RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts recently received a $20,000 grant to fund its “Curtains Up For Kids” and “Kids Shows at the Basie” programs. The grant comes from the The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.
“This grant from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey will enable the Basie Center to continue its important work in creating programming for schools, and attracting popular children’s titles so that families may experience the joy of theater,” said Maria Sorensen, Vice President, Development, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “We are very grateful for the Horizon Foundation’s support of these initiatives.”
The “Curtains Up For Kids” is a school bus-in program that combines educational, onstage performance with visits from teaching artists, and classroom materials. This program has provided over 40,000 students with the experience, perhaps their first, of live theater since 2013.
The “Kids Shows at the Basie” program is a series of family-friendly programming, producing onstage adaptations of childhood favorites like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or “Goodnight Moon” to performances starring favorites like Daniel Tiger and Peppa Pig.
“We are pleased to support the Count Basie Center for the Arts,” said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey works closely with grantees who share our commitment to expand access to the arts and improve the quality of life throughout New Jersey communities.”
