Congressional District: 11

We are seeking funding to support the creation of "Rodeo Reimagined", taking Agnes deMille's "Rodeo" and making it the first classic masterpiece to be reimagined for a physically integrated company composed of dancers with and without disabilities.

Literary Cleveland will bring four authors to Cleveland, Ohio, to participate in free public readings as well as writing masterclasses designed to amplify the stories of underrepresented communities, increase access to high quality literary opportunities, and address cultural redlining and segregation.

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will present a celebration of Mexican music and culture at our May 17, 2025 season finale concert, "Mexican Montage," featuring Mexican-American pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, in a performance of Carlos Chavez's seldom-played Piano Concerto (a 20th century Mexican masterpiece) and the music of Arturo Marquez, an influential living Mexican composer.

Classical guitarist Jorge Caballero will present a concert and school outreach of music based on African American spirituals. The program includes a symphonic arrangement, a neglected masterwork, and a newly commissioned work.

Now entering its 16th year, Brite Winter continues its commitment to highlighting local and regional artists and musicians during a one-day outdoor winter festival. This application seeks support for an Art Director, whose job description includes bringing to life the annual theme; designing and constructing large-scaled outdoor installations; and leading community-based art workshops.

An Arts Midwest GIG Fund grant will support Accent Pontiac in hosting Sean Dobbins, renowned jazz drummer and educator, to work with and perform for students in Pontiac, Michigan. Dobbins will spend multiple days in Pontiac, leading workshops with students in 2nd-12th grade followed by an interactive performance at a school in the Pontiac School District.

Shakespeare on Tour will perform "Romeo & Juliet" for ~ 50 middle and high schools, over 5 of which with a majority of students coming from under-resourced communities. These fully staged one-hour productions consist solely of Shakespeare’s language and include teacher curriculum provided in advance in addition to post show actor Q&As and opportunity for supplemental actor-led Playshops.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will produce touring versions of ROMEO AND JULIET and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM for our SHAKESPEARE LIVE! troupe to perform in schools, community venues, and our theatre. Study guides, talkbacks with the actors, and “on your feet” workshops all help students connect with Shakespeare’s themes and language, and no school is denied a tour based on ability to pay.

The NC Stage Community Tour will bring an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" with original live music to schools and non-profit partner organizations across seven counties in Western North Carolina. Tour performances are free and school shows are accompanied by workshops led by members of the ensemble on Shakespeare's language, stage combat, and music in storytelling.

Detroit Metro Times plans to enhance their social media presence by producing and publishing high-quality videos to run alongside their “Artist of the Week” series and arts cover stories. These stories highlight local artists in their studios or their current art exhibitions, and other arts-related topics.