Cultural Artists, Communities, and Place.
A multi-year study exploring how culturally rooted artists and organizations contribute to the communities they serve and the places they call home.
Research by Mosaic America and San José State University.
Funded in part by The Wallace Foundation as part of its Field Studies Led by Arts Organizations Rooted in Communities of Color series, and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
About the Research
This multi-year study explored how artists, culture bearers, and cultural organizations contribute to belonging, identity, and community life across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco Counties. Conducted by Mosaic America in partnership with San José State University, the research combined oral histories, artist convenings, cultural asset mapping, and ethnographic methods to better understand the role of cultural communities in one of the most diverse regions in the United States.
Why it Matters
The findings reveal how cultural artists contribute far beyond artistic production. Across the region, they serve as educators, storytellers, organizers, bridge-builders, and trusted community connectors, helping communities preserve identity, strengthen belonging, and navigate change.
This page brings together the full collection of project resources, including research reports, place-based StoryMaps, a practitioner Playbook, and the Mosaic Atlas Explorer.
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Research findings and practical insights for artists, arts organizations, funders, researchers, and civic leaders.
A concise overview of key findings and implications, published by The Wallace Foundation.
A practical summary of research findings and lessons for artists, funders, and practitioners.
A comprehensive account of the study, including methodology, artist interviews, analysis, and findings.
A practical guide for cultural mapping, community engagement, and place-based research initiatives.
INTERACTIVE MAPS & COMMUNITY STORIES
Place-based narratives grounded in community voice and research.
Cultural Ambassadors Connecting Communities
Land, belonging, and cultural continuity.
Stories of identity, visibility, and cultural power
Explore artists, organizations, and cultural assets across the Bay Area.
About the Research Initiative
This research has deepened Mosaic America’s ability to understand cultural communities across three Bay Area counties. Through oral histories, artist convenings, cultural asset mapping, and ethnographic research, it explored how cultural artists contribute to belonging, identity, and community life. Cultural artists are often more than creators. They are trusted connectors, translators, and bridge-builders within their communities.
This work helps make those roles visible and supports stronger alignment between communities, institutions, and resources.
Interested in collaborating or learning more? Contact us at atlas@mosaicamerica.org
About Mosaic America & Mosaic Atlas
Mosaic America is a nonprofit organization based in Santa Clara County that works to build belonging and social cohesion in highly diverse communities. It uses culture as both a method and a bridge—connecting people across differences through shared experiences and place-based engagement.
Mosaic Atlas is Mosaic America’s cultural mapping and storytelling platform, developed in collaboration with San José State University. It makes cultural ecosystems visible by mapping artists, culture bearers, organizations, and spaces—helping communities and institutions better understand and support them.
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