Strengthening
the Role of the
Arts in Civic Life
VPL Confluence Paddle conceived by Gowri Savoor | Photo by Kelly Fletcher
Mission
The mission of the Trust for Art & Social Practice is to strengthen the role of the arts in advancing civic life by supporting artists, cultural organizations, and communities engaged in socially grounded creative practice.
Strategic Framework
Founded in 2026 by a family deeply committed to the arts and their power to inspire dialogue, foster belonging, and drive social transformation in rural communities, the Trust advances its mission through three interconnected strategies:
Supporting artists and organizations who are shaping culture through experimentation, dialogue, and collaboration;
Building connections between art and community, advancing equity and resilience in the process; and,
Investing in bold leadership that drives innovation and long-term impact in rural development.
The Trust prioritizes support for live, embodied experiences that move beyond presentation towards participation—where artists engage communities as collaborators and co-authors in shaping both process and outcome. The Trust values practices grounded in listening, reciprocity, sustained engagement, and ethical collaboration.
Grantmaking Approach
Guided by the values of equity, curiosity, collaboration, and trust-based philanthropy, the Trust works in alignment with a network of partners and programs committed to strengthening vibrant, equitable rural communities.
The Trust resources and activates creative partnerships, often working alongside or in the wake of other community development efforts—such as community engagement processes, planning initiatives, or local revitalization efforts—helping bring new energy to work already underway. Within this broader ecosystem, the Trust centers artists and creative practice as essential to civic life—supporting collaborative, place-based work that deepens connection, expands participation, and helps communities shape their futures.
Current Initiatives
The Trust works across multiple levels of the rural arts ecosystem. Current initiatives include:
Rural Arts
Partners Program:
multi-year, project support for a leadership cohort of Vermont artist and community-based organizations
Rural Arts
Activation Fund:
responsive funding for community-driven cultural activation
Grants to Vermont
Performing Artists:
program investment in the Vermont Arts Council to develop and mobilize new work through Creation Grants.
Du-Printemps by Thierry Thieû Niang | VPL Residency | Photo by Jeff Woodward