Riverside and San Bernardino County, CA — On July 5, 2023, Creative Corps Inland SoCal, a state-funded initiative of the California Arts Council (CAC) in collaboration with  the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, Riverside Arts Council, and the California Desert Arts Council, proudly unveiled the 53 award recipients of more than $3.8 million in funding. These grants, specifically designated for artists, community-based organizations, and public agencies, aim to support creative initiatives that advance awareness around public health, the environment, social justice, and civic participation. Grantees were selected through an external evaluation process that included community stakeholders from across both counties. 

“I have witnessed the transformative power of art, and today I am delighted to congratulate the awardees. As a lover of creativity, I have no doubt that their artistic endeavors will serve as a catalyst and touch the hearts of anyone who comes in contact with these powerful projects. We look forward to bringing more opportunities to the residents of the Coachella Valley and beyond.” – Kristen Dolan, Executive Director, California Desert Arts Council

“We set out to create a participatory and inclusive process and it has been incredible to witness the resulting community engagement and the collaboration between artists and organizations. I am looking forward to the next phase when we will see the development of so many amazing projects that will inspire and uplift our region!” – Rachel A. Dzikonski, Executive Director, Riverside Arts Council

“This brings me a lot of hope for the region. This initial investment is just the beginning. We will continue to work to ensure regional support for artists and culture bearers to thrive across the region. Many consider this funding a “life changing” opportunity and as first time recipients they have the potential to shape the future of our civic and social infrastructure for years to come. ” Jennifer Kane, Executive Director, Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County

“The impact of this funding to our two-county region will be enormous, synergistic and hopefully long lasting. Seizing this moment to leverage and attract sustainable investments is paramount to supporting more artists working with communities for a vibrant and resilient region.  We are excited to continue our journey of discovery, learning, and enjoyment!”   Celia Cudiamat, Senior Vice President,  Community Impact & Grants, Inland Empire Community Foundation

Creative Corps Inland SoCal is delighted to announce the following grantees:

Individual Artists (26 total)

  • Darren Villegas
  • Theodore Meyer (Collective)
  • Amanda Dumaguindin
  • Audrey Maier (Collective)
  • Emilia Ortega-Jara (Collective)
  • Tamara Cedre (Collective)
  • Cynthia Huerta
  • Dean Mayo
  • Makeda Kumasi (Collective)
  • Adeola Davies-Aiyeloja
  • Ben Allanoff
  • Christy Roberts Berkowitz
  • Cj Jilek (Collective)
  • Sarah Wilson
  • Jonny Miller Jr. (Collective)
  • Adriana Lopez-Ospina
  • Maria Gonzalez
  • Pat Murkland
  • Larry Burns
  • Rosy Cortez
  • Timothy Dupree (Collective)
  • Jose Covarrubias (Collective)
  • Bernard Hoyes
  • Emmanuel Doublin
  • Maisy Kasgnoc
  • Benjamin Jeong

Organizations and Agencies (26 total)

  • About Families Inc.
  • Academy of Musical Performance
  • Akoma Unity Center
  • Artists Council
  • Bezerk Productions
  • City of Moreno Valley
  • City of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Community Services
  • Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California
  • Culturas Music & Arts
  • Green Room Theatre Co. Coachella Valley
  • Groundwork Arts
  • Inland Congregations United for Change 
  • Inland Empire Labor Institute
  • Inland Futures Foundation KVCR
  • Joshua Tree National Park Association
  • Lifting Our Stories
  • Mil-Tree
  • Omnitrans
  • Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency
  • Power Speaks Louder
  • Public Art Advisory Committee (City of Twentynine Palms)
  • The City of Ontario, Department of Museum Arts & Culture
  • The Garcia Center for the Arts 
  • The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties 
  • The Pass Chorale
  • Youth Mentoring Action Network

Creative Corps Inland Socal extends its congratulations to all of the artists and organizations who were awarded funding for their projects.