Cultural Equity Grantmaking

How Far Have We Come? What’s Next?

Tuesday, October 11, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Space is limited at offsite sessions, so a ticket is required. Tickets will be available at the registration desk beginning at 7:00 am on Tuesday morning. If the tickets for a session are all gone, you will know that it is full and can make another choice.

Buses for offsite sessions will depart from the main entrance of the hotel at 2:00 pm on Tuesday.

Organized by San San Wong, director of grants, San Francisco Arts Commission.

Presented by Marcelle Hinand Cady, principal, Helicon Collaborative; Lorraine Garcia-Nakata; commissioner, San Francisco Arts Commission.

The San Francisco Arts Commission is undertaking a review of its 19-year-old Cultural Equity Grants Program, which was borne out of the civil rights movements and Expansion Arts programs, but designed to be future-facing towards a time of the “emergent majority.” We will share findings from three studies, including the Cultural Equity Grants Program review, conducted by Helicon Collaborative, that looks at its impact, as well as the evolution and current landscape of cultural equity in San Francisco and nationally. At this time of shifting demographics, we seek to engage our fellow arts funders to better understand and embrace the arts and cultural practices, and their “place” within culturally diverse communities. How do we as arts funders, develop culturally sensitive grantmaking strategies that can strengthen organic artistic practices and community development?.


Founded in 1963, Chinese Historical Society of America is the oldest and largest organization in the country dedicated to the documentation, study, and presentation of Chinese American history. Session participants will receive an overview of the organization by Historical Society staff and have the opportunity to view several historical and cultural exhibits, including an exhibition of paintings by artist Jake Lee.