Grantee Database
Institute of Inquiry
Grant Year
2025-26
Grant Program
General Operating Support
Award Amount
$13,800.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, Institute of Inquiry will sustain and grow our community-rooted arts education programs in the Morongo Basin. CAC funds will support areas of need within our core operations staffing, teaching artist compensation, program materials, and essential administrative help—to ensure the continuity of our responsive education programming. Our offerings include Creative Fields, a 28-week arts apprenticeship for transitional-aged youth; early childhood education rooted in artistic exploration and nature-based learning; and creative workforce development opportunities for artists. In a region with limited access to creative pathways and educational services, our work affirms that art is not only a means of expression—but a route to healing, skill-building, and belonging. With this support, we will deepen our impact, grow sustainable arts programming, and invest in the creative potential of our rural desert communities.
Organization Summary
The Institute of Inquiry is a community-rooted nonprofit in the high deserts of the Morongo Basin, serving youth and families through dynamic, arts and nature-based education since 2017. We are committed to the long-term health of our vibrant but underserved region, and center youth voice, curiosity, and stewardship of our desert ecosystem across all programming. Our work cultivates a lifelong love of learning in children and families who have been historically excluded from culturally responsive, high-quality educational opportunities. Since 2020, we have expanded our mission to include accessible career pathways in the Arts and Early Childhood Education—two sectors with deep potential for community transformation and wellbeing.
Our programs include:
1. Early Childhood Education Program
Our child-led, arts- and nature-based early childhood program serves children ages 3–7 and their families. Rooted in artistic exploration, play, and forest school models, the curriculum focuses on foundational skill building in social-emotional growth, emergent literacy, and environmental stewardship. With small class sizes and deep family engagement, we deliver responsive, inclusive education that is developmentally-appropriate and honors children’s voices.
2. Creative Fields Program (begins Oct 2025)
This 28-week arts education and workforce mentorship program for transitional-aged youth (ages 14–18). Youth work directly with a cohort of Teaching Artists in disciplines such as weaving, ceramics, fiber arts, woodworking, performance, and visual arts. The program offers over 100 hours of hands-on instruction and mentorship, culminating in a youth-driven final exhibition. Central program goals are to provide accessible learning environments, expand access to progressive arts education and career paths, while providing sustainable, values-based employment development for creative professionals.
3. Workforce Development in Arts & Education
We build sustainable career pipelines through teaching and mentorship opportunities that include:
· Teaching Artist Residencies
· Student-teaching opportunities for community college students
· Highly-supported early childhood educator positions
Organization
Institute of Inquiry
Address
6875 VALLEY VIEW DRIVE
Twentynine Palms
92277
County
San Bernardino
Region
Inland Empire
Phone
(760) 206-6026
