The Cupertino Courier

News

Local arts groups get grants

By HUGH BIGGAR

Cupertino arts groups are to receive $15,980 from the nonprofit agency, Arts Council Silicon Valley. The money is to be allocated to the following groups:

*Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister City Committee (Community Arts Fund: $3,192) to support arts activities and performances at annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival in 2007

*Fun Time Singers Inc. (Community Arts Fund: $1,966) to present 12 performances to seniors and frail elderly at senior residence facilities and convalescent hospitals

*Silicon Valley Ai Yue Chorus (Community Arts Fund: $2,724) to produce an annual concert, "Voices of SVAY," in June 2007

*Chinese Performing Artists of America (Organizational Enhancement Fund: $5,212) to introduce Chinese culture as an integral part of American society

*Euphrat Museum of Art (Organizational Enhancement Fund: $2,886) to be a resource of visual ideas and platform for communications through research, production and presentation of challenging exhibitions and educational materials.

The grants are part of more than $362,000 awarded this year by Arts Council Silicon Valley to 102 arts and cultural organizations throughout Santa Clara County. All grants were awarded following a review by a panel of community members and those with professional expertise. Founded in 1982, the Arts Council--the largest nonprofit arts council in the state--has distributed roughly $8 million to different groups over the last 15 years.

"The arts and cultural organizations funded by the Arts Council are truly a reflection of the unique and diverse region we call home," said Diem Jones, Arts Council Silicon Valley's director of programs. "I feel honored that we can play a role in ensuring these organizations continue to inspire and nurture this valley's creative spirit."