About SVCREATES

Who We Are

We are a network of leaders who care about the cultural and aesthetic quality of life in Silicon Valley. We are conveners, promoters, incubators, and investors in Silicon Valley’s creative ecosystem. Our mission is to accelerate Silicon Valley’s creative culture.

What We Do

We build the creative sector’s capacity, raise the value and visibility of the creative sector, and increase access to arts and creativity.

Capacity

We build the creative sector’s capacity by:

• Providing seed funding, local grants, workshops, and management tools
• Nurturing the next generation of leaders through genARTS
• Conducting research studies of relevance to civic and arts leaders
• Leading the development of the Creative Center for the Arts

Visibility

We raise the value and visibility of the creative sector by:

• Publishing Content Magazine
• Building networks through Content Pick Up Parties, Meet Ups and Happy Hours
• Partnering with San Jose.org to curate arts and cultural events
• Showcasing local artists through Artist Laureate and Poet Laureate programs
• Hosting SVARTS showcasing event

Accessibility

We increase access to arts and creativity by:

• Creating digital media opportunities for teens through The Studio
• Connecting teachers to arts education offerings through ArtsEdConnect
• Infusing arts and creativity into the Women and Children’s Center at VMC
• Incubating initiatives that increase access to the arts such as Artsopolis, the School of Arts & Culture at MHP and Vitality Arts

Why It Is Important

We believe that arts and creativity connect us to our heritage, to humanity, and to each other, fuel innovation and 21st century skills, help shape our identity, deepen attachment to place, foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, and bring beauty, joy, and learning to our lives.

Our History

Arts Council Silicon Valley and 1stACT Silicon Valley merged in 2013 to create the regional nonprofit SVCREATES. SVCREATES builds on Arts Council’s 30-year history of support to the arts community through regional grantmaking, professional development and the Artist Laureate program, and on 1stACT Silicon Valley’s dynamic role in incubating innovative programs and initiatives like SPUR San Jose, School of Arts and Culture at MHP, MALI (Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute), and The Studio.