Why Give to Artists?

"I am so grateful to have received the Santo Foundation’s support at the time that I did because recognition of that sort, at such a crucial moment of creative transition, gave me the confidence to continue to expand the depth and complexity of my work. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without having received the Santo Foundation Individual Artist Award. ”

- Charisse Pearlina Weston, SFIAA 2015 Recipient, selected by Xandra Eden

The exposure of the work of cutting-edge emerging artists around the globe to exceptional curators who otherwise may not have ever seen their work, provides both the artists & the curators with a rich & authentic experience at the intersection of where the professional industry & the true state of our current cultural expression exists.

When one experiences the work of an artist or ponders the value and access of artists to success, it can be easy to say, "Why should I give to an artist? They are fortunate. They get to follow their dreams."

In reality, there are so many challenges to survival for an artist, and in return, they inspire, empower and allow us to see things as they are, imagine and/or sometimes, escape. To ensure that not only the wealthy, not only the privileged voices have an opportunity to be seen and heard, to represent all the perspectives and practices that need to be shared to ensure a truly healthy ecology of the visual arts industry where we all can be inspired and empowered by the expression of humanity...the Santo Foundation is needed.

Regardless of amount, your gift helps to ensure that the Individual Artist Awards and our programs beyond can occur and grow each year. Your tangible commitment to support the emerging careers of individual artists and to champion the value of the visual artist in our world is vital.

As we celebrate a decade of grants, subsidized studios, youth visual arts immersion, exhibitions & more, join us to support & cultivate Santo’s programming that encourages & nurtures the ecology of the contemporary art world in its best sense for the next 10 years & beyond!