Kahilu Theatre Foundation

Artist and Community Collaboration Initiative

Location:

Kamuela, HI

Award:

$10,000

Project:

10th Annual Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute

Website:

www.kahilutheatre.org

Funding will support the 10th gathering ukelele and slack key guitar masters at the Kahilu Theatre, providing a multi day Institute comprised of public performances, training workshops, and youth school shows. There are a variety of formats including: talk-story sessions, a kanikapila (jam session), stage performance, and both individual and small group instructional classes. The variety of formats allows for wide-ranging interaction between the artists and the audience, and among the artists themselves.

“The act of giving was part of the ‘gifting economy’ of the Northwest where one’s wealth was measured by generosity, good work and a good heart. That is the work of philanthropy too: It’s an honor to have plenty and to share. There is no lack when you have this process in place and the most important mindset to have while participating is gratitude, or giving thanks and promising to care for all, no matter what.”

Elizabeth Woody, Navajo/Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama

Board Secretary, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation

“These gifts demonstrate strong tribal interest in creating a powerful funding engine for protecting and preserving Native art and culture—the very cornerstones of tribal sovereignty. A foundation of this nature will help reverse the long history of government suppression of Native culture done as part of the United States' assimilation program. Through gifts of this nature, Indian Country can direct its resources to protect what is closest to home to all Indian tribes—our own cultures."

Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee

Board Chair, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation

Kahilu Theatre Foundation

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees