After a long and competitive process, ASFB received a grant from the New England Foundation for the Arts for the underwriting of Alejandro Cerrudo’s latest creation “Silent Ghost”. ASFB was selected from 130 applicants nationwide. This is a coveted grant that brings a lot of attention to the company and will help provide us with tremendous touring opportunities in the future. This “National Dance Project” grant totaling $92,000 breaks down as follows:
$45,000 for the creation of the new work
$12,000 in general operation support
$35,000 for national touring support for the 16/17 season.
We are happy to receive this validation from such a noted foundation. It serves to reassure us that our brand is recognized as unique, and our choice of repertoire is valued in the field. Our steadfast commitment to nurturing emerging choreographers and advancing the art form by looking forward, has helped ASFB establish its distinct voice.
This grant comes at a crucial time, as we needed an underwriter for this ballet. I am looking forward to giving you more details about how this process works at our next meeting.
The premiere of “Silent Ghost” last weekend in Santa Fe was a huge success, and Tom and I can’t wait for all of you to see this stunning new ballet onstage. This work was featured last week in the Santa Fe New Mexican and you can read about it and see photos in today’s Aspen Times:
But there’s more! Aspen Santa Fe Ballet also received a grant award from the New York City-based Shubert Foundation in the amount of $10,000. This is a testament to ASFB’s national reputation and our impact in the dance field. The Shubert Foundation is one of the major funders of dance in this country, and we are extremely proud to receive this prestigious stamp of approval.
I must acknowledge Zander Higbie’s hard work, grant writing skills and patience in this painstaking and very competitive process.
Lately, it seems that good news comes in threes! It is with great pride that I share with you some exciting news – before it is officially announced in the press: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is the recipient of the Santa Fe Mayor’s 2016 Award for Excellence in the Arts. What a great honor to receive this for our 20th anniversary season. This recognition and acceptance by the Santa Fe community means a lot to us and will put a spotlight on our presence in New Mexico.