About Us: The Alliance for California Traditional Arts promotes and supports ways for cultural traditions to thrive now and into the future by providing advocacy, resources, and connections for folk and traditional artists and their communities.
ACTA Announces Three Additional Living Cultures Grants Program Grantees
Chamoru community youth performing at PIEAM's opening in October 2010. Photo courtesy of Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
ACTA is pleased to announce three additional Living Cultures Grants Program grantees for 2011, which have been made possible by the generosity of the Metabolic Studio, a direct charitable activity of The Annenberg Foundation.
Cambodian classical dancer Reaksmey Lath is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master artist Charya Burt.
Reaksmey Lath's Apprenticeship Blog will follow the course of Reaksmey's apprenticeship with Charya, as they work to refine Reaksmey's presentation of two of the four main characters of the classical Cambodian repertoire and learn three new dance pieces over the course of the apprenticeship.
Percussionist Beto Gonz�lez is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master Candombl� artist Mestre Amen Santo.
Beto Gonz�lez's Apprenticeship Blog will follow the course of Beto's apprenticeship with Mestre Amen, as they work to improve Beto's technique, as well as build his knowledge of the vast repertoire of rhythms within the Candombl� tradition.
Mountain Maidu basketweaver William Harrison is a current apprentice in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with master artist Ennis Peck.
William Harrison's Apprenticeship Blog will follow the course of William's apprenticeship with Ennis, as they build upon William's knowledge of traditional Maidu regalia, singing, and other ceremonial practice. Their work together will focus on harvesting and preparing raw materials for the construction of a large close-weaved storage basket.
Donate to the California Arts Council by Checking Off for the Arts on Your Tax Return
Arts lovers have an advantage for "tax day" in 2011: the Arts Tax Check Off. Here's how it works. You can make a tax deductible contribution directly to the California Arts Council on your state tax return. In the "Contributions" section of your return, specify the amount you want to give to the Arts Council, from $1 or more. It's an easy way to support the California Arts Council and its arts programs for children and communities. In fact, ACTA is a California Arts Council grantee.
Be sure to look for it on your tax return this year, and let your tax preparer or accountant know you want to use the Arts Tax Check Off. With millions of Californians filing tax returns, if each one made even a $1 donation, it would raise a tremendous amount for the arts in California.
