ACADEMY OF SPECIAL DREAMS FOUNDATION

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Grantee Database

Grant Year

2023-24

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$38,499.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, Academy of Special Dreams will provide a comprehensive Art Therapy Program that promotes mental health and wellness while fostering a safe and nurturing environment for people with disabilities to express themselves through art. We will also curate five inclusive art exhibitions annually, showcasing the incredible artistic talents of 20 diverse groups of artists with disabilities, and fund micro-business grants to artists seeking self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship. Our inclusive art exhibitions bring together artists from a range of backgrounds and abilities to celebrate the power of creativity in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity and equity in the arts. Through these exhibitions and financial support we will continue to promote greater understanding of inclusion and appreciation of the unique perspectives and artistic styles of our special needs community.

Organization Summary

The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation is dedicated to promoting the creative talents of people with disabilities. To achieve this mission, the foundation employs three key strategies:

Encouraging artistic expression through open-call competitions: The foundation organizes and administers competitions that invite individuals with special needs to showcase their artistic talents through various artistic mediums.

Providing financial support for artists with disabilities: The foundation offers scholarships, cash awards, and other forms of financial support to artists with disabilities, in order to promote their continued involvement in the arts.

Showcasing artistic expressions: The foundation hosts art exhibitions in the community, as well as web-based virtual galleries and exhibitions and produces videos that highlight the works of artists with disabilities. Additionally, the foundation offers an art therapy program to promote mental health.

Organization