The Hillsboro Arts & Culture Council (HACC) is keeping the city's cultural pulse alive and ticking with its latest grant awards. In the spirit of fostering local talent and organizational vitality, the HACC has recently distributed a suite of grants totaling $49,916 to a diverse range of artists and organizations within the community. Twelve arts and culture projects have been given a financial boost to continue their endeavors, as reported by the Hillsboro government news page.
Specifically, $7,426 was granted to four arts projects, in hopes to locally stir both audience interest and cultural contributions. The grants aim to not only enrich community arts programming but also to provide a platform for burgeoning talents to showcase their capabilities. Additionally, the HACC selected six performing groups to appear in the coveted Walters Cultural Arts Center's 2024-25 Performance Series, a move that's guaranteed to offer these artists increased visibility. They've been offered venue space and will benefit from marketing and production support, keeping ticket proceeds – a clear sign that Hillsboro is putting its money where its mouth is in terms of supporting the arts.
The array of grantees includes an assortment of genres and historical narratives, from the positive-energy marimba tunes of Boka Marimba to the Minidoka Swing Band, which keeps the history of Japanese Americans during WWII alive through music. Dynamic performances are also expected from the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra, celebrating living composers, and the Portland OR Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which will offer a modern twist on barbershop a cappella. Sarada Kala Nilayam and Tora'dan round out the series with South Indian classical music and progressive Middle Eastern rock, respectively.
Project grants were awarded to initiatives that clearly demonstrate an unwavering dedication to art education and community engagement. Golden Road Arts received backing for its free arts education access, while the Westside Quilters Guild was supported for their Quilt Show. Also, the Washington County Arts Alliance got a nod for its open studio tour, helping to foster a greater audience connection with local artists. The Young Artist's Club snagged a grant to help supply the Maker's Fair for Mooberville Elementary School students. Such projects are crucial to the creativity of the young and potentially help shape the next generation of artists.
Eight arts nonprofits didn't go unnoticed, receiving $42,490 in core operating support grants. From HART's community theatre to the Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra's concerts and the Westside Community Youth Orchestra's commitment to enriching orchestral experiences, these funds will keep arts at the heart of Hillsboro's cultural offerings. The Oregon Chorale promotes inclusive choral singing, whereas Rasika introduces audiences to the classical arts of India. And let's not look past STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy and Influence Music Hall, both of which have carved their niche in empowering burgeoning talent and enhancing the area's cultural footprint.
Those looking to glean more about the HACC grants can mark their calendars; the next application cycle is to open in January 2025. For the scoop on criteria and process, swing by the grant's webpage. This latest round of funding is a testament to Hillsboro's commitment to arts and culture—a commitment that's not just feel-good rhetoric but is backed up with tangible, financial support. It's an investment in the creative lifeblood of the community, from established ensembles to school children’s first foray into the arts.
