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Applied Materials Partners with Arts Council Silicon Valley To Create Expanded Grants Programs San Jose, CA, March 17, 2005 – Arts Council Silicon Valley, the largest nonprofit arts council in the state, received a $130,000 grant from Applied Materials, the world's largest supplier of products and services to the global semiconductor industry. This grant will mark the fourth consecutive year of support that, to date, has been instrumental in the establishment of two new grants programs that will equal nearly one half million dollars in total funding for arts and multi-cultural organizations throughout Santa Clara County. This commitment from Applied Materials comes at a time when State and local funding for arts groups is at a five-year low. The consistent funding from Applied Materials over this period of time has helped the Arts Council increase their total grant awards to small and mid-sized arts and cultural organizations and individual artists by 20% over the past year. Applied Materials’ commitment to the arts has resulted in the creation of two core grants programs for the Arts Council, both under the umbrella of Applied Materials Excellence in the Arts. The programs are: The Artistic & Program Excellence Program which supports exceptional projects that demonstrate artistic and programmatic excellence for special projects. Sample projects may include support for artistic development and leadership, seed money for a new collaboration, venture funding for innovative opportunities, and working with an individual artist(s) on a special project. Grants range from $1,000 - $5,000 each. The Leadership & Organizational Enhancement Program which supports administrative development and organizational infrastructure through technical assistance grants. The funds are given for special projects as opposed to general operating support or ongoing programs. Examples include support for consultants for marketing and fundraising, professional development of senior arts administrators by attending conferences and seminars, board/staff training and leadership opportunities, and creation of a long-range strategic plan and evaluation. Grants range from $500 - $2,500 each. The programs to date have successfully funded over 75 small to mid-sized arts and cultural organizations and individual artists throughout Santa Clara County. “Applied Materials’ dedication to improving the quality of life for Santa Clara County residents should be commended”, said Bruce W. Davis, Executive Director of Arts Council Silicon Valley, “I hope this serves as a model for other corporations in the Valley to follow Applied Material’s lead in investing in the arts.” Funding for the arts has been a priority for Applied Materials and currently makes up 10% of its targeted philanthropic support. With over 130 small to mid-sized arts and cultural organizations and individual artists in the Valley, Applied Materials sought out the Arts Council as a partner to help effectively identify and distribute funds to the appropriate organizations. “Working with Arts Council Silicon Valley has been instrumental in enabling us to adequately support arts and cultural organizations in Santa Clara County,” said Mike O’Farrell, Applied Materials, Vice President of Global Community Affairs. “With the Arts Council having the pulse of the regularly evolving sector within the broader arts community, we are now better informed and equipped to give to the organizations that can truly impact the area in which we live and work.” The Arts Council and Applied Materials established the Applied Materials Excellence in the Arts grants programs as a model for other corporations and foundations to replicate. “I have always believed in the power of the arts,” said Mike O’Farrell, “I am delighted that Applied Materials can make a difference as well as establish innovative approaches for others to emulate.” About Arts Council Silicon Valley About Applied Materials |
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