HBAC creates opportunities for local, regional and national artists and the community to share in a climate of experimentation, education and experience. HBAC is a public/private partnership with the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation, a non-profit private corporation. The Art Center is operated through the City of Huntington Beach Community Services Department, Cultural Services Division.

Founded in 1989, the Art Center Foundation was created to raise funds for the Art Center construction and program endowment and in 2002 the Foundation produced the annual Summer Classic Equestrian event as their primary fundraiser. The Foundation continues to raise funds through a variety of special events throughout the year and has successfully raised over $2 million for the Art Center’s renovation, programs and operations.