Truckee Cultural District – September 9, 2026. Nevada County Arts & Culture is excited to announce the awardees of the third Truckee Cultural District Mini-Grants Program. A total of $14,000 in grant funding was awarded to fourteen artists providing funding for small-scale community-centered projects throughout the Truckee region that align with the Cultural District’s mission, and contribute to its vibrancy.
“Traditional grant-making often favors organizations and professionally written applications, unintentionally excluding emerging artists, grassroots leaders, and historically underrepresented communities,” said Kellie Cutler, Cultural District Program Manager. As the lead developer of the TCD Mini-Grants Program, she explained, “Beyond increased access, our goal has been to fund projects that amplify the impact of our local artists and provide them with new opportunities. I couldn’t be more proud to support the vibrant cultural and artistic work happening in our Cultural District.”
Truckee Cultural District Mini-Grants Awardees
Congratulations to the following fourteen artists who were selected.
- Cori Elba – Zines & Screams: a Halloween-themed zine and live music event at Dark Horse Coffee in October.
- Sarah Dube – Winter Exhibition: a new exhibition of winter-themed paintings at Gallery 5830’ with opening reception during the November 7 Art Walk.
- Leigh Collins Hunter – Trails & Vistas Dance Performance: an original dance performance celebrating the return of Sandhill Cranes.
- Priya Hunter – Writing to Heal Workshop: a free community writing workshop in Truckee, focused on self-expression, reflection, and personal connection.
- Nancy Tieken Lopez – Community Koi Sculpture: the creation of a community art installation for the Trails & Vistas Art Hikes
- Zoey A. Carrillo – Cal Poly Pomona College Art Program: funds will support a four-week college art experience while living on campus to study painting, illustration, and ceramics through college-level visual arts courses.
- Paolo Bragado – I Love America, America Loves Me: a community gathering at Donner Lake connecting immigrant workers and their families with the Truckee/Tahoe community through outdoor recreation, conversation, portrait-making, and artistic documentation.
- Karen Terrey – Tangled Roots & Truckee Library Writing Programs: support for the ongoing community writing and performance programs, including the Tangled Roots Open Mic & Reading Series and monthly writing workshops at the Truckee Library.
- Piper Johnson – Truckee Art Walk: support for the October 3 Truckee Art Walk, a free public event connecting residents and visitors with local and regional artists
- Romina Branje – Watercolor Exhibition: support for an exhibition and opening reception featuring original watercolor paintings in partnership with Masa Restaurant.
- Toni Mikulka-Chang – Wings Over the Meadow: an interactive, all-ages celebration of Sierra wildlife, pollinators, and the natural landscape through an immersive giant-puppet performance at Music by the Meadow.
- Christine Chung – Local Short Film & Screenings: support for post-production and local screenings of a short film based on the true story of John Scukanec’s daily game of catch and the daughter whose memory inspired one of those games.
- Brandon Greathouse – Remember Me Funky: a free, all-ages community celebration at Craft and Logic marking the completion of a new recording project
- Joseph Chang – Sunset Cello Concert: an open-air community sunset concert blending virtuosic cello with hip-hop production, live looping, and beatboxing on Sept 24 at Alibi Brewing – Truckee.
Funding for the Mini-Grant program is provided by California Arts Council through the California Cultural District program. Nevada County Arts & Culture is an administering partner for the Truckee Cultural District, in partnership with the Town of Truckee and the Truckee Downtown Merchants Association.
Applicants who demonstrated meaningful community engagement, and aligned with the TCD Cultural District’s were funded on a first come first served basis.