Twelve Artists Selected for Inaugural City of Ontario Pilot Microgrant Program

Press Contact: Dan Bell, Communications and Community Relations Director

Phone Number: (909) 395-2400

Date: March 23, 2026

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Ontario

Department of Museum, Arts & Culture

 

Twelve Artists Selected for Inaugural City of Ontario Pilot Microgrant Program

Ontario Advances Creative Economy Leadership with Direct Investment in Artists

Twelve artists have been selected for the City of Ontario’s first-ever Artist Microgrant Pilot Program, a landmark initiative launched in partnership with Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County.

This historic program represents the city’s first direct investment in individual artists to activate public space, engage residents, and strengthen Ontario’s growing creative economy. The pilot awards grants to support artist-led public activities throughout 2026.

From spring through fall, selected artists will lead mural activations, projection-mapped light installations, Indigenous beadwork circles, youth art exhibitions, cultural music experiences, participatory percussion performances, movement-based retreats, ceramics, and glass workshops, photography showcases, and immersive installations across the city.

Selected Artists Include:

• Man One (Alejandro Poli Jr.)
• Tierra (Blanca Martinez)
• Ba Soul (Brenda Angel)
• El Ceballos
• Elaine Talamaivao
• Elizabeth Heredia
• Elsa Ouyang
• James Ojeda
• Agua from MiLPA (Jose Ledezma)
• Malik Laing
• Michael Kotzen
• Willis Garcia Salomon

 

Investing in Ontario’s Creative Economy

“This is a strategic investment in Ontario’s creative economy,” said Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive Director of Arts Connection. “Each of these artists is operating as a small business owner, developing audiences, testing new models of engagement, and generating real economic activity through their work. When a city invests in artists, it invests in entrepreneurship, neighborhood health, and long-term cultural infrastructure.”

“This pilot microgrant program has two goals: to provide direct support to local artists and to expand access to arts and cultural experiences across the city,” said Marissa Kucheck, Director of Museum, Arts & Culture. “By investing directly in local artists, we’re creating more opportunities for residents to see themselves reflected in the work, feel inspired, and build meaningful connections with their community.” 

Ontario as a County Leader

Earlier this year, Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez presented to the City of Ontario’s Public Art Advisory Commission on California’s first-ever sector-specific Creative Economy Strategic Plan. The statewide plan formally recognizes the creative economy as a key economic sector and calls for intentional workforce development, small business support, and coordinated public investment.

Within San Bernardino County, Ontario is emerging as a county leader through the launch of this microgrant program, its active engagement in statewide policy conversations, and a comprehensive approach to strengthening its public art programming. The City is taking an intentional and forward-looking stance on the creative economy, recognizing it not only as a driver of economic growth but also as essential infrastructure for belonging, cultural identity, and a more enriching public life.

Public activation dates and event announcements will be shared in the coming months through Arts Connection’s website and social media channels, as well as the City of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture social media channels.

About Arts Connection

Arts Connection advances the arts, culture, and creative economy across San Bernardino County. Through funding, advocacy, professional development, and community-centered programs, the organization strengthens the region’s creative workforce and expands access to meaningful arts experiences.

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Additional Information

The City of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture advances an understanding of regional history and art through museum exhibits, collections stewardship, educational programs, annual arts festivals, and public art. The Ontario Museum of History & Art was founded in 1979 and is located on tree-lined Euclid Avenue in a historic building that originally served as Ontario’s second City Hall. In 2022 Ontario’s City Council established the Public Art Program and the Museum department was expanded to encompass Museum, Arts & Culture. The department’s programs enhance knowledge and understanding of our community through dynamic and vibrant experiences that reflect pride in who we are, where we live, and our legacy. In 2023, the Museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. 

For more information call (909) 395-2510, email MuseumInfo@ontarioCA.gov, visit OntarioMuseum.org or follow @OntarioMuseum_ArtsCulture on Instagram.

 

About the City of Ontario

The City of Ontario is enhancing the quality-of-life by creating urban lifestyle districts that create sustainable places to live, work and play.  Located just east of Los Angeles and Orange counties, the City of Ontario is ideally situated as a gateway to Southern California. With major freeways, rail transportation and an International Airport, Ontario invites the rest of the world to be a part of a culturally diverse community with rich history that is well positioned for quality development and economic sustainability for its residents. Complementing its business and residential core, Ontario offers premium entertainment venues such as the Ontario Convention Center, Toyota Arena, and Ontario Mills. To learn more about the City of Ontario, visit OntarioCA.gov  or call (909) 395-2000.