Foundation continues long tradition of supporting arts programming for Minnesota youth
The Ciresi Walburn Foundation today selected four proposals for funding as a part of their 2020 Arts Programming Request for Proposals (RFP). The Foundation received proposals from nonprofit organizations across the state for funding for arts programming for Minnesota students, and selected four organizations which stood out in meeting the goals of the RFP, including actively engaging and stirring the imagination of youth; reaching historically underserved student populations, including low-income students and students of color; and, promoting inclusion, diversity, and multiculturalism.
“We know how valuable it is for students to be exposed to creative ideas and artistic expression in order to expand their thinking and cultural awareness.”
“Supporting high-quality arts programming for Minnesota youth has always been important to our foundation because we know how valuable it is for students to be exposed to creative ideas and artistic expression in order to expand their thinking and cultural awareness,” said Foundation Vice Chair John Eisberg. “Running this distinct RFP in support of arts programming demonstrates our commitment to well-rounded academic achievement in our schools and falls squarely in line with our Foundation’s mission to make Minnesota a state where all children and youth can succeed.”
COMPAS Teaching Artists work with students to develop fresh thinking and an appetite for discovery.
COMPAS, which delivers arts education programming in performing, literary, musical, and visual arts, was granted $75,000 for their Creative Classroom programming to integrate the arts into school curriculums to support classroom objectives and develop whole, problem-solving, creative minds. COMPAS’ nationally-recognized programs range from 1-hour performances to weeks-long arts residencies to youth mentorships. More than 100 artists and ensembles make up their roster of teaching artists to deliver their programs, bringing diverse experiences, perspectives, and art forms into communities throughout Minnesota.
“We deliver creative experiences because we believe when a person ignites their imagination, they can unlock their full creative and intellectual potential,” said COMPAS’ Executive Director Dawne White. “We believe Minnesota will thrive when all of us have access to creative opportunities that enrich lives and communities. Support from the Ciresi Walburn Foundation will help to provide our Community Connections residencies for 1,500 Minnesota students, who will use the arts to explore the cultures in their homes, schools, community, and the world.”
Hillside Youth Theater dress rehearsal for "Robin's Hood" in 2018. Credit JP Renquist, KUMD
The Duluth Community School Collaborative (DCSC) received $20,000 to support their Hillside Youth Theatre (HYT) program, which produces a variety of different plays that are geared toward children and whose themes instill important skills and understanding in children while engaging their imaginations. Students in Duluth’s East and Central Hillside neighborhoods will participate in six weeks of engaging fine and performing arts experiences, including daily rotations led by teaching artists, exploring all aspects of a theatrical production: acting, vocals, choreography, costume design and construction, set construction, painting, and literary comprehension. Hillside Youth Theatre will offer four free performances to the general public in July/August 2021.
“We take a whole child approach because we know that children must have all of their needs met in order to be academically successful,” said DCSC’s Executive Director Kelsey Gantzer. “We believe that family, school, and community engagement are necessary to create opportunity for all young people to achieve their full human potential.”
Grants were also made to Lundstrum Performing Arts ($30,000 for their "Sing & Dance" and "Performing Arts Workshop" arts programming in North Minneapolis for students ages 3-14) and The YES Network ($8,000 for summer art and music programming for children in St. Cloud, MN).