Grantee Database

CENTER FOR WORLD MUSIC

Grant Year

2025-26

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$12,300.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, the Center for World Music (CWM) will strengthen its core operations and sustain culturally inclusive programs that foster global understanding through the performing arts. Grant funds will support general operating expenses, including rent and staff salaries, enabling CWM to continue serving historically underserved communities across San Diego County—particularly youth and families in the lower two quartiles of the Healthy Places Index. Through school programs, public concerts, and senior programs, the CWM engages participants in diverse music and dance traditions led by artists who are culture bearers. This funding will help ensure organizational stability, support a diverse arts workforce, and expand access to arts education and cultural experiences for those with the least opportunity.

Organization Summary

Core organizational programs and services of the Center for World Music (CWM) consist of four initiatives serving San Diego County: a world music and dance concert series of 5 to 10 annual public events focused on the performing arts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and North America; workshops and performances in partnership with cultural communities and institutions; a unique World Music in the Schools program; and an Access to the Arts for Seniors program.

WORLD MUSIC CONCERTS
The CWM presents an annual series of concerts carefully curated to introduce audiences to underrepresented musical traditions. Reaching approximately 1,000 attendees per year, the concerts present distinguished California, national, and international artists of traditional world music and dance in small and medium-sized venues.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES
In partnership with San Diego institutions and cultural communities, the CWM presents community workshops and performances reaching over 2,000 children and adults annually.

SCHOOLS PROGRAM
The World Music in the Schools program features more than 25 highly skilled, culturally sophisticated teaching artists and 16 ensembles-in-residence, representing 20 music and dance traditions from around the world. Established in 1999, World Music in the Schools has grown to become the largest CWM program. It offers both 8- to 35-week artist residencies and one-time encounters such as workshops and school-wide assemblies, reaching over 10,000 students each year.

ACCESS TO THE ARTS FOR SENIORS
Access to the Arts for Seniors offers enriching experiences for seniors living in affordable housing communities. Due to socio-economic and physical barriers, residents have limited access to cultural enrichment. This program aims to meet residents’ needs by presenting the world’s music and dance in the comfort of their communities. The program presents 52 quarterly events in 13 communities, reaching over 2,000 seniors per year.

Organization

Center for World Music

Address

2225 9th Street

Encinitas

92024-6512

County

San Diego

Region

Far South

Phone

(619) 363-3007

Congressional District

California's 53rd congressional district

State Assembly District

District 78

State Senate District

District 39

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