Cultivating a Better California
Building a more inclusive and vibrant future through arts and community engagement
Our Mission
The KDA Creative Corps (KDACC), backed by a $4.2 million California Arts Council grant, is transforming Central Valley and Eastern Sierras communities. From October 2022 to October 2024, KDACC has worked to enhance California's quality of life through the arts, focusing on equity and inclusion.
By investing in local artists and communities—particularly those in underrepresented regions and the lowest quartile of the California Healthy Places Index (HPI)—KDACC has created a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant state. Our goal is not just about art for art's sake, but about building healthier communities, promoting equity, and driving systemic change that benefits all Californians.
60,022
People served across 14 counties and 154 zip codes
972
Direct jobs created, supporting 2,892.5 total jobs
663
Listening sessions with 15,135 community attendees
90%
Of projects continuing beyond the program cycle
Impact in Action
Economic Prosperity
The program created 972 direct jobs and supported 2,892.5 total jobs (direct and indirect), delivering a taxpayer return on investment of $1,452 per job. This economic boost has fueled regional development and validated the creative economy as a powerful job creator.
Community Enrichment
With 663 listening sessions engaging 15,135 community members and 148 million social media interactions, KDACC fostered dialogue, connectivity, and cultural exchange. Projects in disciplines like film, music, and visual arts celebrated underrepresented voices and broke down barriers to artistic participation.
Health and Resilience
Initiatives addressing public health awareness, emergency preparedness, and environmental stewardship empowered communities with knowledge and resources, enhancing both individual and collective well-being.
Social Justice and Equity
By centering artists in public service and supporting trauma-informed programs, KDACC promoted healing, inclusion, and upward mobility for marginalized groups, from incarcerated youth to those facing addiction or homelessness.