All the Towns a Stage artwork by Dennis McGregor, SFF 2014

A Creative Future

Arts classes are not a priority for low-income families when they’re just trying to put food on the table and have a safe place to live.

Unable to participate in the art and music classes in Sisters, these children feel like they’re on the outside looking in when they see classmates learning to dance, play piano or the guitar. The discrepancy between children whose family can afford these classes and those who can’t came to the attention of Sisters Folk Festival staff.

“We saw a need in the Sisters area to reach out to these families and invite them into the arts community,” said Development Director Katy Yoder. “Sisters has such a rich creative community, we wanted to make sure every child can take part and find their own unique voice.”

Since 2011, SFF has provided scholarships to low-income families through the Americana Project Arts Outreach Scholarship fund (APAOS). SFF and Family Access Network collaborate on the program, ensuring families are aware the scholarships are available.

“The need is growing,” said Yoder. “A donation to APAOS goes directly to these children. It’s another way we’re enriching lives through the arts.”

If you’d like to support arts education for children, contact Yoder at 541-549-4979 or email her at katy@sistersfolkfestival.org.