Thirteen years ago, when we launched CONTENT, we hoped to be a blessing to the creative community and our region by providing a quality print magazine showcasing the talent in the South Bay. We set out to provide a platform for local photographers, writers, and designers to grow and gain practical experience in a published magazine and to showcase artists. Now, after 13 years and 68 issues, we have a track record for doing what we set out to do. With the partnership in 2015 with SVCreates, we have taken that to the next level with the Content Emerging Artist Award (CEAA). Yes, we pay a small stipend to all contributors, and yes, we have the longest-running, highest-quality art-focused publication showcasing locals ever to come out of San Jose. But what we have accomplished exceeds my original vision with the addition of the CEAA. We are able to grant $5,000 of unrestricted funds to a couple local artists to assist them in their creative careers. 

This year, the grantee panel, which I am not allowed to participate in, has selected singer/songwriter and CONTENT contributing writer Esther Young and painter/muralist Elba Raquel. These talented women demonstrated emerging growth in their fields as well as passion and dedication to refining their craft. Both are active in the creative community as agents of support and encouragement. We are very honored to highlight them and the other amazing artists in this issue. 

I invite you to read and follow the people and organizations presented here—I know you will grow in pride as you read these profiles.

Thank you,
Daniel Garcia
THE CULTIVATOR

Issue 16.4 Featuring:

Hip-Hop artist/DJ – Henry ‘Hen Boogie’ Alexander III | Interdisciplinary artist and Poet – Rosanna Alvarez | Liminal Space Collective – Weston Mossman, Wendy Frances, Taylor Royan | Graphic Designer – Stay Brown – Theo Mendoza | Mexican Heritage Plaza Expansion | California Native Garden Foundation – Alrie Middlebrook | Sculptor – Stephanie Metz | Jubo Clothing – Jason, Averill, & Brian Nemedez | House of Inanna Belly Dance – Petra Pino | Math Rock Band – Ripplings – Anna Macan, Sean Bautista, and Jeremiah Ruperto | San José State University Photo 125 – Aahliya McElroy, Eric Luu, Jesus Sanchez, Josefina Valenzuela, Regina Joseph, & Stevie Salcido | Hair Stylist – Skittzz | Muralist – Alyssa Wigant | Painter – Elba Raquel | Singer/songwriter – Esther Young

Published by SVCreates

Cover Featuring: Photo of Esther Young by Daniel Garcia