Articipate

Building Arts Funding Now and Into the Future

In a time of competing needs and dwindling support for the arts, it is important to remind ourselves of the value of art and its place in our lives and communities.It is accessible, brings people together, celebrates our past and opens doors to the future.Art creates commerce and stimulates economic growth.Art is good for all of us, young, old, rich and poor.It gives us pleasure and enriches our lives.Ultimately, art invites us to see things in a new light, to be open to a new perspective, to grow and change and become fuller human beings.

What is Articipate?

Articipate is a call to action in the communities of Shasta and Siskiyou counties to stand for the greater good and vitality of our region by investing in the arts.

What is the Shasta Siskiyou Arts Endowment?

All gifts to the Shasta Siskiyou Arts Endowment at the Community Foundation today will  grow, allowing grants to be given from the fund to artists and arts projects in perpetuity.  Through the power of endowment a gift made to the fund today will continue to grow allowing grants to be given from the fund to artists and arts projects in perpetuity.

Funding in Crisis...

Funding for the arts in California has reached a crisis point.  The state has gone from a national model to a marginal player, ranking last in per capita spending on the arts.  Many arts programs, local arts councils and arts service organizations are on life support.  Given the economic downturn and the state's continuing budget problems, there is little hope that public funding for the arts will be restored any time soon.

Today, more than ever, individual donors are vital to the arts.  Here's why: Public funding is in deep decline.  California state arts support has been reduced from over $30 million per year in 2001 to just $2 million in 2005 and now $5.6 million.  That's just 15 cents per person in the state.

What can we do?  A Challenge...

The Community Foundation has an extraordinary opportunity to ensure funding for the arts now and in the future thanks to a challenge grant from the James Irvine Foundation.

As an incentive to creating the Shasta Siskiyou Arts Endowment, the Irvine Foundation will match the first $150,000 in donations with funds that can be spent immediately for art projects.  To take advantage of this offer, the Community Foundation is embarking on a $500,000 campaign that will secure the Irvine match and provide a solid financial base for a meaningful endowment.  Read our press release...

Past Support for the Arts

The Community Foundation has a rich history of supporting arts programs, organizations and individual artists in our communities.  Nearly 13% of the Community Foundation's funding has gone to support arts and culture projects totaling $1,072,000 in grants since our inception in 2000.  These grants range from supplying schools and arts councils with equipment and instruments; supporting arts organizations through operating funds and supporting local artists to create works of public art in our communities.  View a photo gallery of past arts grants.  View a snapshot of past arts grants.

Give Today

Partner with us as we stand for the greater good and viatlity of our region.  Join us in standing for the Arts.  Donate to the Shasta Siskiyou Arts Endowment today and help us secure the $150,000 match from The James Irvine Foundation. 

Choose the Arts

We will match the next $50,000 in donations to the Shasta Siskiyou Arts Endowment with grants to support arts programming categories selected by donors.  What do you care about most?  If you would like to target a matching grant, please indicate your choice here.

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