Six county-designated arts agencies collectively have been awarded a $4.75 million grant to oversee the California Arts Council’s economic and workforce recovery pilot program, the California Creative Corps, on the Central Coast.
The arts councils of San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Ventura counties, along with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, are tasked with administering and re-granting the funds over the next two years to artists, nonprofits, and government agencies in support of pandemic recovery and environmental, civic, and social engagement of California’s most disproportionately impacted communities.
The funding represents an unprecedented collaboration between the six county arts agencies. They will work cooperatively to support program administration and serve as primary partners, service providers, and communication conduits in their respective regions.
“I am proud to be working with regional partners to administer this grant,” says Jordan Chesnut, programs and development manager of the SLO County Arts Council. “Currently, we have hired a third-party representative to assist us in finding clarity and alignment across all six partners. The intention is that we can shape a collective vision for successful implementation, and that each partner is clear on their roles and responsibilities.”
Modeled on the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s, the funds will support a media, outreach, and engagement campaign that uses a variety of art forms, including visual, performing, and traditional arts, to advance positive community outcomes by creating locally-focused, contextually and culturally sensitive public messaging and work.
Information on applying for California Creative Corps funds is set to be released this fall by the administering agencies.