Technology Platforms

We develop platforms and tools that transform the way artists and organizations approach their work. See how our technology platforms equitably built bridges in the arts in 2024.

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  • CaFÉ
  • GO Smart
  • Public Art Archive
  • ZAPP

Building Bridges in 2024

1321
Calls Posted
196
New Organizations
180118
Active Artists
850
Organizations
186083
Entries Submitted
103
Average Entries Per Call

Top Call Types

Top Call Types %
Exhibitions 54%
Public Art 22%
Competitions 12%
Photography 6%
Residences 3%
Awards 2%
Festivals 2%
Total 100%

50 Years, 50 Artists, A Celebration of the West

Celebrating WESTAF’s 50th anniversary as we transformed into Creative West.

Marking Creative West’s (formerly WESTAF) 50th anniversary, 50 Years, 50 Artists: A Celebration of the West invited artists to explore the infinite threads of time. This exhibition dives into the echoes of memory, the pulse of the present, and visions of what lies ahead, offering a unique tapestry of perspectives on the passage of time. Through these 50 unique works, we celebrate the stories that have shaped our region and the ever-evolving spirit of the West.

Explore the Project
First Place: Sawyer Rose, Lauren, 2021, wood, chains, gold and silver leaf, cardboard, 96 x 96 x 12 inches
A black and white moon-shapped sculpture placed on the floor.
Conversation Series: Groovin' With The Crow by Rick Crawford. 2022. Photo courtesy of Deftly Daft Productions.
A painting of two men dressed in white and brown in the middle of a bright orange field.
Rain at Zuni by Don Bailey. 2014. Photo courtesy of Don Bailey.
A colorful quilt hung up on a white wall and a woman standing next to it.
JOGAKBO Journey: Save Big by Bella Kim. 2022. Photo courtesy of Bella Kim.
A painting of a colorful sky.
Conversation Series: Groovin' With The Crow by Rick Crawford. 2022. Photo courtesy of Deftly Daft Productions.
A white tree placed on top of old written letters.
White Tree: Biological by Joy Broom. 2015. Photo courtest of Joy Broom.
GO Smart

Grants, Growth, and Creativity in New Mexico: A GO Smart Story

We interviewed longtime TourWest grantee and GO Smart applicant, Santa Fe Pro Musica. The organization highlights how GO Smart has been instrumental in uplifting the arts and culture community in New Mexico. 

Read the Full Story
Samantha Ortega
The Color Purple cast with arms up.
Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre 2019. Cast of The Color Purple. Photo by Ian Jackson, Epic Photography.

Spotlight Series: Elevating Arts & Culture in Winnipeg

The team also interviewed Programs & Arts Development Manager Dominic Lloyd at the Winnipeg Arts Council on their use of GO Smart and how the platform has helped elevate their grants programs.

Read the Full Story
A man seated at a grand piano claps while a woman with a violin stands on stage, both smiling.
Auburn State Theatre Brubeck and Amaryn Olmeda. Courtesy: Barbara Goodson
Four musicians performing on stage, wearing blue and black suits, playing guitars, a snare drum, and an upright bass.
Aristides Ioannides
Group of older adults in exercise class with arms raised.
FY16 RDT Residency. Courtesy: Robyn Hoth.
Children and adults participate in an art class with various supplies on the table.
Festival March 12, 2022. Courtesy: Arts for All Nevada

2024 Year in Review

The Public Art Archive (PAA) celebrated significant growth in 2024, adding over 5,000 artworks to its platform, including more than 200 created that year. Key partnerships were formed with organizations such as the Richard Hunt Legacy Foundation and the Institute of Public Art, emphasizing global collaboration and accessibility. These efforts align with PAA’s mission to connect communities with public art and make collections explorable worldwide. This continuing work fosters engagement and highlights the impact of public art across diverse spaces.

Read the Full Blog Post
Large mural on Philadelphia High School for Girls
Luminaries: The Coronation (2024). By Patrick Dougher. Mural Arts Philadelphia Collection. Courtesy: Steve Weinik
Sculptor Richard Hunt leaning against his sculpture.
Sculptor Richard Hunt leaning against his sculpture Harlem Hybrid.

Richard Hunt’s Artworks Added to the Public Art Archive

The Public Art Archive partnered with the Richard Hunt Legacy Foundation to digitally preserve and share over 160 public sculptures by the renowned American artist Richard Hunt. This initiative celebrates Hunt’s significant contributions to public art, including his role in creating works that enhance community spaces and commemorate African American icons. By making Hunt’s extensive portfolio accessible online, the project aligns with the Archive’s mission to connect diverse audiences to the transformative power of public art. This growing resource invites exploration of Hunt’s legacy and artistry across the U.S. and beyond.

Read the Full Press Release
A pink net-like installation suspended over a park with people sitting on the grass, set against a clear blue sky and palm trees.
Bending Arc (2020). By Janet Echelman. City of St. Petersburg, Florida. Courtesy: Brian Adams, Amy Martz, and Majeed Foundation.
Colorful geometric structure with a cylindrical design, set against a blue sky.
Halo (2023). By SOFTlab / @softlab. Google Collection. Courtesy: SOFTlab
Large metallic molecular sculpture in front of a modern office building with reflective glass windows.
The PhD Molecule (2017). By Larry Kirkland. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Collection. Courtesy: Craig Collins
A brightly painted utility box featuring frogs in vivid green, black, red, and orange against a blue background with bubbles.
Frog Box (2019). By Jan Burch. City of Longmont, Art in Public Places Collection. Courtesy: Jan Burch
A colorful mural on a brick building depicting large flowers and abstract buildings against a blue sky.
Through The Cracks In The Pavement (2001). By Paul Santoleri. Mural Arts Philadelphia Collection. Courtesy: Jack Ramsdale
A pile of colorful, crumpled sheets on a wooden platform in a park with trees and city skyline in the background.
Trade.v01 (2015). By José Carlos Casado. Socrates Sculpture Park Collection. Courtesy: José Carlos Casado
ZAPP

Growth Statistics

100470
Active Artists
52
New Event Organizers
173411
Applications Submitted
997
Events Hosted

Top Medium Categories

Medium %
Painting 22%
Mixed Media 14%
Jewelry 12%
Other 11%
Drawing 7%
Woodwork 6%
Fiber 6%
Ceramics 5%
Photography 5%
Sculpture 5%
Digital Media 4%
Metalwork 3%
Leather 1%
Total 100%

ZAPP: A Visual Journey

WESTAF’s 50th anniversary coincided with ZAPP’s 20th anniversary. This blog post celebrates the history and evolution of both.

Read More on ZAPP's Blog
ZAPP logo on a rocketship.
Artist talking to a woman about his art with several portraits behind them.
4 Bridges Arts Festival. Courtesy: Mareike Bergan
Tonia Mitchell's booth with various custom-made dolls.
4 Bridges Arts Festival. Courtesy: Mareike Bergan
Artist at 4 Bridges Art Festival sitting down working at her booth.
4 Bridges Arts Festival. Courtesy: Mareike Bergan