CE included in the 2019 YBCA 100 list

We are honored to be included in the fifth annual YBCA 100 list, an annual list which recognizes artists, activists, policymakers, and organizations who use their creative and collective power to create social change and move society forward.

For the past 36 years, Creativity Explored has pioneered life-changing art programs for adults with developmental disabilities by inviting regional, national, and international art audiences to center the personhood and creative vision of our artists. We have facilitated the careers of hundreds of artists with developmental disabilities by offering space, support and representation. Creativity Explored continues to open doors of inclusion for artists with disabilities and advocate for neurodiverse communities. Today, CE artists serve on the organization’s staff, create alongside artists of all abilities in local art studios, and teach the public.

“Artists with developmental disabilities not only deserve our support -- they enrich our world. We are proud that our efforts to center their work and voice in the art world have been recognized through this honor,” remarks Linda Johnson, Creativity Explored Executive Director.

Organized by Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the list celebrates innovators ranging from nationally recognized television writer/producer Shonda Rhimes, singer/songwriter Lizzo, Emmy-nominated entertainer Billy Porter, Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach to Bay Area influentials like rapper Ruby Ibarra, the Womxn* Art Handlers collective, intergenerational hip-hop artists Alphabet Rockers, Out magazine executive editor Raquel Willis, and dance and disability pioneers AXIS Dance Company. View the full list of 2019 honorees here.

Past honorees include Janelle Monáe (2018), former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza (2016), Oakland-based filmmaker Boots Riley (2017), and ‘me too.’ movement founder Tarana Burke (2018). View the full list of 2018 honorees here.

“At YBCA, we believe that culture is an essential catalyst for lasting change. Therefore, it is the responsibility of arts institutions to spur and support social movements,” remarks YBCA CEO Deborah Cullinan. “As a civically engaged organization, we know that the time to act is now. This year we focus on naming, recognizing, and celebrating the people we see as most critical in moving society forward.”

During a period of more visible and widespread grassroots political action, the 2019 YBCA 100 list endeavors to honor individuals, coalitions, and organizations whose work empowers marginalized and disenfranchised communities. A few such honorees are youth civic engagement organization Generation Citizen; She the People, a national network committed to elevating the political voice and leadership of women of color; progressive political funding community Way to Win; multiracial civic engagement organization Power California, and of course, Creativity Explored. 

Congratulations to all the honorees!

#YBCA100

YBCA 100 is supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Institute of Museum and Library Services, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Panta Rhea Foundation, and The Bernard Osher Foundation.

About Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is one of the nation’s most innovative contemporary arts centers. Founded in 1993, YBCA’s mission is to generate culture that moves people. Through powerful art experiences, thoughtful and provocative content, and deep opportunities for participation, YBCA is committed to creating an inclusive culture that awakens personal and societal transformation. YBCA presents a wide variety of programming year-round, including performing arts, visual arts, and civic engagement. For more information, visit ybca.org.

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