OXNARD — OPAC has been approved for a $35,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support OPAC Studios, a new initiative that provides a creative space for underserved Oxnard teens, including BIPOC, indigenous, at-promise, and those experiencing homelessness. Under the framework of Creative Youth Development, this program offers ongoing free classes that are well-rounded, in-depth experiences in a variety of visual artistic mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textile arts, and more.
Young people in Creative Youth Development programs exhibit high levels of artistic skill and accomplishment along with increased self-esteem, and sense of belonging. In addition to receiving artistic training and fine arts exposure, youth development also meets students’ needs for physical and psychological safety, caring relationships, and community connection.
OPAC’s project is among 1,248 projects across America totaling $28,840,000 that were selected to receive this first round of fiscal year 2022 funding in the Grants for Arts Projects category. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from OPAC that help support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “OPAC in Oxnard is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.”
“We’re truly honored to be receiving our first ever grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and can’t wait for our teens to benefit from expanded classes, engagement opportunities, and career development and exploration.”, comments OPAC’s Executive Director, Carolyn Merino Mullin.
For more information on other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
For more information on OPAC’s Teen Art Program, visit oxnardperformingarts.com/teen-art-program.html