Founded in 1990, the Dallas Arts District Foundation Grant Program cultivates new artists, work and audiences across the city. With a mission of enhancing the value of Dallas’ creative and economic life through engaging our neighbors, the DAD Foundation has awarded over a million dollars to local organizations since its debut.
The 2015 grants allow the 2016 season to include collaborative and educational programs from eight separate groups that touch on every aspect of artistic expression—dance, visual arts, music and theater, including the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas, the Dallas Theater Center and the Fine Arts Chamber Players.
For the organizations awarded, it can make all the difference, allowing their programming to be viewed by a wider audience. The Turtle Creek Chorale will be using its fund to present a unique concert at City Performance Hall in April 2016. Heroes honors the Komen Foundation, Cathedral of Hope, Resource Center of Dallas, Jonathan’s Place and Bruce Wood Dance Company.
Says Chorale Executive Director Bruce W. Jaster, “The Dallas Arts District Grant is so important to us for two reasons—(this year) is the first time we’ve been recognized with a grant, and it allows us funding to make musical dedications to treasured organizations more dynamic and unique.”
The DAD Foundation will help the Dallas Black Dance Theatre make its DanceAfrica weekend on October 7 to 8, 2016 a memorable event for the community. “DanceAfrica is a perfect setting for a cultural learning experience for young and old alike, while educating everyone about the African legacy in American dance and rhythm,” said DBDT Founder Ann Williams.
The Creative Arts Center of Dallas received a 2015 grant allowing them to offer their citywide Art as a Second Language activity on a more regular basis. “This funding comes at a wonderful time, as we are celebrating our 50th year this year,” says Executive Director Diana Pollak. “It will help us deepen our collaboration with Klyde Warren Park an offer additional events in our series of family-friendly art activities.”
“Without (DAD) support, the Junior Players would not be able to provide its affordable and accessible programs,” says Junior Players marketing and Development Director Devon Miller, who will offer Junior Players Presents: Evolution August 19-20, 2016. “Through the use of dance, movement and stage combat, teens across North Texas will come together to engage their communities in thoughtful discussion regarding how teen issues are transforming their communities for better or worse.”
Visit dallasartsdistrict.org/grants to learn more about the grants.
