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Herstory
Kraft with a “K” means power in German. In 1974 the founders of WomanKraft chose this name to claim, validate, and empower the cultural contributions of women and incorporate this non-profit Arts Organization.
In 1979 WomanKraft started the Community Artist Project and received Comprehensive Education and Training Federal Money to send artists out into the community to work with special populations, such as prisons, mental institutions, special schools, senior citizen centers, and other social service places.
In 1986 WomanKraft was one of the first three Arts District Pioneers in downtown Tucson, Arizona, and is the only one remaining in the downtown of the many that developed the concept. At the leased space we created a gallery and events center. The area developed and we lost the lease in 1992. We wanted to stay in the Arts District and decided equity was the only practical answer for artists. On December 1, 1992 we bought with little money and big dreams, a condemned 1918 Victorian charmer that is now our WomanKraft Castle Art Center for Art, Education, and Culture. Today the 7,840 square feet houses a gallery, studios, class rooms, has a flowery yard with butterflies and hummingbirds in the trees, and parking.
Our organization is artist membership based, grass roots, and service oriented and friendly. Anyone who thinks they can give and receive value from being a member is welcome to join at $30 a year. Skill sharing, communication about the arts, and promoting the value of the creative process are important aspects of the organization’s mission. All artists whether members or not may apply for inclusion in most shows depending on show themes. Artists may also propose show themes.
The gallery is open to the general public 5 days a week and has 2 nighttime receptions for each show. All people are welcome to attend.
The primary funding sources are individual contributions and earned income. However, crucial and prestigious grants include: the City of Tucson Back to Basics, The Richard Grand Foundation, CETA, NEA, Community Services Block Grant, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Tucson Pima Arts Council, The Southern Arizona Women’s Foundation, The Arizona Women’s Fund, I.B.M., The Tucson Community Foundation, Tucson Cable Corporation, Gannett Foundation and more.
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