November 13, 2025 Uncategorized

Community Foundation Welcomes New Cohort of Capacity-Building Artist Grantees

In the midst of a shifting economy, local artists are still finding ways to create, connect, and advance their artistic pursuits. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ ValleyCreates program is excited to announce its newest cohort of Capacity-Building Grantees. This grant was designed to provide financial support and to help artists build sustainable careers through professional development training and community connection.

The Community Foundation’s ValleyCreates program collaborates with Assets for Artists (A4A) to administer Capacity-Building Grants and ensure that local creatives have the tools, networks, and resources to sustain a robust arts and creativity sector.

“Artists hold up a mirror to who we are as individuals and as a community,” said Megan Burke, CEO of the Community Foundation. “They remind us to look closer, ask harder questions, and imagine what’s possible. Our role is to make sure they have the resources and community they need to keep serving as a reflection for us all.”

Through the Capacity-Building Grant, the Community Foundation aims to invest in artists as essential contributors to the Valley’s economy. By combining financial resources with long-term capacity-building, this investment helps artists strengthen their practices, grow their networks, and stay rooted in their arts communities.

“Public funding may shift and change, but the creativity and courage of artists never do,” said Joanna S. Ballantine, Vice President for Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation. “That’s why philanthropy matters. It’s a promise that arts and creativity matter now more than ever and will be supported long into the future.”

Last year, the Community Foundation launched the ValleyCreates Arts and Creativity Fund, a $5 million effort to ensure the longevity of this vital arts program. Since October, the campaign has raised $2 million toward its goal. This progress reflects the Valley’s growing commitment to sustaining arts and culture across the region. To learn more or to make a gift in support of ValleyCreates, visit www.communityfoundation.org/valleycreatesgiving.

The 15 artists who received grants from the Capacity Grant Program are:  

Aaron St. Louis / AJOESAINT, Springfield
Alize Ortiz, Northampton
Brianna Woodard, West Springfield
Claudia Wilson, Northampton
Darlene Elias, Holyoke
Hadley Byrne, Easthampton
Hazel Basil, Amherst
Jena Duncan / Blushing Mustard Studios, Ashfield
Joandiel, Springfield
Jules Jones, Turners Falls
July Finn, Greenfield
Swazy, Springfield
Muriel Monik Johnson, Springfield
Nasira Watts / Entity, Amherst
Victor Rafael Figueroa, Ashfield