Ford Theatre Foundation
COMMUNITY BRIDGES PROGRAM
About …
Community Bridges is an audience development program intended to encourage and facilitate participation in the John Anson Ford Theatre’s
programs, both on and off the stage by underrepresented members of the Los Angeles County. More generally, the program strives to build
enthusiastic audiences for the performing arts and an increased sense of community in Los Angeles.
History …
Community Bridges is an outgrowth and expansion of the Ford’s successful Latino Audience Initiative (LAI) launched in 2002, which helped
connect Latino artists and audiences with the Ford. An LAI advisory committee was created within that same year and helped the Ford achieve
remarkable success, increasing Latino audience attendance from 13 percent to 40 percent and raising performing artist participation
eight-fold to 60 events over a three year period.
Goals …
For the immediate future, Community Bridges has a special focus on connecting the Ford with L.A.’s burgeoning Asian Pacific Islander
populations while continuing its work with Latino communities. In the long term, Community Bridges will work to build awareness among
and invite participation by parts of the community not yet fully represented on the Ford’s stage or in its audience.
Now …
The Community Outreach Partnership Program is one means by which Community Bridges accomplishes its mission. Through this program,
Ford performers conduct workshops at 16 youth and social service centers based in Asian Pacific Islander and Latino communities within
the LA County. Participants and their families are invited to several events throughout the Ford season, with free tickets, transportation,
and interactive artist workshops provided by the Ford in collaboration with the performers.
To raise the support and visibility of artists creating new work, Community Bridges produces The [INSIDE] Performances featuring
plays and performance art by established and emerging artists. Readings take place in the Ford’s smaller 87 seat [INSIDE] the Ford
theatre followed by a question and answer session. A meet & greet reception completes the afternoon.
Community Bridges is a program of the Ford Theatre Foundation and is supported with generous grants from The James Irvine Foundation
and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Latino Arts Initiative Trends from 2001 to 2004
Latino Audience Initiative - 3rd Year Final Report
Latino Audience Initiative - 2nd Year Highlights from Irvine Foundation 2003-4 Interim Report
LAI Community Partners
Blythe Street Project
Guadalupe Community Center
Bresee Foundation
LACER After School Programs
L.A. Music and Art School
Las Palmas Park
Mud Town Arts
Tia Chucha's Cafe Cultural
A Place Called Home
Plaza de la Raza
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