Twice a year, RISCA awards grants in a number of categories. Over the next few months, we will be profiling the amazing artists and organizations that received grants at our April 1, 2017 deadline, two at a time.
Arts Access Grant
Applicant Organization: Rhode Island College Foundation
Project: The Performing Arts Series at Rhode Island College will present a Festival of South African Dance, featuring The Gumboots and Pantsula Dance Companies on Friday October 20, 2017.
The ensemble of 10 men and 10 women from South Africa will perform Stimela ‘The Gumboot’ Musical, a live music and dance celebration that tells the story of the unique dance form that came from the oppressive gold mines in South Africa. There slave laborers developed their own dance language in an environment where they were forbidden to speak. The second part of the presentation is a performance by Real Actions Pantsula, a South African dance sub-culture rooted in jazz and hip-hop. This production highlights South Africa’s rich and complex culture.
About the Organization: The Performing Arts Series at Rhode Island College is an important thread in Rhode Island’s cultural tapestry. For more than 55 years, The Series has remained committed to bringing world-class dance, music and theater artists to appreciative student and community audiences at affordable prices. The performing arts
staff at RIC manages all aspects of the 8-10 performances presented annually.
Rhode Island College (RIC) Foundation, established in 1965, is a separate entity that is devoted to raising funds solely for RIC. RIC Foundation is the primary source of private support to the college as it achieves its mission to offer accessible higher education of the finest quality to traditional and non-traditional students from around the state, the region, and beyond.
Teaching Artist Roster
Teaching Artist: Catherine Minturn Curtis
Discipline: Visual Artist
Artist Bio: Catherine Minturn Curtis likes to work in pencil, ink and watercolor. She describes her art making as situational: “where I find myself, what I have been inspired by or interested in, what is challenging me in my life. These are reflected in my work.”
Catherine has extensive experience teaching art to preschool children, elders and those with disabilities. Visit her CreativeGround profile.