The Open Meadows Foundation Grants is dedicated to providing support to organization committed to supporting projects & initiatives that promote gender, racial, and economic justice, This grants is managed and operated by Open Meadows Foundation.
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As a catalyst for social change, they provide funding to both 501c3 organizations and individuals, with a special focus on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
In this article, we will explore the Open Meadows Foundation Grants Program and celebrate the winners of the Nancy Dean Lesbian Playwriting Award, which honors powerful works centered on lesbian voices and viewpoints.
Open Meadows Foundation Grants Program
The Open Meadows Foundation Grants Program plays a crucial role in nurturing and empowering initiatives that strive for a more just and equitable world.
Through financial support and recognition, the foundation uplifts projects that champion gender equality, racial justice, and economic inclusivity.
Their dedication to funding 501c3 organizations and individuals showcases their commitment to supporting diverse approaches to social progress.
Celebrating the Nancy Dean Lesbian Playwriting Award Winners
The Nancy Dean Lesbian Playwriting Award is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to amplifying the voices of lesbian, queer, gay, trans, and nonbinary women.
This prestigious award honors the memory of Nancy Dean, who played a pivotal role in the early movements for LGBTQIA+ rights. Her groundbreaking work on lesbian relationships laid the foundation for social change and greater acceptance.
Open Meadows Foundation Grants 2020 Award Winners
The Open Meadows Foundation Grants 2020 proudly recognized three exceptional playwrights for their works, celebrating lesbian voices and experiences:
1. Monica Palacios – I Kissed Chavela Vargas ($5000)
Monica Palacios’ “I Kissed Chavela Vargas” is a captivating memory play enriched with music that revolves around three generations of Chicanas. The performance piece delves into themes of performing, aging, healing, female sexuality, and grace.
It beautifully portrays the struggles and relationships of a mother, daughter, and granddaughter, ultimately leading them to find love. This submission’s compelling characters demand a stage performance for the public to witness and appreciate.
2. Alexandria Espinoza – HOMORIDAE ($2500)
In “HOMORIDAE,” playwright Alexandria Espinoza explores the unique challenges faced by black students and professors at Ivy League Schools. The play delves into questions of identity and significance as Nessa, a woman of color, navigates the world of Classics Studies. Professor Esmond, in an intriguing twist, finds himself conversing with a statue of Homer
The play’s theatricality, coupled with a reimagination of ancient history and a made-up ancient language, promises a compelling storytelling experience.
3. Barbara Khan – Verzet: Amsterdam (Resistance Amsterdam) ($1250)
Barbara Khan’s “Verzet: Amsterdam (Resistance Amsterdam)” takes us back to the WWII era in Amsterdam, where artists work for the resistance.
These characters, including Jewish, queer, immigrant, and communist individuals, utilize their artistic talents to create identification cards and establish underground networks.
Their objective is to aid the escape of targeted populations from the occupying German forces and their collaborators.
Barbara’s vivid imagination weaves together gripping conversations among these characters, presenting an inspiring narrative of courage and resilience.
Please Note
At present, the Open Meadows Foundation is undergoing a re-organizational phase and, as a result, is not accepting new grant applications.
However, they promise to update their website as soon as they are ready to announce their new programming, ensuring continued support for impactful projects in the future.
The Open Meadows Foundation’s commitment to promoting gender, racial, and economic justice through its grant program is truly commendable.
By celebrating the winners of the Nancy Dean Lesbian Playwriting Award, the foundation further reinforces its dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices and stories.
While the foundation is currently re-organizing and not accepting new applications, aspiring change-makers can look forward to future opportunities to secure funding and support for their impactful projects.
For questions or comments, please reach out to the Open Meadows Foundation at official website.