Cultural Initiatives-Silicon Valley

Programs: Urban stewardship - builds on a vision for downtown san jose created by a team of civic leaders in 2006. Anchored in an urban design and activation framework of "big deals and small wonders", 1stact silicon valley convenes leaders to address urban issues of importance to san jose's future, drives physical streetscape improvements, activates public spaces, educates leaders, and advocates for positive change. Key projects include the transformation of the sofa district, enhancing gore park, the revival of live music, and increased investment in small wonders such as murals, landscaping, and lighting throughout downtown. Memos of understanding have been signed with san jose downtown association, san jose jazz and spur to carry on urban stewardship as 1stact completes its catalytic role. About 250,000 people benefited from this program.

cultural stewardship - supports and strengthens the arts and culture industry by providing a pipeline of leadership, strategic investment, marketing and branding, and capacity building. With well over 50 partner organizations and 150 leaders engaged, 1stact silicon valley's key projects include livesv, a technology platform for cultural engagement that replaced artspolis, a region-wide marketing campaign called discover the unexepected, the exploration of a shared arts space and services called creative center for the arts, and two leadership development programs called genarts and mali (multicultural arts leadership initiative). A memo of understanding has been signed with arts council silicon valley to carry on cultural stewardship as 1stact silcion valley completes its catalytic role. Mali has been embedded in the school of arts and culture at mhp. About 300,000 people benefited from this program.

silicon valley creates - is an emerging initiative focused on children's engagement in the arts, exposure to the art and the exhibition of children's creations. Current programs being incubated include artspark, an arts sampler for third through sixth graders, an afterschool digital arts program for teens call the studio, a drumming program called buddaboom for elementary children from low income families and the creation of a school of arts & culture on the eastside of san jose. About 45,000 people benefited from this program.