Voice of the
ARTS
September 2020 | Issue 1
We Have New Ways for You to Connect with Us and with Local Arts!
"Open for Business" by Lois Freeman-Fox, from our current show, Environment.
Greetings! Amidst the challenges we have all experienced over the past several months, we know this: art helps. It's a source of inspiration and hope, a way to express, a place to take comfort and a pathway to connection and community. How has it helped you? What have you been creating or enjoying during this time? We know that now more than ever, we must champion local artists and arts organizations, and that our community needs fresh opportunities to thrive together through art. So we've created a few new ways to connect with all of you.

We're excited to offer this, our first-ever email newsletter, where we will share local arts news and opportunities. We've redesigned our website, which includes a new virtual gallery that features artwork from local artists in our competitive shows and curated exhibits. You can also follow what's new in the virtual gallery on Instagram. Finally, our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, is now on YouTube, featuring poetry by local teens. Refer us to a friend! They can sign up to receive this newsletter.

As we navigate these uncertain times, we hope you are finding new ways to thrive in the arts, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.
View Our Latest Online Show: Environment
This show addresses our surroundings during these times.
"Isolation" by Leslie Ossentjuk
TEEN CENTRIC Episodes are Now on YouTube
Our radio show, TEEN CENTRIC, is produced as part of our Arts & Youth Justice program, in partnership with CAPS Radio in Ventura and the Ventura County Probation Agency. It features interviews with teens discussing their lives and sharing their poetry.

TEEN CENTRIC airs on CAPS Radio in Ventura, KPPQ-LP FM, 104.1, Mondays at 11 a.m., Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Fridays at 9 a.m. Some episodes are broadcast nationally, featured on Pacifica Radio's affiliate network, SPROUTS.

For more episodes, visit us on YouTube.
Episode: "Inner Demons"
Coping with Dark Thoughts
Episode: “Hard Truths”
Three Teenage Girls in Juvenile Hall
Book Artists in the Classroom Residencies
Yes! Our teaching artists can provide their K-8 art instruction residencies via remote learning!
Upcoming Events
October 9-11, 2020
A weekend-long, socially distanced, outdoor art exhibition in Ojai and Meiners Oaks that focuses on experiences in the real world.

Weekly
Hosted by the Ventura Music Festival. Each week a performer shares a personal video of what they are experiencing and a personal piece of music that especially resonates for them today.
Grant Opportunities
Artist Relief - grants to artists who are facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19; Cycle VI now open.

Foundation for Contemporary Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund - grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of COVID-19. Ends on November 30, 2020.

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund - donor-directed fund to support musicians and music industry workers affected by COVID-19; awarded on an ongoing basis as funds are available.
Partner Spotlight:
Our Town Our Children
VCAC recently supported this local art organization's Youth Summer Mural Project for Oxnard Housing Authority Residence Services.
Ventura County Arts Council In the News
First-year Angelina Leanos' Open Mic Series; 'A platform ...

“...I write and recite poetry, for my position as Ambassador for the Ventura County Youth Poet Laureate...”

Read more
cluecho.com
... Ventura County Poet Laureate Luzmaria Espinosa

"...through art, Espinosa hopes to bring others, especially youth, not simply a better appreciation of art, but a better understanding of and respect for humanity."

Read more
vcreporter.com
Support Arts in Ventura County
Your tax-deductible donation will help to provide crucial, sustaining support to our long-running programs which serve students, artists and cultural organizations.
Ventura County Arts Council | vcartscouncil.org