The Trust for Art & Social Practice was founded in 2026 by the Coffey-Snyder family, whose lifelong commitment to the arts has been guided by a simple belief: creativity can strengthen communities, foster belonging, and help build a more just and vibrant civic life.

Sara Coffey and Dave Snyder met in Vermont as undergraduates at Marlboro College and moved together to New York City to work in the arts—Sara as an arts administrator and producer for several cultural organizations and performing artists and Dave as a musician and sound engineer. In 2004 Sara and Dave returned to southern Vermont to raise their two children and lead a life rooted in creativity, community, and public service.

In 2006, Sara launched Vermont Performance Lab, an artist residency and development center that became nationally recognized for connecting artists with communities through residencies, performances, workshops, and public dialogue. A few years later, Dave built and opened the doors of Guilford Sound, a state-of-the-art recording studio where he has hosted and worked with a range of artists from nationally known rock bands to emerging local musicians. Over the last 20 years both Sara and Dave have served on many local boards and have played leadership roles in arts and community development in their small rural community. 

Their work and service affirmed their belief that now guides the Trust: artists and the arts are essential to community and civic life. The Trust for Art & Social Practice is the next chapter in this family legacy—investing in artists, organizations, and communities whose creative work strengthens conection, expands opportunity, and helps communities thrive.