What We Do
We select exemplary artists through a competitive process using independent expert panels and honor these artists with unrestricted cash prizes, promotion, and recognition.
Who We Serve
We serve Santa Clara County artists across multiple disciplines, as showcased in our SVLaureate Directory. These artists were selected for the quality of their work and their commitment to enriching our community with exhibitions, performances, presentations, and service. Additionally, we serve the broader community by introducing new artists and new artwork to arts lovers, students, and community leaders.
Why It’s Important
Artists contribute socially and culturally to a vibrant and creative community, challenge our hearts and minds, and bring joy, new insights, and learning to our lives. We believe they deserve our encouragement, recognition, and financial support.
What’s Been Done
- Celebrated the achievements of over 170 artists since 1991, across a wide range of artistic disciplines, and invested over $400,000 in their work
- Developed SVLaureate Directory to highlight the work of these artists and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Artist Laureate program in 2015
- Expanded the annual celebration into a grand party, including a special edition of Content Magazine featuring the Laureates and Emerging Artists
- Increased investment in the Content Emerging Artist Awards to provide support to our region’s best up and coming creatives
What’s Next
- The 2024 Content Emerging Artists will be celebrated at the August 22, 2024 Content Pick Up Party at the School of Arts and Culture at MHP. Learn more and register here.
- Applications for the 2025 Content Emerging Artist Award cycle will open in February 2025.
2024 SVCREATES Content Emerging Artists
ELBA RAQUEL
San José native Elba Raquel wears many hats. An accomplished artist with a BFA in Illustration, an AS in Design, and an MA in Education she ignites young minds as a full-time High School Art Teacher. Her creative passion extends beyond the classroom as a freelance artist. Elba Raquel's "fantastic realism" style is recognized for its rhythmic compositions and the juxtaposition of desaturated figures against vibrant backgrounds. Her work graces galleries throughout the Bay Area, and she brings her artistic energy to life at events and festivals with her collaborative group, Together We Create. With seven murals adorning San José's walls, Elba Raquel is a rising force in the city's art scene, constantly pushing her practice to new heights.
ESTHER YOUNG
Esther Young is a singer-songwriter, writer, and non-profit cultural community worker. She records and performs lyrically driven indie-folk projects for those reconstructing their sense of self--especially eldest daughters, children of immigrants, and those who once suppressed their wonder, longing, and doubt.
