Executive Summary

Keshet’s purpose is to actuate change responsive to social and community needs in the areas of juvenile justice and access to dance for individuals with disabilities; to advance the arts economy and support arts entrepreneurs via a wide array of resources; and to create/offer professional contemporary dance experiences and opportunities.

Keshet moves art beyond a supporting role and positions art, and the artists, as critical contributing components of the community's cultural ecosystem - as voices for and makers of social change; as economically viable businesses; as a gathering space for creativity, human connection, and education; and as a proponent of inclusivity. All initiatives are developed and refined in response to an articulated community need with ongoing community feedback. Keshet’s programming shares the value of the arts in the context of community, culture, and history – offering shared experiences and educational opportunities that bring together diverse participants within community

Keshet’s staff includes a full representation of communities served, including formerly incarcerated individuals, justice system-impacted youth leaders, individuals with disabilities, and arts entrepreneurs. Beyond staff, Keshet engages these communities in leadership cohorts to ensure authentic stewardship of all programming.

Keshet offers approximately 100 classes/week and reaches 5,000-7,000 community members annually.

Centering the arts, Keshet’s vision is empowered individuals, nurtured community, and sustained equity.

Successes include policy change progress including mentorship access from youth prison to parole, individual achievements in graduations, job placements, healthy relationships, establishing the first pre-professional dance program in the country for dancers with disabilities, job creation via entrepreneurial endeavors.

Organizations may provide budget and employee data based on this proposal or the organization as a whole. For more information on this proposal or organization, please email us.