The life of man is a self-evolving circle,
which, from a ring imperceptibly small,
rushes on all sides outwards to new and larger circles,
and that without end.
— Emerson
2026 Theme: Awakening to Interdependence
Founders Day Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2026
- In Person at Concord Hall, 1407 Chapala St., & Livestream on YouTube*
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (PT)
FREE & OPEN TO ALL – Join us for a discussion of Shri Raghavan Iyer’s landmark address delivered on July 4, 1976, marking the public founding of the Institute of World Culture in Santa Barbara.
Uptown-Downtown: American Art for a New Century, 1890-1920
Saturday, July 11, 2026
- In Person only at Concord Hall, 1407 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (PT)
FREE & OPEN TO ALL – The Ashcan School was America’s first modern art movement, capturing both the realities of urban life and the energy of a rapidly changing nation. Through scenes of everyday people, its artists helped define a uniquely American vision of modern identity and culture.
IWC 2026 Summer Film Series – Saturday, July 18th & July, 25th
- In Person Only at Concord Hall, 1407 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA
- 7:00PM - 9:00PM (PT)
This July, our Film Series will feature two thought-provoking films. Join us for the screenings and discussions that follow.
In Person Only • Free & Open to All