Call for Session Proposals: SVCREATES Town Hall 2026 Deadline: February 20

This year, SVCREATES is focusing our Capacity Building work on the idea of Thriving Through Change. On April 28, we bring that concept to culmination with our 2026 Town Hall: Stronger. Together. at Mexican Heritage Plaza.

For this Town Hall, rather than a longer keynote as has been the tradition, we want to uplift the voices of our community. We know there is incredible expertise out there - so now it's time to make it visible to everyone else! By making ourselves more visible to each other, we make our community more connected and more powerful.

Details

Number of Sessions: 6 total sessions (3 for Block A, 3 for Block B)
Length of Session: Each session will be around 50 min in length. (think: direct and powerful - maximum impact and actionable insights)
Session Participants: 10-50, in-person at Mexican Heritage Plaza
Topic Focus: Any topic, panel, or investigation relevant to the success, sustainability, challenges, or innovation of nonprofit arts organizations in Santa Clara County. Anything that you have expertise in that you'd like to share. Anything that will make us stronger together.

Sessions will be finalized in conversation with and with feedback from SVCREATES staff.
Stipend: $500 per session awarded to either the individual artist/arts leader or to the arts organization.

Timeline

Proposals Due: February 20, 2026
Proposals Chosen: March 2, 2026
Conversations and Planning: Feb - March, 2026
Session Complete, Delivered, Approved, and Scheduled: April 10, 2026
Town Hall: April 28, 9am - 2pm

We encourage you to submit even if the session is only half-baked at this point. We can support in bringing the session to life!

Note: Sessions from artists residing and/or working in Santa Clara County will be given priority.

If you have any questions or would like to collaborate on your submission, please email SVCREATES' Director of Programs, Sinjin Jones.

Call for Session Proposals

SVCREATES Town Hall 2026: "Stronger. Together."

Your Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

What organization do you represent? (if any)(Required)

Can you provide a brief bio (50 words, or link to your website)?(Required)

Proposed Session Title (can be a working title)(Required)

Name of Session Facilitator(s)(Required)

Short (100 words or less) bio of session facilitator(s).(Required)

Feel free to copy and paste from above if you are the session facilitator. If there are multiple session facilitators, please input bios for each.

Session Description (please limit to ~150 words)(Required)

What format will your session take? (check all that apply)(Required)

Interactive Workshop (hands-on activities, exercises)

Moderated Panel (Multiple speakers discussing the topic)

Presentation/Lecture (A single speaker presenting information) Choice

Open Dialogue/Town Hall (Facilitated group discussion)

Other

What is the core challenge or opportunity in the arts sector your session addresses? (please limit to ~75 words)(Required)

What are the key takeaways or actionable items attendees will leave your session with? (please list a maximum of 4 bullet points)(Required)

Does your session require any specific technology or room setup? (e.g., projector and wifi, specific table configuration, etc.) If so, please describe below.(Required)

Deadline: February 20, 2026
Date: Tuesday, April 28
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza