2015-101-E Arts - Extraordinary Ventures - Fall 2014 Arts Grant Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID:403AE38B-EA0A-487E-8F5A-372C787F38E9 EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTS 2014-2015 ARTS PROGRAM APPLICATION NARRATIVE Extraordinary Ventures partnered with The Art Therapy Institute of Carrboro in 2012 to pilot a six session arts program called "Extraordinary Artists"for autistic and developmentally disabled young adults in our community.The class culminated with an exhibit night event called "An Artful Affair"held in the Great Hall of Extraordinary Ventures. Both the classes and the final event met with rousing enthusiasm from the participants,their families, and supporters. Extraordinary Ventures received matching funds from the Orange County Arts Commission in 2013 and 2014 to repeat and grow this program with the partnership of another local arts organization called "Happymess Art Studios." The structure and format of the program has remained very similar to the one we developed in 2012, however we have developed the artistic experience further with the participants by offering a wider variety of options. "Happymess Art Studios teachers are comprised of local artists and can teach the participants in a myriad of mediums.The Happymess teachers are experienced in this as they have worked with similar populations in the past This year,we grew from 25 regular participants to 36 individuals in the regular classes and have had great volunteer participation from UNC campus organizations like "Best Buddies",Autism Speaks, and other Autism oriented groups. In addition,we have invited local churches and businesses to adopt a night as a team building activity and this has been very successful for us and enjoyable for the participants. Our request for funding in 2015 would be for a matching grant to give us a total budget of at least $4,100.This money would be used to cover the costs of teaching 12 art experiences in a variety of different mediums, art supplies, publicity,and food for the classes and final event. We are looking to raise money through events with volunteer groups to increase funds. Our ultimate goal for this class is to have it become bi-monthly year-round though we may not achieve this in 2015. Included with our proposal, you will find copies of our flyers, invitations, press releases, exhibit brochure, mailing insert and a DVD with a slide show, photos, and video clips from the classes. A staff roster for Extraordinary Ventures is included along with resumes from "Happymess Art Studios" teachers and examples of art classes with similar populations We thank the Orange County Arts Commission for this opportunity to serve a group of individuals that is often overlooked and not easily reachable through an arts experience that can help them express themselves and feel proud of their artistic achievements. We are offering them and our community at large, an opportunity to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.