About VANSHON

VANSHON is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting newly authorized immigrant artists as they begin their lives and creative careers in the United States. We design, develop, and operate Art Parks—sustainable, community-centered campuses that offer subsidized housing, professional art studios, public workshops, exhibitions, and holistic wellness resources.

We select artists based on artistic merit, financial need, commitment to professional growth, and alignment with VANSHON’s educational mission. Through mentorship, public programs, career development, and accessible creative facilities, we help artists build stable, successful careers in their new home.

VANSHON is committed to cultural inclusion, community engagement, and sustainable living. By uplifting new artistic voices and expanding public access to creativity, we strengthen the cultural fabric of the communities we serve—and help shape the future of American art.

MISSION

VANSHON exists to empower newly authorized immigrant artists by providing the essential support, stability, and professional resources they need to build successful, independent careers in the United States. Through our pilot Art Park in California—and future parks nationwide—we offer subsidized or free housing, fully equipped studios, wellness facilities, educational programming, and access to public exhibition opportunities.

Our mission is to create a comprehensive, artist-centered environment that bridges the gap between immigration approval and long-term professional integration. By offering holistic support such as healthy onsite meals, physical wellness spaces, administrative assistance, and referrals to licensed professionals for legal needs, we ensure that emerging artists can focus on creative growth, financial stability, and meaningful engagement with the American cultural landscape.

We further serve the broader community through public workshops, classes, exhibitions, and cultural programs that foster dialogue, shared understanding, and appreciation for diverse artistic perspectives.

VISION

Our vision is to establish a pioneering national model of sustainable, artist-centered communities that expand cultural equity, support immigrant integration, and enhance public access to the arts. By developing environmentally responsible Art Parks with comprehensive housing, education, and public programming, VANSHON strives to strengthen the creative economy, foster cultural understanding, and cultivate long-term pathways for artistic excellence. 

We envision VANSHON as a transformative institution that:

• Cultivates new voices entering the American art world,

• Demonstrates the social and economic value of investing in immigrant talent,

• Creates welcoming, sustainable spaces where creativity thrives,

• Strengthens bonds between communities and the artists who shape their cultural future.

In the long term, VANSHON will become a national leader in arts-based cultural transition support—advancing equity, creative opportunity, and public access to the arts across the United States.

VALUES

Values of cultural inclusion, artist-centered support, environmental stewardship, integrity, and community engagement guide VANSHON. We believe in building sustainable spaces where creativity thrives, diversity is celebrated, and the arts serve as a bridge between people and cultures. 

1. Cultural Inclusion & Belonging
We champion diversity in artistic expression and provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where newly authorized immigrant artists can safely build careers, share their heritage, and contribute meaningfully to U.S. cultural life.

2. Artist-Centered Support
Artists cannot create without stability. We prioritize housing, wellness, nourishment, workspace, and professional development as essential components of a thriving creative life.

3. Environmental Stewardship
We design Art Parks that integrate sustainable architecture, clean energy, orchards, and micro-farms, modeling harmony between human creativity and the natural world. 

4. Integrity & Responsibility
We act transparently and ethically, in compliance with all legal and professional standards, and we refer all legal matters to licensed professionals. 

5. Community Engagement
The public plays a vital role in our mission. Through exhibitions, workshops, classes, and events, our Art Parks foster cultural literacy, community connection, and lifelong learning.

6. Equity & Opportunity
We evaluate residency and support based on artistic merit, financial need, commitment to growth, and alignment with our educational mission. We strive to provide access to artists who would otherwise face significant barriers.

7. Professional Empowerment
We equip artists with the tools needed for independent career success—studio access, mentorship, exhibition opportunities, administrative support, and pathways to income generation through programming and public engagement.

8. Collaboration & Partnership
We believe in working alongside donors, foundations, cultural institutions, educators, and community leaders to amplify our impact and build long-lasting cultural infrastructure.