Culture, Arts and Heritage Grants

Nam U gas Mural
Sponsoring Organization: Vancouver Housing Authority
Art: Coordinated by Sarah Folden Art, LLC

Murals depicting cultural identifiers of the Cowlitz tribe painted by local tribal youth. The murals are spread throughout a 30-unit apartment building in Hazel Dell for youth exiting foster care and unhoused youth. “The name for the project is derived from the Cowlitz word for “hope”. We’ve been able to successfully qualify ten youth families into the building and exit homelessness; the building has provided a beacon of hope to these residents, the murals help provide a sense of hope and inspiration.”

Day of the Dead
Sponsoring Organization and Artists: Vancouver Ballet Folklórico

People from various backgrounds may find common ground in honoring and remembering their loved ones. Doing this in a positive and vibrant manner can positively impact participants’ emotional wellbeing, providing a healthy approach to dealing with loss, navigating grief and finding comfort in communal support. “The event showed a substantial growth in attendance, fostering a dynamic community ambiance characterized by engaged and enthusiastic participant interaction. The project effectively showcased the intricacies of Mexican culture, cultivating a communal atmosphere where our attendees experienced a genuine sense of belonging.”

75th Anniversary Christmas Concert
Sponsoring Organization and Artists: Vancouver Master Chorale

Vancouver Master Chorale celebrating their 75th Anniversary with a special Christmas concert featuring 109 singers, 25 orchestra members, 15 volunteers and 1200 attendees. Funding concerts is a big challenge. In addition to the orchestra, there are music expenses for the 107-voice choir, which can be $5,000 or more for music, building rental expenses for concerts and rehearsals, riser and music storage rental costs, program printing and more. “The orchestra and choir were so beautiful; I was in tears several times. Thank you for wonderful Christmas concert.”

Art at the Marketplace
Sponsoring Organization and Artists: Public Art Coalition of 8 students led by VSAA teacher Jeri Swatosh with artwork from Cobalt Design Works

The art installation serves as seating, which creates an outdoor living room where people can sit and enjoy their snacks and beverages from the Marketplace businesses. Beyond simply enjoying the art, people can learn more about the history of the building and the influences of the businesses that used to operate there, including an early Ford dealership and the Kaiser Shipyard administrative offices. “This grant process was very educational for the students, as they were learning to gather and summarize important information for the proposal. We all learned more about the importance of articulating the value of public art, the vision of the artwork, who it serves and how to measure its success.”

Clark County Open Studios
Sponsoring Organization and Artists: Artstra

Clark County Open Studios Tour is a free self-guided tour as local artists open their studios to the public and share how, why, and where their art is created. This is a unique opportunity to visit artists and artisans, view diverse works and buy works from local artists. “Keeping application fees low for our artists is important and directly influences the diversity of artists participating and the diversity of art shared.”