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Friends of the Arts

How do we support the Arts?

The Friends of the Arts (FOA) is an MPH parent organization that works closely with faculty and administration to promote and support all areas of the literary, performing, and visual arts.  This is done through programs, workshops, and special events offered to MPH students by local and national artists.  The FOA also works to build collaborations with other organizations that benefit youth throughout our community.  FOA activities include:

MPH Jazz Fest: Each spring, FOA supports MPH’s jazz students in producing a spectacular performance.

Volunteer Support for Art Programs: FOA serves as a clearinghouse for parent volunteers to help with performing, visual and other arts events.

Networking: FOA members use their personal connections to leverage opportunities for students to benefit from community arts events, resources and performances on and off campus.

Parent ‘Talent’ Pool: FOA recruits parents who are involved in the arts as an avocation or vocation and willing to be a resource to MPH faculty by giving workshops or presentations, assisting with projects, and other means.

Grants

Funds raised from the Jazz Fest and Arts Invitational are used to make up to $1,500 available in arts grants for faculty and students each year.  The following grant offerings are available for faculty and upper school students.

Small Grants: Grants of up to $500 per department are awarded to faculty members to help plan and implement arts projects that benefit MPH students.  Funds are to support supplemental arts programs and activities that cannot be funded out of the MPH budget.

Just in Time Grants: Smaller grants are awarded to faculty to help fund opportunities that arise at last minute and require a quick turn-around in support.

Student Grants: A limited number of faculty-sponsored requests from upper school students are awarded that align with the FOA’s arts enrichment goals.

Membership to FOA is open to all parents, faculty, and staff who would like to help promote and support the arts in the lives of MPH students and our community. To volunteer your time, energy, or talents, or to inquiry about a grant application, please contact Nancy Smith.

Want to get involved in FOA? Click here to see our volunteer opportunities.