Strategic Focus: Cultural Engagement

Desired outcome: A Silicon Valley citizenry that:

• has access to authentic and inspiring arts and cultural programs
• unleashes their creativity through arts and cultural engagement
• invests in the cultural lives of children and families
• is inspired and informed by artists and their works
• feels connected to this place and the people who live here

Why it is important: Participation and engagement in arts and culture builds community, fosters creativity and cross-cultural understanding, connects people to each other, and brings joy and learning to our lives.

What we have done: 1stACT has helped incubate Zer01, First Fest, and Left Coast Live as new ways of engaging Silicon Valley's creative workers in their cultural community. In addition, we have created a business plan for scaling Artsopolis, a Great Cities Speaker Series for encouraging community dialogue, as well as a framework for unleashing children's creativity outside of the classroom as evidenced by key milestones.

Priorities for 2009:

• Help scale Zer01 proof of concept
• Grow regional and cross sector participation in First Fest
• Determine a pathway for Artsopolis Flag Ship
• Rebirth live music in downtown San Jose
• Develop a case for investment in children's regional arts and culture initiative
• Develop multicultural sampler
• Present year two of Great Cities Speaker Series

If you have any questions or would like more information, please direct your inquiry to Brendan Rawson, Director of Cultural Participation at brawson@1stact.org