The arts matter because they help us understand how we matter; they provide strong benefits to individuals and society, including creativity, innovation, imagination, problem solving, a sense of individual well-being, and a connectedness to the world and each other.
One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to heal trauma, bring joy, lower stress, and increase mental ability is through art. In 2023, 45 percent of students in middle and high school in the U.S. reported being stressed almost every day in school. Seventy-five percent of high school students and 50 percent of middle school students reported feeling continually stressed over academics.
In our community, we have a range of arts-based nonprofit organizations and programs for all ages focusing on our well-being and creative development. We are fortunate to live in a community that values art. These organizations function as “second responders,” delivering powerful experiences because of your generosity.
Thanks to your sustained commitment, in 2022 and 2023, the Palo Alto Community Fund was able to make grants totaling $225,000 to 13 vital local organizations that provide innovative and accessible art-based programs to our whole community.
Palo Alto Community Fund’s 2022 and 2023 Grantees supporting Equity and Accessibility in the Arts:
- Anamatangi Polynesian Voices
- Art in Action
- EPACENTER
- Kids and Art Foundation
- Mannakin Dance Theater
- Pacific Art League of Palo Alto
- Palo Alto Art Center
- Palo Alto Players
- TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
- Quinteto Latino
- ZiRU Dance
Local Innovative Arts Programs
Art in Action is debuting new lessons focused on Art in STEAM for kindergarten through 5th grade students. Students learn about the human muscular system and body proportions, as well as biospheres. Combining art with math and science guides students through collaboration and problem-solving.
Education has been a hallmark of TheatreWorks’ thriving community, with robust school programs that bring young people into the theater through matinees, topical plays, and accompanying study guides for school classrooms and summer programs.
Pacific Art League is working to provide an arts education for all by expanding outreach services to communities that need it most. Their mission is to provide problem-solving tools to navigate life’s challenges while reinforcing confidence, decision making, and creativity.
Kids & Art Foundation uses the power of the arts and creativity to mitigate stress, anxiety, and trauma induced from the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer and other critical medical conditions. Studies show arts and creative expression improve the well-being of cancer patients and their care circles.
EPACENTER is a creative youth development center in East Palo Alto that amplifies the creative potential of children. They work to harness the power of art, design, technology, and culture to create positive outcomes for vulnerable youth in our community.
Quinteto Latino is a one-of-a-kind organization driving social change in the classical music industry. They seek to break the racial and social barriers that have long existed in the classical music world by performing classical music compositions by Latinx artists. Quinteto Latino empowers emerging Latinx classical musicians and also provides culturally-competent K-12 classical music education and training to students.
Palo Alto Community Fund actively supports these organizations—and many others—who are making a difference in arts education in our community. With your help, we’re able to have a lasting positive impression on the youth of today and tomorrow. Thank you for uplifting our community.
Please give where you live through the Palo Alto Community Fund.
Make a difference in your community today!