Grants to Organizations - Arts Participation Initiative

Providing multiyear grants and focused training to build capacity in arts organizations in ethnic, rural, low income and disabled communities in Washington State.

 

WSAC funded 13 organizations within the Arts Participation Initiative for FY 2010, to enhance cultural participation in underserved communities. This is the third and last round of funding for the Arts Participation Initiative. Funds are from the Challenge America Program of the National Endowment for the Arts and private funds. The organizations receive between $3,000 and $5,000 to carry out projects that build arts participation in their target communities.

The Initiative provides multi-year funding for model projects proposed by arts and community organizations whose primary focus is serving these target communities. The organizations take part in a statewide learning community involving studying, sharing best practices, developing arts leadership, evaluating and documenting project successes.

The Arts Participation Initiative's goal is to involve more community members of all ages in meaningful arts experiences as audiences, participating artists and/or arts supporters. The Initiative received funding from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation for the training component. The Initiative was developed eight years ago with funding from the Wallace Foundation, a national grantmaking organization based in New York.

 

Profiles of Arts Participation Initiative Partners

FY2010 (July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010)

American Friends Service Committee, Seattle - Quaker organization whose work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. The Indian Programs mission is to support movement building and help build leadership and organizational capacity in Pacific Northwest Native communities.

 

Arts Corps, Seattle - Provides and inspires arts education programs that develop creative habits of mind to help young people realize their full potential.

 

Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Tacoma - Mission is to appreciate differences, promote economic collaboration, celebrate cultures and connect communities.

 

Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre, Seattle - Youth of all experience levels and backgrounds are challenged to develop their mental, physical, emotional, social and creative potential through the joy and discipline of live theatre.

 

Creative Activities (for the Physically Disabled), Seattle - Mission is to create a culture of inclusion where artists and patrons of all ages with disabilities have seamless access to education, opportunity, commerce and community.

 

D.A.S.H. Center for the Arts, Tacoma - Dedicated to broadening the horizons of inner city youth by means of the Arts. Mission is to provide quality performing arts instruction and programs to the underserved communities and lower income families of Tacoma/Pierce County.

 

Hilltop Artists in Residence, Tacoma - Uses glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures.

 

Icicle Arts, Leavenworth - Mission is to build a sustainable and vital arts community in the Wenatchee River Valley by promoting the Arts and ensuring that the Arts are integrated into the community through education and presentation of Public Art and events.

 

Jack Straw Foundation, Seattle - Mission is to foster the communication of art, ideas and information to diverse audiences through audio media.

 

Path with Art, Seattle - Provides art programming for previously homeless and low-income adults using the creative process as a tool for self-discovery and self-expression, developing self-confidence and building community.

 

Penn Cove Water Festival Association, Coupeville - Organizes the Penn Cove Water Festival, featuring annual tribal canoe races, Native American arts and crafts, demonstrations, storytelling, dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic Native American foods, children’s activities, exhibits and displays.

 

Red Eagle Soaring, Seattle - Mission is to empower American Indian and Alaskan Native youth through traditional and contemporary performing arts.

 

Wing Luke Asian Museum, Seattle - Engages the Asian Pacific American communities and the public in exploring issues related to the art, culture and history of Asian Pacific Americans.