influential thinkers.

Past seasons have featured:

  • Nobel Prize winners
  • Pulitzer Prize-winning authors
  • Academy Award-winning filmmakers
  • Best-selling historians
  • Supreme Court justices
  • Scientists and innovators
  • Journalists
  • Political leaders
  • Cultural icons

These presentations provide audiences with opportunities to hear directly from individuals shaping today’s conversations in science, literature, politics, technology, and global affairs.

Music & Performance

Arts & Lectures is equally respected for bringing world-renowned performers to Santa Barbara.

Programming regularly includes:

  • Symphony orchestras
  • Chamber ensembles
  • Grammy Award-winning musicians
  • International jazz artists
  • Contemporary dance companies
  • Ballet
  • World music
  • Broadway-caliber productions
  • Silent film with live orchestra
  • Experimental theater

Many performances are exclusive Central Coast appearances, attracting audiences from throughout California.

Educational Outreach

Beyond its public performances, Arts & Lectures is deeply committed to arts education.

Through community outreach, visiting artists frequently participate in:

  • Student workshops
  • Master classes
  • Classroom visits
  • Public discussions
  • Open rehearsals
  • Educational demonstrations

These programs reach thousands of K–12 students, university students, and community members each year, extending the impact of every visiting artist beyond the stage.

Visitor Information

Tickets are available through individual event purchases or season subscriptions.

Arts & Lectures offers:

  • Season subscription packages
  • Single-event tickets
  • Student discounts
  • Premium seating for select performances
  • Accessible seating
  • Digital event calendars

Because many events feature internationally acclaimed performers and speakers, popular programs frequently sell out well in advance. Purchasing tickets early is highly recommended.

Why Attend UCSB Arts & Lectures?

Few organizations offer the diversity and quality found within the Arts & Lectures season.

Visitors can enjoy:

  • World-renowned musicians
  • International dance companies
  • Award-winning authors
  • Leading scientists
  • Documentary films
  • Distinguished lecturers
  • Family performances
  • Cultural festivals
  • Educational programming
  • Historic Santa Barbara venues

Whether you’re visiting Santa Barbara for a weekend or are a longtime resident, an Arts & Lectures event provides an opportunity to experience performances and conversations that are both entertaining and intellectually engaging.

Quick Facts

Organization: UCSB Arts & Lectures

Founded: 1959

Affiliation: University of California, Santa Barbara

Mission: Educate • Entertain • Inspire

Events Presented Annually: 100+

Primary Venues:

  • Campbell Hall
  • Granada Theatre
  • Lobero Theatre
  • Arlington Theatre
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
  • Additional Santa Barbara and UCSB venues

Featured January 2027 Performance:

  • The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor — January 20, 2027 (Lobero Theatre)

Visit their website

SantaBarbaraLocal Editorial Note

Arts & Lectures presents one of the most diverse cultural calendars on the Central Coast, with new performances, speakers, and special events added throughout the season. Visitors planning a January trip should review the official Arts & Lectures schedule before traveling, as additional concerts, lectures, and performances may be announced or updated during the 2026–2027 season.