Those who love music and those who want to pursue it for a career will be happy to know there is a new fund in town they can apply to.
Former councillor Meg Fellowes has entrusted the Squamish Community Foundation to establish a music fund to promote music education in the community.
The newly established Music Making Squamish Fund is established to support musical education and expression in Squamish, said Ashley Oakes, the foundation manager of the Squamish Community Foundation. The revenue earned on this endowed fund will facilitate community-wide participation in music regardless of ability or age and assist dedicated musicians to further their music education,” Oaks said.
The fund will also help promote the diversity of cultural and ethnic musical expression in Squamish and support musical community events, activities, and performances with a focus on amateur performing artists.
Meg Fellowes is an outstanding example of how an individual with a vision for the community can partner with Squamish Community Foundation to make a difference, Oaks noted.
Fellowes looked back at her life experiences to explain why she established the fund. “Throughout my turbulent-teen-transition-time, aka high school, singing in the school choir got me out of bed in the mornings,” she said.
Fellowes said while math, science and computer programming develop analytic, linear thinking skills, it was the arts and music that fostered collaborative and creative thinking.
“This problem is much larger than helping a few people who can’t afford private music lessons, but it’s a start. Through the good fortune of downsizing, I’m able to give back to the community that has nurtured me for nearly four decades. I am grateful that the Squamish Community Foundation has the experience to help me with this adventure.”
Squamish Community Foundation and Meg Fellowes invite all donors interested in supporting this initiative to contribute to the Music Making Squamish Fund.
Priority for applicants to this annual funding will be given to:
- Access Music Education (Needs Based): intended to provide lessons and/or instruments for people of all ages and abilities who otherwise could not afford to participate in the music program.
- Access Music Education (Merit Based): intended to provide scholarships for individuals continuing their music studies.
- Music Therapy Access and Program support: to provide financial assistance to persons with autism, Alzheimer’s, development disabilities, etc.
Applications for this funding will be made available in May for the first time and registered charities are encouraged to apply for the up to $2,000 in grants available in this first year.
