Arts and cultural organizations play an essential role in maintaining healthy and resilient communities. To support their vital work, the Pacific Power Foundation is donating more than $164,000 in new grant funding across the three states it serves.
The grants will help fund projects ranging from Shakespeare performances with American Sign Language interpretation to free music events, and from programming that engages diverse youth in public art projects to museums that share regional cultural history.
“These groups foster creative expression, inspire young minds, nurture well-being, and help us look at the world in new ways,” said Cooper Whitman, Pacific Power regional business manager. “We’re honored to support the incredible work they are doing.”
The following seven grants totaling $24,500 were given to local organizations supporting communities in the Rogue Valley:
Collaborative Theatre Project for Spanish-English bilingual programming for young adults and youth, and a new puppetry program that provides participants with freedom of expression to present their stories.
Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDo) for a botanical restoration and wheelchair trail project at the Rough and Ready Botanical Area, including a wheelchair-accessible trail, benches for resting spots and interpretive signage.
Illinois Valley Little League to help install a digital scoreboard for the community’s only Little League field.
Josephine County Foundation for Project SMART (Students, Music, Art, Recording and Theater) through which K-12 teachers in Josephine County and Rogue River can apply for funding for special projects.
OCPA (Oregon Conservatory of Performing Arts) for planning and staging two theater camps in partnership with Collaborative Theatre Project Kids, which provides Spanish-English bilingual programming.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival for American Sign Language interpreters to support audience members as part of its series of Fourth Friday Weekend ASL+ Performances.
Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon to support the organization’s 35th anniversary season, including music education, performances and complimentary tickets for audience members in need.
Source: Pacific Power
