The mission of the CAN Foundation is to build sustainable careers for the creative class while strengthening communities through the arts.

We accomplish our mission through artist development, arts education, and public art projects. 

Artist Development. The CAN Foundation works closely with artists in the development of their craft and careers. Through residency, mentorship, critiques, education, client development and management, we provide artists with the tools to build a foundation for sustainable art careers. 

Arts Education. We seek to advance multidisciplinary arts education through our integrative learning programs, covering art history, art business, art making, collection building, and more.

Public Art Projects. The Foundation works with municipalities, corporations, and community groups to bring public art projects and immersive arts events to underserved and developing areas.


CAN FOUNDATION PROGRAMS

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

The CAN Foundation works closely with artists in the development of their craft and careers. Through mentorship, critiques, education, client development and management, we provide artists with the tools to build a foundation for sustainable art careers. 

ARTIST RESIDENCIES

THE FIRST PATRON INITIATIVE

The First Patron Initiative is an artist development program designed to help build sustainable careers for artists. By redistributing resources and finding community stakeholders, this program gives artists a foundation and stepping stone for launching a sustainable art career. By way of a comprehensive, rigorous process, the artist will gain experience in developing and managing gallery and art world relationships, exhibition, studio, and gallery operations, art history and art business education, professional critiques, and the opportunity to have their work put into a private collection.

CANTEMPORARIES ARTIST RESIDENCY

The CANtemporaries Artist Residency is a multi-month developmental residency welcoming artists of all disciplines to apply. During their time in residency, artists are offered studio space (visual and recording) at the CAN HQ, collaboration with fellow artists in residence, recording, performance and/or exhibition opportunities, bi-weekly critiques and brainstorming sessions, and a one-time $2000 stipend.

ARTS EDUCATION

We seek to advance multidisciplinary arts education through our integrative learning programs, covering art history, art business, art making, collection building, and more.

THE COLLECTOR’S ASSOCIATION

The Collector’s Association is a membership based group comprised of budding and seasoned collectors (private and corporate) interested in furthering their knowledge of the art world and art collections. Members of The Collector’s Association are invested in building relationships with artists and other collectors.

PUBLIC ART

We work with municipalities, corporations, and community groups to bring public art projects to underserved and developing areas. 

CAN FESTIVALS

We hold festivals that include immersive arts events aimed at engaging communities through a variety of experiences and integrative exhibitions. 

Festivals include and are not limited to:

  • Murals

  • Art Exhibitions/Shows

  • Musical/Dance Performances

  • Children’s art activities, programs, and classes

  • Vendors from the community 

  • Auctions


CAN FOUNDATION STRATEGIC PARTNERS, SPONSORS, and DONORS