State funds support arts engagement with returned citizens
June 5th, 2019
Today the California Arts Council announced a grant award of $8,400 to Options Recovery Services as part of its Reentry Through the Arts program. Reentry Through the Arts supports arts and culture programs for adults who have served time in correctional institutions. Projects utilize arts and culture as part of a holistic approach to support adults who have been incarcerated to reintegrate into and contribute to their communities.
Options provides Substance Use Disorder treatment services for adults throughout Alameda County, regardless of ability to pay. About half of Options clients have been incarcerated as a result of their addiction, and many come to Options directly upon release from incarceration. Reentry Through the Arts provides creative artistic opportunities for clients as they undertake the difficult work of recovery.
Options is one of 24 grantees chosen for the Reentry Through the Arts program. The award was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council, with grant funds totaling a projected $24,508,541 for 2018-19, the highest investment in statewide arts programming since the 2000-01 fiscal year.
“Arts and culture are inextricably linked to our humanity,” said Nashormeh Lindo, California Arts Council Chair. “They serve as a universal touchpoint for understanding and addressing our societal issues—dismantling inequity, healing trauma, reframing justice, inspiring truth and shaping futures. The Council is humbled to support the vital work of Options Recovery Services and its passionate efforts to make a better California for us all.”
The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California’s diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services. Members of the California Arts Council include Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Vice Chair Larry Baza, Juan Devis, Jodie Evans, Kathleen Gallegos, Jaime Galli, Donn K. Harris, and Louise McGuinness.
Options mission is to break the cycle of addiction that causes crime, homelessness and broken families.
link- http://arts.ca.gov/programs/program_files/1819/CurrentGrantees/FY18-19_Project_Descriptions_RTA.pdf