Using the arts as a means to address community need is the focus of 55 projects awarded a total of $221,535 through the Oregon Arts Commission’s FY2022 Arts Build Communities grant program. The Arts Build Communities program targets broad geographic impact and arts access for underserved audiences in Oregon.
“This program provides financial support to arts and other community-based organizations for projects that address a local community problem, issue or need through an arts-based solution,” said Arts Commission Vice Chair Harlen Springer, who led one of two review panels. “Local citizens employ creative thinking and collective response to identify a local need and provide an arts-based solution.”
The grants also spark and leverage many other investments and resources, serving as a catalyst for greater economic and civic impact, said Springer.
In recent years Arts Build Communities projects attracted more than $600,000 in additional investment, much of it representing salaries paid to artists and others as well as products and services purchased in the funded communities.
Arts Build Communities grants are made possible through a funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
The FY2022 recipients from our area are:
Anima Mundi Productions, Phoenix: $4,113
To support “We Cannot Walk Alone,” a multi-phased project that comprises: a) commissioning seven new works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) composers; b) premiering these works on a series of concerts featuring world-class Black classical musicians; and c) coordinating community outreach events across the state to connect BIPOC children with these performers. Requested funds will be used to produce the outreach events, including staff costs.
Art Now, Ashland: $3,000
To support The Secret Storyworld Map, a printed and digital guide that bridges the special places and landmarks of Ashland with the 12 imagined realms of our Secret Storyworld. This illustrated map, created in collaboration with Ashland digital artist Xan Drake, Book Designer Shannon Bodie and programmer Matthew Beers PhD, can be used as a digital and analog map to send citizens and visitors out into our community to engage in guided quests of personal and community discovery. The Map leads to multimedia experiences with Time Travel, preparing for Wizard School, training at the Superhero Bootcamp, solving clues at the Mystery Sleuthing and so much more.
Rogue Valley Choral Association, Medford: $3,000
To support a concert series for Rogue Valley students in partnership with Medford School District 549c. Funds will be used to pay for production expenses and to hire buses to transport students from their schools to the concert venue.
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cult.
