Starting Strong in 2024

Muralist Elba Raquel hand painting elements of her design "Unexpected Heights."

Join the Local Color Team

Are you a creative, curious individual who’s eager to help support the local arts community? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

The Creative Programs Coordinator (CPC) will work collaboratively on a wide range of projects, which will likely include public and private art installations, digital activations, and workshop facilitation and support. The Coordinator will support the Creative Services and Creative Experiences Program managers on project upkeep, and serve as a point of contact with Artists and stakeholders to ensure every project is a success. Application closes on Feb. 4.

Interested in working with Local Color?

Read Job Description | Fill Out Application

Photo by Buggsy Malone

UPCOMING | Wisper & Buggsy Malone at NUMU

We’re pleased to announce an upcoming collaboration with New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU). The work of Tomas “Wisper” Talamantes and Buggsy Malone will be featured as part of “Paint the Town: A Mural In Action,” opening Feb. 23.

The new exhibition is part retrospective and part work-in-progress. Over three open sessions, Wisper will create an original mural at NUMU inspired by the untold stories and variety of cultures that have contributed to the town of Los Gatos. Visitors can peek into Wisper’s creative process by watching him paint the mural live. Visitors can also view photos of Wisper’s past work “Freedom,” as documented by Buggsy Malone.

Watch Wisper paint live on Feb. 23, Mar. 3, and Apr. 7. “Paint the Town” runs from Feb. 23 thru July 21. Visit NUMU’s event page for full details.

New Works

The completed design of one of Francisco Ramirez's two murals, evoking themes of growth and abundance.

Francisco Ramirez for Charities Housing

Francisco Ramirez recently wrapped up a mural project at Blossom Valley Senior Housing, a new development from Charities Housing near Blossom Hill Rd. and Snell Ave. His two works are titled Fertile Land (pictured) and Gratitude.

Explaining the inspiration behind his two pieces, which honor the city’s agricultural and indigenous heritage, Francisco says, “I definitely wanted to capture a side of San José that was forgotten.”

His two murals, featuring native flora and fauna, call back to San José once being described as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight.” (Photo by Miguel Ozuna)

Freedom by Wisper

At the tail end of 2023, Wisper completed his community mural inside “La Esquina,” located on the commercial floor of Quetzal Gardens in East San José. The bright work is on display inside a lobby space shared by community partners SOMOS Mayfair, Excite Credit Union, and the Latino Business Foundation. Wisper notes that Freedom showcases themes of economic mobility, diversity, hope, and inclusion. (Photo by Alexknowbody)

Artist Tomas "Wisper" Talamantes stands proudly in front of his new mural "Freedom," located in East San Jose.

Artist Opportunities

Digital flyer for Content Emerging Artist writing workshop.

Apply to Be a 2024 Content Emerging Artist

The Content Emerging Artist Award, presented by SVCreates, recognizes early career artists in all genres for artistic achievement and commitment to a path toward becoming a professional artist. Applications open on Feb. 4, and Local Color is co-hosting a free applicant workshop with SVCreates on Feb. 15 from 5-7pm. This free hybrid event is a great resource to help you write the most impactful application possible. Contact Alyssa Erickson (alyssae@svcreates.org) with any questions.

San José Climate Art Program: Resilient Artist Cohort

Are you a San José-based artist eager to learn more about your climate impact? Earn a $5,000 stipend from the City of San José to re-examine your arts practice. As part of the Resilient Artist Cohort, artists will learn how to adapt their practices for lower emissions and greater resilience. The cohort, which runs from June 1 through Aug. 31, will include workshops. individual coaching, community building, and a showcase at the end of the program. Click here to apply. Applications are due by Feb. 4.

Digital flyer promoting the Resilient Artist Cohort initiative.

Header graphic for the Local Commons fiscal sponsorship program.

Launch Your Idea with the Local Commons

Do you have a great creative idea but need help walking through the grants process? Consider joining Local Color’s fiscal sponsorship initiative, known as the Local Commons.

By collectively “commoning,” our initiative bridges people to resources and assists with grant writing and reporting. You will gain access to a network of creatives working to bring great ideas to life, and secure valuable insight from skilled individuals to demystify the grant process.

Since its inception in 2020, our Local Commons initiative has helped direct more than $295,000 to 27 underfunded grassroots projects, a majority of which are led by and support BIPOC creatives.

Support a Grassroots Project

Contribute to the success of a great local project by directly donating to an active fundraiser hosted by a Commons member.

A series of photos depicting residents enjoying San Jose Day.

San Jose Day 2024

San José Day is a free, family-friendly event that welcomes all to celebrate the diversity of the city. The event features local live music, dance performances, poets, local artists and vendors, food, and a classic car show. San José Day preserves our existing culture and welcomes new and existing residents and visitors from outside the city to experience and be a part of San José. Donate

Support the Creation of Copacabana

Become a vital part of Ruby Rae Productions’ cinematic journey and help bring the vibrant world of the Copacabana to life. With a crew that’s 90% women-led, this project challenges the norms of an industry that is often male-dominated. Your support goes beyond the silver screen; it becomes a catalyst for change in the film industry. Donate

An artist rendering of the possible "Copacabana" space.

Visit the Local Commons page to learn more about our philosophy and process behind the initiative, and to get to know Commons members!