Sierra Arts Foundation
Letter of Thanks
Sierra Arts Foundation believes arts programming is essential to the success and well-being of our constituents. In order to provide the most effective programs and strongest outcomes, we must provide consistent professional development for our staff, do thorough research into evidence-based practices, and rigorously monitor and assess programs. Funding from an established endowment, such as the one provided through generous support of Catamount Fund, Ltd. allows us to achieve both our mission and the mission of Catamount Fund, Ltd. , to see the cultural life of Northern Nevadans enriched through the arts.
Programs and services are initiated to meet the needs of the Washoe County community through careful assessment of where gaps in arts and culture appear. Sierra Arts examines what is currently offered by other local arts organizations, and evaluates what arts programs and services are needed to enhance the cultural life of the community. The City of Reno’s Arts and Cultural Masterplan has provided a blueprint for SAF and community partners since 2012. We form partnerships and collaborate with other local organizations to strengthen programs and services offered; however, we do not replicate programming already offered by other organizations.
Nurture:
The Sierra Arts Galleries program, established in 1990, provides exhibition opportunities to local, regional, and national contemporary artists, showing exciting, innovative, challenging, and experimental artwork in the Sierra Arts Gallery. The Galleries at Work initiative, designed to support local artists and businesses by exposing the work of our artists to a different demographic and by providing an opportunity for businesses to enhance their work environments with the addition of great art.
Teach:
Partnering with Washoe County School District (WCSD) since 1977, the Arts in Education program provides discipline-based art education taught by professional artists who specialize in the fields of visual arts, theater, creative writing, and dance. We offer one-year residencies to professional artists at local elementary schools, providing many students with the only professional arts education opportunity they will receive until middle or high school. SAF hosts the Arts Alternatives program, an artist-in-residence partnership with area institutions as an alternative to gang and drug-related activities.
Programs and services:
- Elementary students in Washoe County School District (ages 5-11), Arts in Education Program
- High-risk Middle and High School students (ages 10-18), Arts Alternative Program
- Larger local community and visitors (all ages), Gallery Programs
- Emerging and innovative Artists (ages 18+), Gallery Programs, Grants, and Artist Lofts
- Senior Citizens (ages 65+), Elder Care Concert Series
- Nevada public school teachers (ages 18+), Arts Integration Program
“I wanted to let you know that we got a $36K donation from XYZ today to fully fund 2 new arts integrated schools (1st and 2nd grade)! This gift is thanks to Catamount and your work for Grow Sierra Arts. An attendee was at the event and I truly believe that it was the event that started her support for our organization. THANK YOU!”