Creative Sonoma Announces $200,000 in Grants to 38 Arts and Cultural Nonprofits

Creative Sonoma is pleased to announce the recipients of its Arts Impact Grants for Organizations program. A record 38 arts and cultural nonprofits will be awarded a total of $200,000 to provide programs and services across the county. Funded projects cross all genres and disciplines from poetry and music to film and design, and programs will occur in every corner of the county.

“The unprecedented number of grantees reflects the expansive cultural offerings that are produced every day in this county,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The growth in awardees is also a result of the ongoing efforts by Creative Sonoma to support previously unfunded cultural groups.”

Arts Impact Grants are designed to help sustain Sonoma County’s creative and cultural nonprofits and to advance their impact in our community. Grantees will expand arts and culture opportunities for County residents, students, and visitors. Given the urgency of Sonoma County’s climate change challenges, applications for projects that also advance the community’s awareness and understanding of environmental sustainability were encouraged. Successful applicants demonstrated a commitment to providing equitable access to and participation from communities of color and other traditionally marginalized communities.

A sampling of projects includes:

• The Sonoma Community Center will build on its Trashion Fashion show through a “Trashion Learning Series,” a six-month program of free community and school-based learning including recycled costume design.
• The Cinnabar Young Repertory program will produce three main stage performances and 7 afterschool classes for aspiring actors.
• California Poets in the Schools will place six teaching artists in eight schools that serve underserved youth, and at The Living Room, to create poetry that explores the link between the natural world and personal growth and wellbeing.
• “Being with Bears,” an education program of the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center that will enhance Native youth’s understanding of the parallels between bears and humans’ familial relationships.
• The Redwood Arts Council will celebrate its 43rd season of featuring world-class
  contemporary and traditional chamber-music ensembles in its community-built and
  supported performance center.

This grant program is part of Creative Sonoma’s menu of programs to serve the county’s arts and
cultural organizations, teaching artists, arts education providers, and education communities.
Details about both programs can be found at: www.CreativeSonoma.org/grants. For more
information, please contact Samantha Kimpel, Samantha.kimpel@sonoma-county.org.

Creative Sonoma is a division of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board dedicated to
supporting and advancing the creative community of Sonoma County. Please visit
www.CreativeSonoma.org for more.

Samantha Kimpel