Last updated on October 5, 2018
Two Jamaica Plain organizations, the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts and A Far Cry, were recently selected to receive in the Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative.
The initiative is a partnership between two Boston-based foundations – The Barr Foundation and The Klarman Family Foundation – for a $25 million, six-year investment in 29 arts and cultural organizations from across Massachusetts. Participating organizations receive flexible, multi-year operating support grants, in addition to training and technical assistance from TDC, a nonprofit consulting and research firm.
Both the Eliot School’s and A Far Cry’s engagements in the initiative begin with two grants totaling $300,000 from Barr and the Klarman Family Foundation over three years, an endorsement of the organizations’ work inspiring lifelong learning in craftsmanship and creativity for all.
“We are honored to be chosen for this welcome initiative to strengthen the arts in Massachusetts. We’re in the company of some of the most vibrant arts leaders in the state, and endorsement from the Barr and Klarman Family Foundations is a great honor. We look forward to this great opportunity to strengthen our work bringing excellent instruction in art and artisanship to people from all walks of life,” said Abigail Norman, executive director of the Eliot School.
“A Far Cry is honored to have received a grant from the Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative. Such support has significant impact for our organization, as we continue to grow and develop, and we are deeply grateful for such generosity,” said Tom Novak, chair of the Board of Directors at A Far Cry on the organization’s website. A Far Cry is a self-conducted Grammy-nominated string orchestra that plays concerts around the area and rehearse at their storefront music center at 146A South St., in Jamaica Plain.
“Organizations like the Eliot School are the cultural hearts of their communities,” said San San Wong, director of arts & creativity for the Barr Foundation. “They are sites of public assembly and dialogue, often working to foster understanding and connection across cultural differences. It is our privilege to support the Eliot School in this journey to further strengthen its financial health and capacity to adapt to change – that it might deepen and continue this work for years to come.”
“Arts organizations, including the Eliot School, play a critical role in the health of our communities,” said Laura Sherman, director, greater Boston grantmaking for The Klarman Family Foundation. “We are committed to strengthening this cohort of 29 arts organizations across the Commonwealth that have the ability to connect and enliven communities through culture, tradition and creative expression, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative.”