Partnering to Identify Overlooked Artists, Increase Visibility, and Build Community

The first step to greater investment in historically under-resourced communities is making the unknown known -- identifying who is out there and where they live and work. In 2024, two place-based funders, working in partnership with the public sector and an equity-forward researcher, created a unique and comprehensive digital inventory of arts and culture organizations across the diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural geographies in Contra Costa County. This session will showcase the power of visibility and connectivity to further the goal of equitable funding and how important regional cross-sector partnership is toward establishing long-term stability across a diverse county.