The practice of collaboration lies at the core of the Creative Work Fund, whose grants support artists making new works through collaborations with nonprofit organizations of all kinds.

Often the Fund is asked what it means by “collaboration.” Frankly, it is not one thing: A good collaboration can take many forms. While collaborative processes are not easy, the Creative Work Fund has found that the results can be unusually rich and lasting.

Come join us as we explore the question of what makes a good collaboration through conversations among artists and nonprofits who produced masterful partnerships and artworks.

Featured speakers will be:

• Arash Shirinbab and Raeshma Razvi, creators of “To Contain and to Serve,”a collaboration among calligrapher Shirinbab, ceramic artist Forrest Lesch-Middelton, and the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (2015 traditional arts grant).
• Artist Mark Brest van Kempen and former Arts Benicia director Larnie Fox, instigators of a public art and waterfront planning project in Benicia, California, and Arts Benicia’s current executive director Celeste Smeland.

Program Agenda

5:30 pm  Guests arrive / Networking

5:45-6:45 pm  Panel discussion moderated by Frances Phillips, Creative Work Fund Program Director, followed by Q&A

6:45-7:30 pm  Happy Hour (drinks & appetizers)