New Year Updates
All photos in this post are from the CAT Institute End of Year Celebration held on December, 29 2025 at Joe's Cafe.
We’ve had a momentous start to both the new year and the Community Arts Training Institute’s new chapter as an independent non-profit organization! We are excited for what lies ahead and to share opportunities for us to connect and build together.
501(c)3
Although we thought it would take as long as a year to hear from the IRS, we have received our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.Thank you to our founding board, to VLAA, and to Sue Greenberg for the generous support. We are grateful for the efforts of the volunteers who helped with this heavy lift!
Daily Work
Our part-time co-directors, Pacia Anderson (Programs and Community Building) and Jenny Murphy (Organizational Development) are working out of CAT’s temporary office space on the second floor of High Low Literary Arts Cafe in Grand Center. If you’re around, feel free to stop by and say Hi!
Strategic Planning
In April, we’ll embark on a Strategic Planning process to help define and guide our vision, mission, and values. This important organizational process will inform what work we will do and how we will do it, together. It is important that alumni voices are represented throughout this process. If you are interested in sharing your ideas about the future of CAT, keep an eye out for an upcoming short digital survey where you can share your thoughts.
Save-the-Date
On the evening of Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, we will host a CAT Alumni Gathering–our first as an independent organization! This will be an opportunity for alums to get together, learn more about what’s cooking, and share input on the future of the Institute. We’ll have light refreshments, music, art, and a fun activity to tickle our creativity as we reconnect, share, and learn. Registration and location details will be available soon! We can’t wait to see you!