CITY ARTS Foundation is a not-for-profit arts foundation created solely for the purpose of improving access to the arts for urban artists, youth and families in urban communities, so that they may benefit personally, socially, and academically from involvement in visual, performing and literary arts.
Founded in 2001 by Neal and Judy Jones, a husband and wife team who have been directing arts related projects and programs for some 25 years. Neal Jones, the Creative Director is a accomplished concert pianist, singer, composer, and music producer. Judy Jones, the Executive Director is a writer, artist, and designer retired from Architecture and Urban Design & Planning. Together, they created the City Arts Foundation as a community asset connecting artists, communities, youth & families to Arts-based opportunities.
City Arts Foundation networks with more than 7,000 working artists nationwide and 1,100 in Washington State communities. They work to:
- Cultivate Connectivity: Assist new and undiscovered urban artists to gain meaningful exposure for their work.
- Build Community: Utilize the arts as a educational tool to increase awareness and deepen experience of various art forms across generational, cultural, and social issues.
- Develop Collaboration: Collaborate across cultures and communities to bring quality, affordable arts-based projects to underserved urban communities and individuals.
- Cultivate: Create opportunities to collaborate across generational, cultural, and social connections to create "New Art" for community enrichment.
African-American musicians have added to the rich culture of our country and of countries around the world. During Black music Month, we recognize the African-American artists who have enhanced our lives and created some of our Nation's most treasured art forms.
George W. Bush, United States President
