Hawaii Community Foundation has committed about $1.5 million in grant funding to 28 arts and culture organizations through its Equitable Access Arts & Culture program, according to a statement from the nonprofit. Groups benefiting from the funds include a local community park, cultural centers, theaters, orchestras, museums and even a circus.
Under this program, the approximately $1.5 million will be distributed over two years to nonprofits that use data to understand barriers to access to arts and culture and have strategies or programs in place to make things more accessible.
“Eliminating barriers to arts and culture experiences is essential for preserving Hawaii’s unique identity and cultivating community well-being,” said Elise von Dohlen, program director at HCF, in a written statement. “Through the collective effort of these grantees, we are shaping a more inclusive and vibrant future for the state’s creative sector.”
Among the recipients of the grants is Hawaii's Volcano Circus, which received $55,500. The group's mission is to "organize, and maintain a company of performing circus artists for educational, instructive and entertainment purposes while owning and operating a cultural and educational center for arts and agriculture," according to its website.
HCF has locations on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. The nonprofit’s mission is to “inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections and invest in community to create a better Hawaii,” according to its website. In 2023, HCF administered about $1 billion in assets and distributed more than $120 million in grants to the community, according to its most recent annual report. Here are the groups that will benefit, listed by island and grant amount:
Hawaii Island
East Hawaii Cultural Center: $55,500
Hamakua Youth Center: $55,500
Hawaii Science & Technology Museum: $55,500
Hawaii’s Volcano Circus: $55,500
Pohaku Pelemaka: $55,500
Kahilu Theatre Foundation: $57,000
Kaulana Na Pua, Inc: $57,000
Kahaluu Kuahewa: $60,000
Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society: $60,000
Kauai
Garden Island Arts Council: $35,000
Hawaii Children’s Theatre: $35,000
Lotus Arts Foundation: $35,000
Anaina Hou Community Park: $55,500
Lanai
Lanai Academy of Performing Arts: $55,500
Maui
Hana Arts: $55,500
Hui O Waa Kaulua: $55,500
Maui Public Art Corps: $55,500
Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center: $57,000
Hanona: $60,000
Molokai
Hokulani Children's Theatre of Molokai: $55,500
Oahu
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra: $55,500
Hawaii Youth Symphony: $55,500
Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services: $55,500
Hawaii Opera Theatre: $57,000
Honolulu Theatre for Youth: $57,000
Kumu Kahua Theatre: $57,000
Puuhonua Society: $57,000
Ulu Ae Learning Center: $60,000
