Grantee Database
Paul Dresher Ensemble
Grant Year
2026-27
Grant Program
General Operating Support
Award Amount
$12,000.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, New Performance Traditions will strengthen and expand its core programs for the Bay Area’s diverse performing arts communities. Funding will enable the organization to produce original multidisciplinary works and foster new performances that engage urgent issues of culture, history, race, gender, and identity. Programs include the Dresher Ensemble Artist Residency (six residencies with free studio access), In Studio Performances (10 events per year), the West Oakland Sound Series (40 new music and experimental sound events annually), and the 88+ Contemporary Piano Series (six concerts yearly). Additional benefits include access to affordable rehearsal and performance space, professional sound, lighting, and recording technologies, as well as fiscal sponsorships and co-producing partnerships. These services nurture bold creative visions and support both emerging and mid-career artists throughout the region.
Organization Summary
Our programs and services are rooted in two equal, interconnected endeavors: continuing our 40-year legacy of producing contemporary music concerts and multidisciplinary collaborations, and serving the Bay Area’s performing arts communities by supporting the creation of new works.
Present local innovative new music/musical theater, and opera performances
Produce collaborative cross-media creations that bring together diverse artistic visions
Commission and present new music and collaborative work by widely diverse creators
Promote the creation of interactive installations and performances on innovative invented instruments
Extend our presence nationally and internationally with exhibitions, tours, and performances
To support current and future generations of creative performing artists, we provide a range of programs and services:
Affordable rehearsal and performance space, available for both short- and long-term rentals, fully equipped with professional sound, lighting, projection, and recording equipment
The Dresher Ensemble Artist Residency annually offers 6 residencies and performance opportunities to early and mid-career Northern California artists in theater, dance, music, sound art, and instrument invention. Residencies provide four weeks of free, 24/7 studio and shop access, use of professional equipment, mentorship, and technical support. Residents receive a stipend and the option to present on our “In Studio Performances” series. The program prioritizes BIPOC and gender non-conforming artists
Fiscal sponsorship for Bay Area artists committed to risk-taking in new artwork creation.
Three performance series in our West Oakland Studio:
• In Studio Performances: (10/yr) multidisciplinary, contemporary, and traditional performing arts
• West Oakland Sound Series: (40/yr) new music and experimental sound concerts per year, curated/co-produced with sfSound
• 88+ Contemporary Piano Series: six concerts of late 20th and 21st-century solo and two-piano works
Through all our activities, we nurture bold creative visions and foster a thriving, inclusive performing arts community – we serve both artists pursuing their passion and audiences seeking inspirational experience.
Organization
Paul Dresher Ensemble
Address
1446 Market Street
SAN FRANCISCO
94102
County
San Francisco
Region
Bay Area – San Francisco
Website
Congressional District
California's 11th congressional district
State Assembly District
District 17
State Senate District
District 11
