At Amplifi Napa Valley, we believe in the power of live performance to transform lives, connect communities, and elevate untold stories. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025 Emerging Artist Grants and Organizational Grants—initiatives designed to support the next generation of performers, musicians, playwrights, and cultural changemakers in Napa Valley.

These annual grants provide direct financial support to both individuals and organizations, helping to build a more inclusive, vibrant arts ecosystem in our region. Whether it’s funding training opportunities, creating new performance spaces, or supporting community-led programming, each grant reflects our commitment to amplifying local voices through creativity and connection. Amplifi has awarded a total of $205,000 dollars to grantee recipients this year.

Meet the 2025 Emerging Artist Grantees

This year’s Emerging Artist cohort includes ten bold, creative individuals from across the region who represent a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines—from classical and choral music to hip-hop, indigenous song, and original theater.

• Andrea Barrera – A rising 16-year-old Salvadoran singer-songwriter and winner of Napa Idol NV 2024, Andrea has performed in national competitions in El Salvador and on television programs.

 

Jocelyn Paniagua – A self-taught pianist and vocalist who played Carlotta in Vintage High’s Phantom of the Opera and was recognized as the best choir student in her class.

 

• Susy Guzman (Suvicguz) – Known artistically as Suvicguz, Susana Guzman is a Salvadoran singer and songwriter born in Estelí, Nicaragua.

 

• Desirea Harp – A member of the Mishewal Wappo tribe, Desirea is working to revitalize her people’s traditions through song and ritual, honoring their deep roots in Napa and Sonoma.

 

• Aisha Rivera – A theatre artist focusing on telling and uplifting marginalized stories.

 

Jennifer Pan – A classical musician who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jennifer has studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and serves as the founder of UnitedMelodies.org, a nonprofit providing free music lessons and loaner instruments to children in Napa.

 

• Matthew Osivwemu (Oke Junior) – A hip-hop artist from Oakland who has accumulated over two million streams, Matthew blends his 90s and early 2000s influences into his music.

 

• Simon Eisele – A talented pianist and choir member invited to join an exclusive high school performance tour in Italy.

 

Charlene “Cher” Alberto – A singer-songwriter and playwright working on SOL, a musical blending 80s music and Spanish folk influences to tell immigrant stories.

 

Each artist will receive between $5,000 and $10,000 in support of training, coaching, and professional development to help take their creative work to the next level.

Supporting Organizations That Amplify Creativity

In addition to individual support, Amplifi Napa Valley provides funding to local organizations that share our mission of nurturing and showcasing emerging talent through live performance. Our Organizational Grants support everything from youth symphonies to multicultural festivals and rural theater programming.

We’re proud to support the following organizations and projects in 2025:

• E&M Presents – Napa Idol NV ‘25
• Napa Valley Youth Symphony – NVYS SOMA coaching and scholarships
• Napa High School Choral Boosters – A Cappella Extravaganza
• Aeternum Choir – Preserving Napa’s professional choral traditions
• Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén – Year-round Latin American dance education
• Cafeteria Kids Theater – Children’s theater for creativity and confidence
• Calistoga Theater Company – UpStage Napa Valley rural theater initiative
• Napa Parks & Rec – Día de los Muertos community celebration
• NV Puppetry Festival – Family-friendly puppet performances and workshops
• Music in the Vineyards – Fellowship String Quartet residency and mentorship

Grants range from $3,500 to $20,000, with special consideration for programs that provide accessible instruction, enhance community connection, and celebrate cultural diversity through the arts.

A Word from Our Executive Director

“At Amplifi Napa Valley, we believe in the power of live performance and the importance of fostering emerging talent. These grants offer direct support to exceptional rising artists who are committed to pushing creative boundaries and enriching our cultural community.”
— Olivia E. Dodd, Executive Director

Get Involved

Our work doesn’t stop with awarding grants—it’s just the beginning. We encourage the Napa Valley community to attend performances, follow these artists’ journeys, and continue to invest in a thriving cultural landscape for all.

➡️ Learn more about our 2025 grantees and Amplifi’s mission: www.amplifinapavalley.org
📬 Interested in applying or partnering? Email: grants@amplifinapavalley.org
💛 Support our work: Donate or follow us on Instagram

Thank you for helping us amplify Napa Valley’s creative future—one performance at a time.