Introducing Arts Connection’s 2025 Artist Microgrant Recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive Director
Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County
Alejandro@artsconnectionnetwork.org | www.artsconnectionnetwork.org
San Bernardino County, CA, November 2025 — Arts Connection, The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, is proud to announce the 26 artists selected for this year’s Artist Microgrants Program. Each recipient reflects the creative spirit, cultural richness, and imaginative excellence that define our county’s growing arts landscape.
The Artist Microgrant program was launched as a local response to the lack of funding opportunities for artists. What began with just five awards of $500 has grown into a program that now distributes more than $15,000 each year to empower artists and support the advancement of their creative careers. Through this program, artists receive direct funding to bring to life projects that spark community connection, celebrate cultural storytelling, and inspire creative innovation.
This year’s grantees represent a wide range of mediums including murals, music, dance, poetry, photography, mixed media, and more. Together, this cohort demonstrates the power of art to build bridges between people and neighborhoods, reminding us that local creativity is the heartbeat of the place we call home.
“When we support artists, we strengthen the foundation of community well-being,” said Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive Director of Arts Connection. “Arts and culture create the conditions for connection, creativity, and care in our neighborhoods. These microgrants are an investment in the people who are shaping and reimagining what thriving communities look and feel like across San Bernardino County.”
Click on each photo to learn more about the awardees!
Arts Connection extends its deepest gratitude to the U.S. Bank, Jim and Grace Pierson, Kathryn Ervin, and other generous supporters for their continued partnership and belief in the Microgrants for artists. Their commitment ensures that artists in San Bernardino County receive the direct investment they need to create, grow, and contribute to a thriving and inclusive cultural landscape.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Artist Microgrant Recipients! We invite the community to learn more about these talented artists and explore their creative journeys through the connected links on our website. Discover what they’re creating, sharing, and bringing to life across San Bernardino County as part of this year’s microgrant program.
About Arts Connection
Arts Connection’s mission is to advance the arts, culture, and creative economy across San Bernardino County. We do this by championing arts education, strengthening the creative workforce, and advocating for public art and cultural expression that deepen community pride and connection.
