The Genesis:
With its initial roots dating back to September of 2003, 1stACT Silicon Valley has been planting its seeds for quite some time. Below is a timeline of key milestones that provide context for the genesis of the organization and its transformation to a nonprofit in January of 2008.

Timeline of Key Milestones:

September 2003 - Arts and Culture Roundtable gathering of board members at Children's Discovery Museum; Economic Impact Study published.

November 2003 - Gathering of regional leaders at the Hewlett Foundation

February 2004 - ALF Board of Director's adopts 1stACT as its first network-wide initiative

Spring 2004 - First Voice and Arts Alliance created to populate Arts Summit

May 2004 - Arts Summit held

Summer 2004 - 1stACT Founders group formed; Arts Council Silicon Valley assumes role of fiscal agent

March 2005 - CEO Leadership Advisory Council formed

October 2005 - Creativity Matters Conference held and 1stACT initiatives take shape

Summer 2006 - Vision for Downtown San Jose: Silicon Valley's City Center released. Over 2,000 people attend 80 briefings, including Mayoral candidates

August 2006 - Global Leadership Forum takes place as part of Zero One

March 2007 - 1stACT Business Plan completed and submitted to Knight Foundation

September 2007 - 1stACT assumes Cultural Initiatives 501(c)(3). 1stACT forms Board of Trustees with Bruce Chizen as Chair. 1stACT hires Connie Martinez as Managing Director. Knight Foundation announces $3.5M investment in 1stACT

January 2008 - 1stACT officially opens its doors