Our primary activity is creating events, performances, and educational workshops that are welcoming to all demographics. We differentiate ourselves from other creative organizations through our accessibility and appeal to those who are often overlooked in the art community, such as adolescents and young adults, people with socio-economic barriers, and BIPOC members. We provide the resources, organization and support for our core team members – and for other local creatives – to organize events and projects that range from educational, passionate, impactful, emotional, to downright fun!

The Shire Arts Collective is one of the most connected creative organizers in California’s Central Valley. We have a network of more than 200 local artists and musicians in the area, and have around 2,600 Facebook and Instagram followers that regularly engage with our activities; our events attract up to 300 attendees, depending on the intended scale. No other creative organization of this scale and activity in the Central Valley is 100% managed by a local team whose members are all under the age of 35, on a volunteer basis.

Since COVID, the Shire has pivoted to address community needs in a whole new manner. We’ve held eight monthly virtual broadcast concerts to promote 2-3 different artists each session, MC’d by other local artists and purchasing different works for giveaway prizes. We also have hosted virtual artist ‘Meet and Greets’. Furthermore, we have provided three $400-dollar art grants to local up and coming artists, providing them a timeline, structure, promotion and virtual networking opportunities.

Isolation often hits artists the hardest in their creation and promotion process. To rise above these situations, we have regular events such as the Artist Meet and Greet and the Community Forum where artists sign up to present and discuss a piece of their work.