Candace Kita

Candace Kita (she/her) is a Program Officer with The Kresge Foundation’s Arts & Culture Program. Candace supports the team’s strategies by reviewing grants, making funding recommendations and fostering equitable Creative Placemaking practices nationally. She joined the foundation in 2022.

Previously, Candace served as cultural strategy director at the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, where she led creative community-centered initiatives to advance equity and justice. With a strong focus on the intersection of art and cultural change, Candace has also held positions with the Portland Art Museum, Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre and Social and Public Art Resource Center. Her wide-ranging background in nonprofit arts administration has spanned program management, community organizing, development and marketing.

Candace earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Scripps College.