OAC funding for local organizations to address community problems
ASHLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Art Commission gave $5,000 to 53 organizations through the Arts Build Community grants. Three southern Oregon organizations were included in the grants, which were given to groups using art to address issues or problems in their local communities.
One of the organizations, Ashland’s Rogue Valley Wind Ensemble, received funding in order to promote community involvement. As a non-profit organization, the ensemble has the talent, precision, passion, and experience to further promote the appreciation of music. They bring symphonic music to the ears of audiences in Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley and beyond.
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In a news release, the Oregon Arts Commission said, “The funding will provide them with the support they need for community engagement and enrichment programs. This will expand their venue access and thus increase exposure to a wider audience. The funds will be used for venue fees, and musicians in the lower-income bracket will receive artist stipends.”
The Brookings-based Pelican Bay Arts Association also received funding in order to support their Artist Support & Opportunity Project. This project serves as a means to assist artists in selling their art works and creations at the Manley Art Center.
Chaney Delaire, the organization’s volunteer grant writer, said, “These amazing artists are extremely creative and create amazing and beautiful art, but many of them lack business skills.”
They want to teach the artists how to transition from creating art merely as a hobby to a career as a professional artist. They do this because Brookings has a sizable low-income community. This would enable the artists to earn an income by becoming instructors for the upcoming generation of artists.
Funding from the ABC grant also went to Phoenix-based Anima Mundi Productions.
The AOC said, “The funds will support the Jackson County Latinx youth art mentorship. It will also support these teens with an art gallery exhibition. This project, which is a partnership with Unite Oregon’s Forward Youth program, is being presented in conjunction with the premiere of Dreams Have No Borders. This is an opera-turned-film about the situation of undocumented immigrants in the community. Adrian Chavez, an artist, will be hired with the funds to serve as a youth mentor and project coordinator.”
Chavez said, “I believe that these stories focus greatly on culture. That, in my opinion, perfectly captures the essence of the Rogue Valley. We have a mix of everything, and hearing each individual piece helps everyone see the big picture.”
