FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement on UC Irvine and Orange County Museum of Art Potential Merger
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley released a statement following news that the county’s two biggest art collectors, UC Irvine and the Orange County Museum of Art, are considering a merger. If completed, the merger would contribute to an impactful new cultural institution in the Fifth District in Orange County, attracting broader audiences, promoting access to art and arts education, and strengthening community connection for the future.
“I enthusiastically support the intent for the Orange County Museum of Art to enter into a formal partnership with UCI to create a sustainable future for the museum in Orange County,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Since opening in its new location at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts in 2022, 500,000 visitors have enjoyed exposure to arts and arts education for free. Last year OCMA welcomed more than 3,000 students, 85% from title 1 school, in part supported by $350,000 in grant funding from my office to enhance arts education.”
Vice Chair Foley continued, “This partnership with UCI will allow the museum to expand its installations and arts education programming throughout our community. I thank OCMA Board President David Emmes and the Board of Directors for their thoughtful deliberation for the future and sustainability of the arts in Orange County.”
To inquire about Supervisor Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Regional Transportation Committee,
Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency,
Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee,
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,
Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,
Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board, Coastal Greenbelt Authority,
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees,
Ocean Institute, Orange County Community Corrections
Partnership (OCCCP), Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency,
and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
