“We’re using dance and music to create the joy of collective resistance.”
Congratulations to Vanessa Sanchez, the 2025 Rainin Arts Fellow in Dance!
Vanessa uses movement to illuminate histories of labor, migration and identity. She sees dance not only as performance but also as a vessel for voices too often overlooked. Through a distinctive fusion of Son Jarocho, tap and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, she bridges cultural and historical divides, telling stories that amplify the voices and experiences of Latina, Chicana and Indigenous womxn and youth.
The Rainin Arts Fellowship, which is administered by United States Artists, recognizes visionary Bay Area artists who push the boundaries of creative expression, anchor local communities and advance the field with an unrestricted grant and tailored resources to sustain and strengthen their practices.
Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship continues to champion visionary artists who challenge conventions and enrich the Bay Area’s cultural landscape. This year’s Fellows bring bold, innovative approaches to their disciplines.
