Organizations Receiving Part of the
$5.7 Million Foster a Thriving San
Diego Art Scene
Prebys funds these grantees as part of a
commitment to Accessibility, Creativity, and Financial
Viability
SAN
DIEGO, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2023, The
Conrad Prebys Foundation introduced a strategic plan focused on
creating community well-being through the affirmation of purpose,
opportunity, and belonging for every resident. The plan was based
on more than a hundred interviews and a listening tour across the
county.
The foundation funds visual and performing arts, medical
research, health care, and youth success and holds a vision in the
arts for San Diego County over the
next 10 - 20 years. The vision identifies investment in
community-based arts groups will help achieve a vision of:
- Great Art for All: Ensuring that great art is created by
and accessible to the entire community.
- National Recognition: Establishing San Diego's arts and
culture landscape as a leader in culturally inclusive and excellent
art.
- Financial Strength: Supporting artists and cultural
practitioners and the arts economy to provide exceptional arts
experiences to the community.
NEW STUDY: San Diego Is One of the Most Culturally Robust
Regions in the U.S.
At the same time, according to a new study by Americans for the
Arts, A new study of the economic impact of the arts ranks
San Diego County as one of the
most "culturally robust" regions in the
United States. The study also finds that "nonprofit arts
organizations generated nearly $1.4
billion in economic activity in 2022, supported over 19,000
jobs, and served 19.2 million visitors."
One could say the timing of the Prebys grant announcement coming
on the heels of the new study is serendipitous. Prebys recognizes
that investing in our arts and culture community helps to build a
more prosperous region for all San Diegans.
About the Arts and Culture Landscape
As a part of their vision, Prebys invited organizations to apply
for grants based on their potential to expand audiences, serve
diverse communities, uplift underrepresented artists, and align
with the initiative's goals. 38 awards were made to local
organizations. initial invitation, each applicant completed a
thorough and intentional application process ensuring the alignment
of the organization's work and the grant's intended outcomes.
The Arts and Culture Landscape, also known as Arts Ecosystem,
grant awards aim to empower arts organizations across the
region by:
- Boosting Capacity: Enhancing staffing, improving
facilities, and fostering strategic partnerships.
- Expanding Audiences: Engaging new and diverse audiences
to broaden cultural participation.
- Enhancing Relevance: Tailoring initiatives to the unique
dynamics of the San Diego
region.
- Promoting Sustainability: Introducing sustainable
practices for the long-term viability of local nonprofits.
About the Grantees
"When combined with Prebys 2023 Arts grantees, these
organizations paint a more comprehensive picture of the region's
arts and culture ecosystem, reflecting our commitment to fostering
a robust and inclusive cultural landscape," said Grant Oliphant, CEO of the Prebys Foundation.
"The Conrad Prebys Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024
"Arts Ecosystem" grantees, an initiative designed to invigorate
San Diego County's vibrant arts
and culture landscape."
The awarded organizations represent the rich tapestry of art,
culture, and creativity in San Diego
County. They serve diverse populations, including
individuals with disabilities and border communities. Many of these
organizations work collaboratively, advocate for arts causes, and
support local governments, aligning closely with the Prebys mission
to build countywide arts capacity. The grantees include:
Organization
Name
|
Award
|
La Jolla Music
Society
|
$325,000
|
San Diego Art
Matters
|
$260,000
|
San Diego Museum of
Art
|
$325,000
|
The Old
Globe
|
$325,000
|
Asian Culture and Media
Alliance Inc.
|
$200,000
|
Asian Story
Theater
|
$150,000
|
Barona Cultural Center
& Museum
|
$125,000
|
Blindspot
Collective
|
$150,000
|
Borrego Art
Institute
|
$100,000
|
The Front Arte y
Cultura at Casa Familiar Inc.
|
$125,000
|
Center for World
Music
|
$150,000
|
Classics 4
Kids
|
$110,000
|
Cygnet Theatre
Company
|
$200,000
|
Friends of Friendship
Park
|
$200,000
|
Imperial Beach Arts
Bureau
|
$195,000
|
INSITE
|
$75,000
|
Institute of
Contemporary Art, San Diego
|
$130,000
|
La Mesa Park and
Recreation Foundation
|
$120,000
|
Loud Fridge Theatre
Group
|
$50,000
|
Mainly Mozart,
Inc.
|
$180,000
|
Mingei International
Museum
|
$150,000
|
Museum of Us
|
$250,000
|
New Village
Arts
|
$100,000
|
ARTS DISTRICT Liberty
Station
|
$150,000
|
OnStage Playhouse
Inc.
|
$36,000
|
Outside the
Lens
|
$100,000
|
Pacific Arts
Movement
|
$125,000
|
Playwrights
Project
|
$100,000
|
WorldBeat
Cultural Center
|
$100,000
|
Reuben H Fleet Science
Center
|
$200,000
|
San Diego Museum
Council Inc
|
$150,000
|
San Diego
Opera
|
$200,000
|
San Diego Performing
Arts League
|
$100,000
|
The High Steppers Drill
Team, Inc.
|
$100,000
|
Trinity One Theatre
Troupe Inc.
|
$130,000
|
TuYo Theatre
Inc.
|
$140,000
|
Wheelchair Dancers
Organization
|
$70,000
|
Write Out
Loud
|
$80,000
|
Grand Total
|
$5,776,000
|
"Prebys looks forward to continuing to partner with each grantee
and learn from their experiences," said Emily Young, Vice President of Prebys
Foundation. "Our hope is that they grow their organizations by
investing in their staff, practitioners, and volunteers to serve
the communities as they see fit."
During the funding cycle, organizations will report on how the
funds help and what additional support they need to further a
vibrant arts and culture in the region.
Quotes from the Awardees
When asked about their vision for their continued work, those
receiving the awards provided the following insight:
Asian Culture and Media Alliance Inc. - "ACMA is deeply
humbled and grateful for the generous support from the Conrad
Prebys Foundation. This significant grant marks a pivotal moment
for us, enabling the creation of the ACMA Digital Media Arts
Academy that will serve as a cornerstone in providing not only
greatly expanded capacity for our existing programs but also
benefit our arts ecosystem by cultivating a new space for enhanced
community engagement opportunities and facilities for supporting
emerging artists." Cathlyn Choi,
Founder and Executive Director.
Blindspot Collective - "We are deeply grateful to the
Prebys Foundation for their generous support, which will
significantly enhance our capacity to serve historically excluded
artists and communities. This grant will allow us to pursue
permanent space in San Diego,
providing a dedicated home for innovative and inclusive theater
which will not only benefit our organization but the broader
sector. With this support, we are excited to expand our reach and
deepen our impact on the cultural ecosystem of our region." -
Blake McCarty, Executive Artistic
Director
Center for World Music - "We are thankful for the Prebys
Foundation's considerate approach and transformative impact,"
stated Monica Emery, executive
director of the Center for World Music. "The Arts Ecosystem grant
will enhance our ability to facilitate meaningful connections
through world music and dance, nurturing a deep sense of belonging
for all."
Classics 4 Kids - "Classics 4 Kids is excited to continue
expanding our live orchestra performances, in-school assemblies,
and virtual music programs with the support of the Arts Ecosystem
Grant. We look forward to deepening our partnerships and reaching
more under-resourced and historically underrepresented communities
throughout San Diego County." -
Kiran Shelat, Executive Director
Cygnet Theatre Company - "San
Diego is a vibrant center for arts and culture, and this
funding exemplifies our organization's dedication to harnessing the
power of theatre to make a positive impact on people and
places. We take great pride in the abundance of talented
local artists, collectives, musicians, and theaters who continually
create impactful works of art that showcase the diversity of our
communities. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Prebys Foundation
for their support of Cygnet Theatre and the arts in our region."–
Sean Murray, Artistic Director
Friends of Friendship Park - "All of us at the Friends of
Friendship Park are grateful to the Prebys Foundation for investing
in the values of transnational solidarity and belonging. The
cross-border meeting place known as Friendship Park holds unique
potential to serve as a resplendent platform for these values in an
age when separation, suspicion, and fearmongering are given such
powerful voice." - John
Fanestil, Executive Director
Imperial Beach Arts Bureau - "At IBAB, we have a simple
goal of making art accessible and fun for everyone that comes to
Imperial Beach. We want people to
have good memories of their time spent in Imperial Beach, and remembering all the art is
a big part of those memories" - Justin
Anderson, IBAB President.
La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation – "We are
incredible honored and thrilled to receive this grant" said
Misty Thompson, Executive Director,
"This support marks a significant milestone for our community's
arts and cultural development. Thanks to the Prebys Foundation, we
are building a vibrant cultural landscape where art and expression
can thrive."
Mingei International Museum - "Mingei is thrilled to
partner with Prebys Foundation to fulfill our commitment to
sparking community connections. These funds will enable the Museum
to collaborate with local organizations and artists through a
series of creative and accessible community-centered programs."
- Jessica Hanson York,
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Us – "The "Race: Power, Resistance &
Change" exhibit will be a community-centered platform for regional
BIPOC artists to share their own narratives, challenge stereotypes
and explore the complexities of the cultural constructs of Race. It
will expose visitors to the experience of resistance, identity and
advocacy for systemic change from the perspective of historically
marginalized communities. We are deeply grateful to the Prebys
Foundation for supporting this important work." - Micah Parzen, CEO
New Village Arts - "New Village Arts is honored to
receive support from the Prebys Foundation in support of our
mission of creating adventurous artistic experiences to awaken the
human spirit. These funds will be utilized to support the diverse
staff at New Village Arts, creating sustainability and enabling
growth for the organization. The Prebys Foundation is leading the
way in philanthropic support in our region and the impact of their
generosity will be felt for generations to come." - Kristianne Kurner, Founder and Executive
Artistic Director
Outside the Lens - "Outside the Lens cultivates
confidence, creativity, and connection in the next generation of
changemakers. We are so grateful for the support of the Prebys
Foundation, which will play a pivotal role in expanding our
out-of-school programming for San
Diego teenagers, creating new opportunities for underserved
youth to engage in creative expression and experience community
connection."- Sarah Beckman, OTL
Executive Director
Pacific Arts Movement - "This partnership
underscores our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation
of storytellers and ensuring diverse voices are heard and
amplified.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Prebys Foundation for
their dedication to the arts and their belief in the transformative
power of storytelling. Together, we are making a significant impact
on the lives of aspiring filmmakers and enriching our cultural
landscape.
Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity. This
summer marks the 20th year of Reel Voices, and we are excited about
the many more years to come." – Charles Thunyakij, Reel Voices
Education Coordinator
Reuben H Fleet Science Center - "The Fleet Science Center
is excited to continue the work that was started with the Art for
Planetary Health initiative. We look forward to co-creating
programs with community partners and deepening the Fleet's existing
relationships in the communities of San
Ysidro, National City,
Barrio Logan and the Greater Neighborhoods of Southeastern San Diego." – Steven Snyder, PhD, President and CEO
San Diego Museum Council Inc - "The Prebys Foundation is
directly helping the San Deigo Museum Council make museums more
accessible for all San Diegans. With their funding, we are able to
remove economic barriers for all people to enjoy the cultural and
educational benefits of museums, while also increasing access for
museums throughout the region." – Bob
Lehman, Executive Director
San Diego Museum of Art - "The San Diego Museum of Art is
incredibly grateful to the Prebys Foundation for their support of
arts in our community. This Prebys grant helps enable critical
infrastructure upgrades that will equip us to continue inspiring,
educating, and cultivating curiosity in San Diego and beyond." -- Roxana Velásquez,
Maruja Baldwin Executive Director
and CEO
San Diego Performing Arts League - "The San Diego
Performing Arts League is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts
community by ensuring accessible and inclusive opportunities for
all. Our mission is to not only enhance public access to the arts,
but also to support performing arts professionals in securing
meaningful job opportunities. Through support from the Prebys
Foundation, we aim to enrich the cultural landscape of San Diego and empower artists to thrive."
Jay Henslee, SDPAL Board
President
About Prebys Foundation:
Prebys
Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in
San Diego County, a unique
tri-national area encompassing communities from San Diego, Tijuana, and the Kumeyaay Nation.
The foundation works to create an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic
future for all San Diegans. Prebys
advances excellence and shared opportunity through
investments in groundbreaking institutions, ideas, and people to
ensure more people in the region are financially secure, healthy,
empowered, and connected. For more information about the
Prebys Foundation, visit
prebysfdn.org.
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SOURCE The Conrad Prebys Foundation