The National Endowment for the Arts has announced a $110 million grant for the 2024 fiscal year, with $170,000 going towards projects in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Rep. Jimmy Panetta stated that this federal support will help strengthen community bonds and elevate the quality of life for residents in California’s 19th Congressional District. The Monterey Jazz Festival, held annually at the Monterey County Fairgrounds since 1958, will receive a $55,000 grant. The festival has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz music, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Etta James.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History will receive $50,000, which will host art and local history exhibitions, educational workshops, public festivals, and cultural celebrations. The current exhibit, “Sowing Seeds,” showcases the stories of Filipino migration and labor in the Pajaro Valley and features artifacts donated by local families.
The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music will receive $35,000, providing an annual local showcase for emerging composers and musicians to celebrate new pieces of music and creativity through concerts at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year’s festival will take place from July 29th to August 11th, featuring composers and guest artists.
Lastly, $30,000 will be presented to the Kuumbwa Jazz Society, which teaches over 1,000 students and hosts over 130 concerts per year at its Cedar Street club. The society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
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