Congratulations to our 2022 Content Emerging Artists
Without artists, there is no art.
By Connie Martinez, SVCREATES’ Chief Executive Officer
This is an exciting time of the year for SVCREATES as we announce our Content Emerging Artist Awards. Through a competitive selection process using an independent panel, we have selected three artists as the region’s most promising emerging creatives based on the quality of their work, their commitment to developing their craft, and their service to enriching our local community.
Congratulations to our 2022 Content Emerging Artists: Kiana Honarmand, Jezrael Gandara, Chelsea Stewart.
Since 1991, more than 150 artists have been honored through the SVLaureate and Emerging Artists program with support from the County of Santa Clara. Applications for Content Emerging Artists were submitted this past fall and reviewed by an independent grant review panel comprised of artists, presenters, and critics representing a spectrum of disciplines from the Bay Area. This year, SVCREATES received 29 applications from artists of exceptional talent and vision, and the panel chose to acknowledge three individuals who honor us with their work and spirits. Each Awardee will receive a $5,000 cash award to celebrate and encourage the continuing development of their artistic work, a profile in Content Magazine, and the title of Content Emerging Artist.
The Content team lifts the voices of other creatives through our “storytelling’ media platform all year. And they take an active role in selecting and showcasing these “emerging” artists during this time of year to honor Silicon Valley’s innovative and evolving culture, and its corresponding dependence on new talent.
Our Business of Arts and Culture research documented the importance of arts start-ups, underscoring the need to nurture homegrown artists, which in turn fuel our sector’s resilience. And just like the tech sector, we have “churn” too. This may be driven by the Valley’s high cost of living or growth opportunities for the artist — or both. Regardless, we are proud to call these artists “ours” and we are grateful for their work and contributions to our community and beyond.
Celebrate the work of Kiana, Jezrael, and Chelsea at the Content Magazine Pick-Up Party on Thursday, May 19 at West Valley College. In partnership with the Cilker School of Arts and Design, join us as we recognize these three emerging artists for the joy, learning, and inspiration that they bring to us. We know that without artists, there is no art.
