SVCREATES

05/30/2026

This month, we are thrilled to feature a blog from Director of Programs Sinjin Jones highlighting this year’s Town Hall and the incredible power of our collective creative community.

"We are stronger together. It’s a statement that is easy to say, more challenging to believe, and incredibly difficult to live up to. But it is true. Last month, SVCREATES hosted our annual Town Hall for artists and arts leaders across Santa Clara County and beyond. Over 100 passionate participants gathered for a day of learning, connecting, and celebrating."

Read and share Sinjin's full piece: https://bit.ly/49nKV54

05/27/2026

The Creative Economy Fund, presented by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs and Center for Cultural Innovation, awards project grants to San José-based small businesses that are involved in the production or distribution of the arts, including manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers. Competitive applicants contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy and economic impact, and reflect the City’s diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape. The application is due by Friday, June 26 by 11:59am.

Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3RP6G4p

05/26/2026

Presented by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs, CityDance San José 2026 will take place on June 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 30 at Parque de los Pobladores in the heart of Downtown San José. This free series of dance demonstrations and participatory dance parties spotlights local artists and cultural traditions, and engages thousands of local residents.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4uv4AZc

SVCREATES is a sponsor of CityDance San José 2026, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts for “Arts Projects Spotlighting the Spirit of Sports” in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ soccer tournaments.

05/25/2026

Join us for the May edition of the Gilroy Arts Roundtable!

Wednesday, May 27
6:30-:8:00pm
Gilroy City Hall
7351 Rosanna St, Gilroy, CA 95020

The Gilroy Arts Roundtable, Gilroy’s monthly creative meetup, is a collective of artists, arts leaders and advocates amplifying, building and connecting arts and culture in Gilroy, South County and beyond. All of all ages are welcome — no art skills required 😉

GAR meets monthly on the last Wednesday of the month.

05/23/2026

We are thrilled to introduce Jasmine Bridges, Content Magazine's new production manager, supporting the quarterly Content Pick-Up Party, membership, sponsorship relationships, and more.

With a background in higher education coordination and portrait photography, Jasmine brings a multidisciplinary approach to her role as production manager for Content Magazine. Her experience spans coordinating large-scale student and faculty events, supporting academic program development and institutional operations, and overseeing communication across departments. From concept development to post-production editing and client delivery, Jasmine’s work as a portrait photographer has strengthened her passion for using visual storytelling to capture authentic narratives. Together, these experiences inform her ability to bridge creativity and logistics to produce thoughtful, community-centered publications that foster meaningful connections and engagement.

Jasmine joined Executive Editor David Valdespino, Jr. for episode #147 of the Content podcast to discuss her background and how her return to the South Bay has inspired a renewed dedication to uplifting local artists.

Listen to episode #147: https://bit.ly/4v8cB6l

05/20/2026

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) invites proposals for the 2026 Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Grant Program. Grant program areas include the Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation category, which focuses on vibrant and engaging public spaces that utilize arts and cultural expression or community beautification. Proposals are due on Friday, June 12 at 4:00pm, and applicants must attend a pre-application workshop before submitting a proposal.

Learn more and apply by Friday, June 12: https://bit.ly/3Q36MoG

05/18/2026

Join SVCREATES, Leigh Henderson, and Ryan Pilat on Friday, June 5 from 12:00pm - 1:30pm for a AI Grant Writing workshop to learn about a new tool supporting arts organizations in leveling up their grant applications using AI. Rather than churning out generic text, this tool supports you in avoiding repetitive structural heavy lifting, allowing you to use your energy where it belongs: on the storytelling.

Join us to learn how funders look at grant applications, how this tool works to support arts leaders, and how to use it to minimize the "busy work" of applications, so that you can have a great grant, generated by you, and get back to the artmaking that drives your mission.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4tAj6xu

05/16/2026

The City of Sunnyvale, California (Government) Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or artistic team to design and execute an original work of art for the renovation of Lakewood Park and is issuing a request for qualifications. Interested applicants may submit their qualifications by Sunday, May 31. Design ideas and proposals are not requested at this time.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/4wunSPB

05/14/2026

In partnership with the County of Santa Clara, California and the City of Gilroy Government, SVCREATES is excited to invite artists, groups, and organizations who serve Gilroy to apply to the Gilroy Elevate the Arts Grant program for projects and/or programs to be delivered in Gilroy between September 2026 and August 2027. These grants aim to elevate artists and the arts community in Gilroy by demonstrating the role arts can play in equitable community empowerment, activation, and revitalization. Applications open Monday, June 1 and close on Friday, July 10.

Sign up for the Applicant Information Session on Monday, June 22 at 6:00pm:

Learn everything you need to know about the 2026 SVCreates Gilroy Elevate the Arts Grant cycle.

05/13/2026

This is a pivotal week for arts and culture in California. As the state budget takes shape, we are fighting for two essential funding priorities:

🚨 $50 Million for Local Assistance Grants: Vital support for the California Arts Council (CAC) to empower local communities.
🚨 $40 Million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF): Ensuring fair pay across our creative workforce through CAL-OSBA.

The upcoming May Revise—the Governor’s updated budget proposal—is expected by tomorrow, May 14. While facing a structural deficit next year, this year’s budget is reporting a surplus and we know the Governor is looking for high-impact, one-time investments. Now is the time to ensure the arts are at the top of that list!

Take action today! Visit https://www.caartsadvocates.org/take-action for ways to make your voice heard.