Grantee Database
Friends of the Arts
Grant Year
2026-27
Grant Program
Impact Projects
Award Amount
$17,500.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF), in partnership with North Valley Catholic Social Services, proposes the Oleander & Prospect View Arts & Entrepreneurial Lab, a year-long, artist-led initiative serving residents of two supportive housing communities in Chico and Oroville.
UCEF will provide free, on-site arts programming and creative entrepreneurship training for residents experiencing housing instability, poverty, and social isolation. Led by California-based artist Tatiana Allen, the program will include weekly workshops, open studio sessions, and entrepreneurial labs at both locations.
The project responds directly to resident-identified needs for creative expression, community connection, and meaningful activity, as evidenced by participant feedback. Art classes, crafts, and hands-on engagement was requested. The program culminates in public exhibitions and participation in local markets.
CAC funds will support artist compensation, resident stipends, resident assistant stipends.
Organization Summary
UCEF’s core programs and services for the 2026–2028 strategic cycle reflect the organization’s continued transition from an event-focused arts presenter to a regional backbone organization centered on technical assistance, economic development, and services for highly under-resourced communities throughout Butte County.
Following the conclusion of its long-standing public access television contract with the City of Chico and post-pandemic community reassessment, UCEF intentionally shifted toward systems-building, collaboration, and direct support for artists, nonprofits, continuation and alternative schools, and emerging community initiatives.
Historically, UCEF operated Butte County’s public access television station, BCAC.tv, where it provided digital media arts training, equipment access, youth programming, and community broadcasting services. UCEF also maintained a free lending library of media equipment for filmmakers, students, artists, and grassroots organizations. During its transition, UCEF redistributed equipment to local nonprofits and expanded its role as a facilitator and capacity-building organization.
Over the next two years, UCEF will focus on grant-writing assistance, fiscal sponsorship, organizational coaching, and one-on-one technical assistance for artists, cultural organizations, and startup community projects. UCEF will continue to support Poetry Out Loud, underserved schools, affordable housing initiatives, tribal and rural communities, and arts education programs through partnerships with social service agencies, continuation and alternative schools, and local governments.
UCEF also advances economic development through arts and culture by supporting cultural district exploration, artist housing research, regional tourism partnerships, and creative workforce initiatives. Community visibility remains central through UCEF’s weekly arts newsletter, reaching nearly 10,000 residents, and its monthly KZFR radio program, “Butte Views & Beyond,” which highlights local artists, cultural organizations, economic development, and community issues.
UCEF’s work is grounded in collaboration, equity, cultural awareness, and strengthening long-term community resilience through arts and culture.
Organization
Friends of the Arts
Address
527 Flume St, Unit 2
Chico
95928-5608
County
Butte
Region
Upstate
Website
Congressional District
California's 1st congressional district
State Assembly District
District 3
State Senate District
District 1
