City of San José

The Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) is happy to announce the seven small arts-based businesses who have received project grants under the Creative Economy Fund (CEF) , totaling $40,000 in support of the City's creative economy.

Formerly known as the Creative Industries Incentive Fund the Creative Economy Fund awards project grants to arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses located in the City of San José and involved in the production or distribution of the skills, including manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers, among others.

Grants of up to $8,000 are awarded through a competitive process. Applications were reviewed on how the arts-based business and project contribute to the city's cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for project implementation, grow and achieve greater financial resilience, and demonstrate economic impact (e.g., attracting visitors, generating sales tax, creating jobs) in the City of San José. Competitive applicants reflect the City's diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape.

The Creative Economy Fund is an initiative of the City of San José's Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), housed within the OEDCA. The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) , a nonprofit intermediary focused on the economic security of individuals in the arts, is partnering with OCA to administer the fund. This program is one of multiple initiatives of the Creative Entrepreneur Project (CEP) implemented by OCA in alignment with the City of San José's goal to attract, retain, and support creative talent, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Lauren Baines

Project: Convergence Arts Center.

This grant will foster improvements to the dance floor, lobby and storefront window signage, carpeting, and marquee display frames. The Convergence Arts Center provides a space for dance, theatre, performing arts, photography, film, poetry and more to flourish within the San Jose community. The Convergence Arts Center is enhancing visibility of the arts along The Alameda and serves as an outlet for local artists are able to express and showcase their work.

Pictured: Lauren Baines Dance/Theatre (Claire Calalo Calalo, Lauren Baines, Alyssa Carnahan, Leah Wetterling, Julia Canavese, and Karina Cervantes), accompanied by musicians Containher (April Gee), Stephanie Neumann, and KYN (Yari Bundy & Josh Casey) presenting "Whose Truth?" at Convergence Arts Center in November 2019.Photo by Robert Schutlze.

"Thank you to the San Jose Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs and the Center for Cultural Innovation for making this grant available to small creative businesses. We are grateful to receive this support and recognition of Convergence Arts Center. This funding will enable us to further champion the conception, development, and presentation of multidisciplinary arts projects." - Lauren Baines

Casita de las Artes LLC

Project: Educational Community Fandangos.

This grant will support Casita de las Artes LLC 's three educational community fandangos. These Fandangos showcase the traditional Mexican styles of Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, and Son Mariachero. These three events will open the community to a rich display of culture, tradition, and art. Open to the public, these three free fandangos will include a lecture and demonstration to introduce newcomers to these expressive traditions.

Musicians Los Panaderos and dancing members of the community, Photo by Azules Design Studio, 2019

"We are so thankful to the City of San José and the Center of Cultural Innovation for the support in growing our community fandango programming. With the help of this grant we'll be able to open the capacity of participants and general community members in a larger space; provide artist honorariums to master teaching artists/culture-bearers; and further stabilize a core program of Casita de las Artes. We look forward to celebrating this 2024 Creative Economy Fund Grant with music, dance, y comunidad!" - Sharon Benitez

Thomas Aguilar

Project: Universal Grammar Community Events.

This grant will support the Universal Grammar program in hosting three events for the public. Universal Grammar works to foster a greater sense of community in San Jose by hosting regular DJ events with curated performances at various local venues in downtown San Jose. Funds will go towards expanding, the documentation of performances, the use of unique venues, and the audience in attendance. By being able to host more , larger events, and documenting them for social media, Universal Grammar can reconnect the community post-COVID with music, dance, and performances.

Universal Grammar audience vibes around the sounds of FLWR CHYLD on the decks. Photo credit: Miguel Ozuna Location/Year: SJZ Break Room / March 2024

"It's been a while since we've applied for the Creative Economy Fund grants. The new guidelines and flexibility to implement operational costs is a significant and extremely resourceful opportunity for small businesses focused on the arts. Keeping our doors open with an internship program, five days a week for visitors from all over, our Art Gallery & Gift Shop will continue to support artists through art and merchandise sales with this program. Thank you, Office of Cultural Affairs, for your continued advocacy."NEW QUOTE NEEDED

DoViet LLC

Project: From the South Program.

This grant will support DoViet's "From the South" project in anticipation of the SJMade Fest and handmade marketplaces in 2025. DoViet aims to capture the essence of Southeast Asian artistry through their selection of household art pieces. The project's goal is to enrich the San Jose community with Vietnamese heritage, and promote the appreciation of Vietnam's historical art. Funds will go towards opening a showroom at a local Vietnamese restaurant, Elyse , located at 96 S 1st St, San Jose, offering complimentary Vietnamese snacks and meals during the weekend. and supporting DoViet's promotion of the company to enhance awareness of Vietnamese culture in San jose.

Japan Town Farmer Market in San Jose, Hang Huynh, 2024

"We are deeply thrilled and honored to accept the grant from CEF. This support serves as an incredible motivation for our mission, reaffirming our belief in the importance of the work. There were times when we felt lost and uncertain about our path, but through developing guidelines and drafting projects, we gained newfound clarity and direction. We believe that CEF will empower more small businesses like ours, providing them with the guidance and frameworks to navigate their journeys successfully." - Hang Huynh

Art Builds Community LLC

Project: Expansion and Office Relocation

This grant will support the expansion of Art Builds Community LLC to a larger office space within the MACLA building. The current office space is split into two small rooms, and totals to less than 300 square feet. The new office has higher ceilings and would increase office space to over 1000 square feet, with the ability to mount exhibits and host workshops. The art created by Art Builds Community is displayed in San Jose and Santa Clara County, allowing for local artists to express themselves and be recognized by their community.

Screenshot of website, Amanda Rawson, Quynh-Mai Nguyen, Barbara Goldstein, Cassandra Staff. Cassandra Staff is our client lead for Womanhood.

"On behalf of the women-led Art Builds Community team, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for selecting us as awardees of the Creative Economy Fund grant ... Our new space will be a location for artists, art administrators, art advocates, multi-generational and diverse community members to experience and develop an understanding of public art. Your investment in our vision strengthens the creative landscape of San Jose and inspires us to continue making a difference."- Amanda Rawson

Artesanias Morelia

Project: Business Expansion and Mural.

This grant will support Artesanias Morelia as they expand their business through marketing consultants and website maintenance to keep their business up to date and thriving. Artesanias Morelia will be painting a mural outside their storefront that will contribute to promoting cultural heritage. Additionally they will be launching a new line of traditional clothing focusing on Mariachi attire, Quinceañera dresses, and traditional Mexican wedding dresses.

Photos provided by one of our suppliers in Mexico used with permission.

"Being a recipient of the Creative Economy Fund grant has ensured that we will be able to continue to provide a safe space to source, sell, and showcase artistic works made by local artists here in San Jose."QUOTE NEEDED

Elba Raquel

Project: Expansion and artist support.

This grant will go towards supporting local artist Elba Raquel in creating promotional materials and creating an updated website. Elba Raquel's art can be found in San Jose galleries with themes of female, Latin, and nature in her artwork. With the funds from the grant Elba Raquel can expand her business online, as well as support outreach and artist representation materials.

Elba Raquel painting interior mural at Quetzal Gardens in East San Jose. Mural production team: Local Color. Photographer: Stuart Rhodes. June 2023

"By hiring assistants and photographers, and sourcing materials from local paint suppliers and equipment rental companies, I'm not only supporting local jobs but also contributing to the economic vitality of our area."- Elba Raquel, Artist/ Muralist

For questions or more information about the program please visit the OCA website or contact Danielle Siembieda, Senior Arts Program Manager, at or 408-793-4332.