Mosaic Research
Mosaic America is committed to develop a nuanced, asset-based understanding of place – grounded in community voice and lived experience. Our research equips civic, cultural, and community partners with actionable insight to shape more inclusive programs, policies, partnerships, and investments.
Here are some examples:
Mitigating Social Isolation and Improving Health Outcomes Among Seniors in Affordable Housing funded by San Francisco Foundation, The HealthTrust, SVCreates
About the Research (2024-2025)
This research, in collaboration with EthnoWorks sought to address the challenges of social isolation and inadequate healthcare access faced by Asian American seniors in low-income housing. These individuals confront a troubling combination of barriers: limited income, advanced age, and minimal English proficiency, which heightens their risk of social isolation. The impact of lockdowns, social distancing, and xenophobic hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans has exacerbated these issues for this already vulnerable group.
Why it Matters
According to a county report, by 2030, over 400,000 residents of Santa Clara County will be aged 65 and older, representing one-fifth of the population and surpassing the number of children for the first time—five years ahead of the national average. Seniors spend up to four decades in senior housing. Our work aims to examine living environments and identify the levers within the health and social services value chain that need to be engaged to deliver meaningful services to this community. The enormity and immediacy of the problem makes this work urgent.
About the Research (2024-2025)
This research, in collaboration with EthnoWorks sought to address the challenges of social isolation and inadequate healthcare access faced by Asian American seniors in low-income housing. These individuals confront a troubling combination of barriers: limited income, advanced age, and minimal English proficiency, which heightens their risk of social isolation. The impact of lockdowns, social distancing, and xenophobic hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans has exacerbated these issues for this already vulnerable group.
Why it Matters
According to a county report, by 2030, over 400,000 residents of Santa Clara County will be aged 65 and older, representing one-fifth of the population and surpassing the number of children for the first time—five years ahead of the national average. Seniors spend up to four decades in senior housing. Our work aims to examine living environments and identify the levers within the health and social services value chain that need to be engaged to deliver meaningful services to this community. The enormity and immediacy of the problem makes this work urgent.
Cultural Artists, Communities and Place research funded by the Wallace Foundation
About the Research (2023-2025)
This multi-year study explored how artists, culture bearers, and cultural organizations contribute to belonging, identity, and community life across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco Counties. Conducted by Mosaic America in partnership with San José State University, the research combined oral histories, artist convenings, cultural asset mapping, and ethnographic methods to better understand the role of cultural communities in one of the most diverse regions in the United States.
Why it Matters
The findings reveal how cultural artists contribute far beyond artistic production. Across the region, they serve as educators, storytellers, organizers, bridge-builders, and trusted community connectors, helping communities preserve identity, strengthen belonging, and navigate change.
This page brings together the full collection of project resources, including research reports, place-based StoryMaps, a practitioner Playbook, and the Mosaic Atlas Explorer.
About the Research (2023-2025)
This multi-year study explored how artists, culture bearers, and cultural organizations contribute to belonging, identity, and community life across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco Counties. Conducted by Mosaic America in partnership with San José State University, the research combined oral histories, artist convenings, cultural asset mapping, and ethnographic methods to better understand the role of cultural communities in one of the most diverse regions in the United States.
Why it Matters
The findings reveal how cultural artists contribute far beyond artistic production. Across the region, they serve as educators, storytellers, organizers, bridge-builders, and trusted community connectors, helping communities preserve identity, strengthen belonging, and navigate change.
This page brings together the full collection of project resources, including research reports, place-based StoryMaps, a practitioner Playbook, and the Mosaic Atlas Explorer.
Thriving Communities and Economic Mobility
COMING SOON!
Increasing Social Connections and Long Term Wellness through Arts Programming, a Pilot and Research program funded by an inventory grant from District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, District 5, Santa Clara County
About the Research (2026)
There is a strong base of academic literature that shows that participatory arts have the potential to reduce social isolation, increase benefits to health and wellbeing, and connect people across differences.
Please click the button below to inquire about delivering this program at a senior/ community center.
Why it Matters
Founded in Mosaic’s core competencies of connecting with arts and culture, we gathered evidence and created a pilot arts program in places where seniors gather in order to increase social connection and feelings of belonging for long term wellness outcomes.
Read about it in this published newspaper article.
About the Research (2026)
There is a strong base of academic literature that shows that participatory arts have the potential to reduce social isolation, increase benefits to health and wellbeing, and connect people across differences.
Please click the button below to inquire about delivering this program at a senior/ community center.
Why it Matters
Founded in Mosaic’s core competencies of connecting with arts and culture, we gathered evidence and created a pilot arts program in places where seniors gather in order to increase social connection and feelings of belonging for long term wellness outcomes.
Read about it in this published newspaper article.