OUR MISSION
Dulce Upfront is a community-powered hub where art, culture, and connection come to life. Based in California’s Central Valley and led by artists and cultural workers, Dulce Upfront supports people who want to create, gather, and grow. Whether it’s someone putting on their first event, hosting a healing circle, making music, or sharing their story—Dulce Upfront provides the tools, space, and support to help bring ideas to life. The organization centers LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices and believes in learning together, showing up for one another, and building something meaningful for the community, one project at a time.
Since 2013, we’ve supported a wide array of cultural and community-driven initiatives across the region and state, offering layered support through mentorship, fiscal sponsorship, creative incubation, and accessible, welcoming space. We’ve nurtured a far-reaching constellation of collaborators—artists, educational institutions, local
businesses, foundations, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, artist collectives, and community healers—who together shape and sustain our space and mission. What sets Dulce Upfront apart is our integrated model: we are simultaneously a cultural connector, mentor, producer, and steward—operating as a living, evolving infrastructure for community-rooted vision and belonging.
WHAT WE OFFER
Community Gathering Space
We offer a welcoming, modular physical space that is accessible, plant-filled, and designed with moveable walls and adaptable configurations. This space is used by a wide variety of groups and individuals for: Creative workshops, artist showcases, and performances (music, dance, literary arts, visual arts); healing-based programs including yoga, breathwork, and multi-generational cultural events; Town halls, retreats, and social service programs hosted by educational institutions, the City of Fresno, and nonprofit partners; Sliding scale rentals to ensure economic accessibility for emerging creatives and grassroots organizers; Co-stewardship where community members using the space take an active role in maintaining it and mentoring others.
Incubator for Artists & Organizations
We nurture emerging artists, organizers, and cultural groups through: Fiscal Sponsorship for 80+ artists and cultural bearers, allowing them to access city-based funding and launch programs under our nonprofit umbrella; Mentorship and event production support, guiding first-time event producers; One-on-one and group consultations, introducing artists to grant opportunities and teaching how to effectively manage and execute creative projects; Access to AV and production equipment through our lending library (sound, lighting, stage decor, chairs/tables, virtual event gear); Curatorial, administrative, and communications coaching, offered in both structured trainings and real-time project-based mentoring.
Creative Hub
Our space is a creative ecosystem where artists, educators, and cultural producers intersect, grow, and launch bold ideas, including: Gallery exhibitions and installations; Curatorial and artistic development support; Collaborative project design with educational institutions and foundations, connecting students, creatives, and community needs; Workshops and. residencies focused on professional development, storytelling, and sustainable creative practice; Bridging artists with organizations, funders with projects, and communities with relevant programming.