HOOD RIVER, Ore. — The Columbia Center for the Arts and Columbia Gorge Arts in Education each received a $2,000 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning.  The PacifiCorp Foundation is Pacific Power’s charitable arm.

“When community budgets become tighter, arts programs often suffer,” said Sheila Holden, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “We believe the arts are an important, integral part of a healthy community and a well-rounded education; so we think it’s a smart investment.”
 
“This PacifiCorp Foundation grant will help us develop programs that promote and present art and culture events of interest to children – Latino children in particular,” explained Judie Hanel, Columbia Center for the Arts executive director. “Latinos are the largest-growing segment of our community over the past 10 years.” Hanel said that among the ideas for programs are classes in glass-fusing, playwriting and watercolor painting.

Columbia Gorge Arts in Education received a PacifiCorp Foundation grant to help fund its ARTS ALIVE program, which will bring live music and dance performances to local youth audiences. From a youth steel drum band to a Ghanian drummer, ARTS ALIVE artists will perform for K-12 students at assembly performances and in select classrooms. ARTS ALIVE will expose students to arts and cultures that they might otherwise never experience.

The PacifiCorp Foundation awarded close to $205,800 to arts and cultural nonprofit programs in its service area, and donated another $13,000 in small community grants.

Holden said that, according to research, less than 21 percent of Oregon children engage in any art form due to diminished school budgets and class offerings. The Foundation’s arts and culture grants are one of four groups of awards each year. Other award categories include education, civic and community groups, and health and human services.

The Foundation’s mission is to foster strategic sustainable learning initiatives that serve the best aspirations of individuals, organizations and communities, and that enhance and develop their capabilities to address significant challenges and opportunities.

To apply for a grant, and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to www.pacificorpfoundation.org .

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com