The Arts Council for Long Beach is proud to announce the 26 artists and arts organizations funded through its annual grant programs for 2015–2016. Generously supported through the City of Long Beach’s allocation for the arts, these artists and organizations represent the diversity and vibrancy of our city. An independent review panel consisting of community members and arts professionals selected all grantees. The grant categories included: Community Project Grants; Professional Artist Fellowships and Operating Grants.
The Community Project Grant program funds innovative programming and cultural projects that serve our diverse communities. The following 13 organizations were awarded these grants: Cambodia Town Culture Festival; Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Children’s Theatre of Long Beach; Garage Theatre; Hmong Association of Long Beach; Homeland Cultural Center; Long Beach Camerata Singers; Long Beach Community Band; Pony Box Dance Theatre; The Rock Club; South Coast Chorale; South Coast Dance Arts Alliance and University Art Museum.
The Professional Artist Fellowships recognize Long Beach artists who live, work or actively create in Long Beach and demonstrate an exhibition or production record of at least three years. Awards are granted based on artistic merit and professional achievement. The 2015–2016 fellows are: Gary Alvarez; Connie DK Lane; Christine Nguyen; Lara Odell and Ramon Rodriguez. From a feature documentary about VIP Records to Bolivian folk music workshops, Long Beach will enjoy the creative projects these artists will bring to the City over the coming year.
Operating Grants provide unrestricted support to arts and cultural organizations that collect, preserve, present or commission exemplary works of art (e.g. visual art exhibitions, theatre, dance or musical performances). This year the Arts Council funded the following organizations: Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc.; International City Theatre; Long Beach Opera; Long Beach Playhouse; Long Beach Symphony Orchestra; Museum of Latin American Art; Musica Angelica and Musical Theatre West.
Executive Director Victoria Bryan said, “Our grants are one of the many ways the Arts Council supports Long Beach art and artists. We are delighted that, again this year, our grants reach all nine council districts and showcase the diversity of the arts in our city.”