Laura Sturza
While budget constraints stretch the creative limits of arts
organizations, the city offers funding to sustain local groups and is
accepting grant applications until Dec. 6.
Here's to Life Foundation was one of last year's grant recipients.
Funding helped bus 82 at-risk youth to the Gene Bua Theatre earlier
this month.
"They were yelling things out -- two people kissed on stage and
they said 'Get a room'," Bua said.
But along with the outbursts were tears of recognition, and an
audience kept captivated for two-and-a-half hours by "2nd Wind," a
musical that promotes channeling rage into healthy pursuits, Bua
said.
Applicants for this year's awards will compete for a share of the
fund's $77,050. The number of awards given depends on how many groups
apply and how much money they request, said Garth Nelson, deputy
director of the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department.
"[The department] tries to provide as many grants to des- erving
and qualified arts agen- cies as possible" Nelson said.
Groups requesting funds must submit a grant application and be
interviewed by members of the PerformArts Grant Board. The proposals
are judged on the basis of their potential for developing work of a
high artistic quality that will offer a service to the community.
Organizations must also offer proof of fiscal responsibility.
"We deal with the nonprofits," said Jess Talamantes, a board
liaison and Burbank firefighter. "At this time, the economy is really
bad, so the funds provided by the city helps to keep them going --
[but] I feel that these organizations have to give back to the
community as well."
Other 2001 recipients include the vocal and instrumental music
associations of Burbank and John Burroughs high schools, the New
Victory Theater and the Black Knights Drum Corps, with awards ranging
from $5,000 to $9,500.
Applications will be accepted until Dec. 6 and are available at
the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department office at 301
E. Olive Ave. For more information, call 238-5300.
