Interim Report quantifies initial impacts of a $4.2 million investment in the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra creative economy by the California Arts Council
Bakersfield, Calif. (Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024) — KDA Creative Corps (KDACC), today announced the release of its Interim Report*, highlighting creative achievement and economic impact in California’s Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region since its launch in October 2022. KDACC is a regranting organization, created by the Kern Dance Alliance to administer a one-time $4.2 million grant from the California Creative Corps, a pilot program of the California Arts Council.
“We’re particularly proud of our impact to create jobs in the creative economy in a region of the state that has historically been overlooked for arts funding opportunities,” said KDACC Program Director Andrea Hansen. “We originally anticipated generating 571 new creative roles over the course of a year. But, in just 6 months, our recipients reported employing an astounding 652 workers.”
One of KDACC’s primary goals is to create jobs and provide infrastructure development opportunities that enhance artists’ and cultural workers’ engagement in public work.
“The KDA Creative Corps is also dedicated to increasing how artists and cultural workers engage in public work, ultimately uplifting counties and cities that have been underrepresented in prior California Arts Council grant-making cycles,” added Hansen.
The jobs funded through KDACC grants have provided employment opportunities for artists and cultural workers to execute projects that improve the quality of life for Californians, particularly in communities and census tracts in the lowest quartiles of the California Healthy Places Index (HPI).
“The programs specifically target underrepresented populations,” said Hansen. “Including incarcerated youth, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, students, elderly, unhoused, LGBTQI+ and indigenous tribes.”
Here are key highlights from the KDACC Interim Report, spanning Oct.1, 2022 to Nov. 15, 2023:
CA Creative Corps investment: A total of $4.2 million was granted to KDACC to help cultivate a vibrant creative economy, empower artists and uplift Californians living in the Central Valleys and Eastern Sierras. The entirety of the grant was re-invested into 14 counties that assist with administering twenty sub-grant recipients and their projects. Seventy percent of the twenty grant recipients are first-time awardees, showcasing the program’s commitment to fostering emerging talent and expanding inclusivity in the arts.
Economic development: The pilot program resulted in the creation of 652 Central California jobs, totaling 21,831 workforce hours. This not only fuels economic growth but also empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Regional impact: Operating across 14 counties, including Kern, Kings, Tulare and Fresno counties, KDACC’s reach includes 110 zip codes, covering 46,217 square miles and ensuring that historically underrepresented areas benefit from the program’s investment.
Impacts reported through KDACC programs:
- Strengthened Civic Engagement: Increased interest in using the arts for public service
- Positive Community Impact: Improved attitudes, enhanced job skills and better mental and physical health
- Empowered Youth: Focused on fostering resilience and awareness among young individuals
To learn more about the important work of the KDACC please visit kdacreativecorps.org.
*The KDACC Interim Data Report was compiled from a set of statistical procedures utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyze program goals and objectives, reflective of the time period between Oct.2, 2022 – Nov. 15, 2023.
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ABOUT THE KDA CREATIVE CORPS
The KDA Creative Corps (KDACC) is a pilot program, part of the California Creative Corps, designed to promote community and civic engagement, spread awareness about water and energy conservation, climate change, emergency preparedness, relief and recovery through the arts. KDACC is administered by the Kern Dance Alliance, one of 14 organizations selected statewide to regrant funds in their respective regions to arts and social service organizations, individual artists, and cultural workers. For more information, visit KDAcreativecorps.org.
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