Creative West: Partner in The Next 60
Unrestricted, trust-based support strengthens the Western Performing Arts Ecosystem
WAA is the recipient of a $200,000 unrestricted grant from Creative West, the regional arts organization serving the Western United States and Pacific jurisdictions. The grant supports WAA's long-term sustainability and its continued leadership in presenting, touring, and network-building across the West.
“WAA is an essential part of the connective tissue the keeps our performing arts ecosystem strong,” said Christian Gaines, President & CEO of Creative West. “It links presenters, artists, and agents across diverse and faraway communities that might otherwise work in isolation. We’re proud to partner with WAA so that we can strengthen the field for the years ahead."
Trust-based partnership
This investment reflects a closer partnership between Creative West and WAA. It is built on shared learning and a common commitment to the health of the regional arts ecosystem.
“The broader intention for this investment is partnership,” said Anike Tene, Director of Grants, Awards and Programs at Creative West. “Partnership begins with trust, and this investment reflects our confidence in WAA's leadership and our belief that the field grows stronger when we build it together."
Each organization brings something different. Creative West stewards funding, leadership, and artist-centered infrastructure. WAA convenes the presenters, artists, agents, and managers who move performing arts across the region. Together, they will move the field in a direction that is more resilient, equitable and creative.
Why unrestricted support matters
Most arts funding is tied to specific projects. Unrestricted funding is different. It lets organizations build capacity, plan beyond the next fiscal year, and respond to the field as it changes. Like many arts organizations, WAA is working through shifting priorities in federal and philanthropic arts funding. Investments like this one help keep the infrastructure of the field intact and create pathways for a new generation of artists and arts professionals to come to the table.
Investing in the next generation
WAA will direct part of this investment toward leadership pathways for younger arts professionals. The Marcelo Aviles Scholarship Fund honors the late artistic director of Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Marcelo was a tireless advocate for equity and new voices in the arts. Support from Creative West has already leveraged support from four other organizations to support six inaugural recipients to join WAA.
"This investment recognizes something our members have known for decades: WAA's impact doesn't begin and end with a conference,” said Joshua Heim, WAA Executive Director. “It lives in the relationships that carry presenters, artists and agents at all stages of their careers, through good seasons and hard ones.”
Building upon the success of last year’s Presenting 101 program, WAA plans to provide professional development at different levels. Artists and agents fresh to the touring industry can get road ready with Touring 101 while mid-career professionals can master their craft with Presenting 201. Executive Sessions will offer the chance to go behind closed doors for executive level coaching and real talk.
The Next 60
This investment launches The Next 60, WAA's vision for the decades ahead. That vision is a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable network for performing arts in the West. The approach was developed two years ago when the WAA board approved WAA’s Strategic Plan, and crystalized last August when the board approved a new Sustainability Plan. The Sustainability Plan is the financial blueprint designed to realize the vision.
“For 60 years, we have led the field by being open to new ideas and taking risks. Our plan is to continue to lead in this way,” said Rafael Gonzalez, the new WAA President. “Creative West honors that legacy and gives us the footing to step into The Next 60 with ambition and alignment rather than caution and isolation."
About Creative West: Creative West builds equitable systems to support and amplify creative capacity. Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West builds equitable technology, funding, advocacy, and policy systems to generate creative capacity in the West and beyond.
About Western Arts Alliance: WAA serves a thriving performing arts community in the west. Since 1967, WAA has helped generations of artists and arts professionals realize their artistic and public service goals through our signature conference, member and career advancement programs, market development initiatives, and field intelligence.