The Banning Cultural Alliance (The Alliance) was founded in 2005 by a group of visionaries to fill a cultural void for residents of Banning and the San Gorgonio Pass Area. After this group of people successfully raised money to support a summer concert series it was clear that there was support and interest in having local cultural entertainment. It was quickly recognized that downtown Banning would be the ideal location to create an Arts District. Efforts were immediately begun to attempt to accomplish this. With the support of a planning grant by the City Manager of Banning, The Alliance began its efforts to revitalize downtown Banning through the introduction of arts and arts events.

The organization was destined for success when the Banning Woman’s Club began a process to deed it historic building to The Alliance the same year. A year later the Alliance had a headquarters building in the heart of downtown Banning.

Each year, since its inception the Banning Cultural Alliance has expanded its cultural activities. Since growing the Banning Center for the Arts Gallery which now offers world class art exhibits, the Alliance has moved forward each year to bring to the Pass Area

• an annual Art Hop which is now its signature event
• an annual Phineas Festival of Lights to usher in the holiday Season
• a community theater, Pass Area Performing Arts (PAPA) presenting high quality live theater to residents of the Pass Area
• A Youth Arts Council to expose young people to arts and culture and help them discover their talents
• Many banners and murals decorate downtown through the Mural Council which became a part of The Alliance
• “Cool Summer Nights” market nights with themed entertainment to build a sense of community
• Arts programs for patients at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital
• Special programs at our headquarters, The Woman’s Club, to bring unique entertainment and activities to the community.

Limits on what The Alliance will achieve in the future will be bound only by the limitations of our imagination. The Alliance will continue introduce innovative arts activities and advocate for a community where art thrives.