Articulations

Austin Theatre for Youth received an enormous show of support in the form of a $50,000 challenge grant from the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation. The local theatre company, which produces plays for pre-school-age and school-age audiences, is only just about to start its second season -- it opens The Christmas Schooner December 7 -- so it hasn't established the track record that generally helps arts organizations win contributions of this size. While the Rapoports are quoted by the foundation as believing ATY is "an outstanding organization dedicated to expanding the dramatic and literary horizons of young people" -- a judgment with which we agree -- it's worth noting the Burnt Orange Connection here: Mr. Rapoport is the chair of the UT Board of Regents, and the ATY Board Fundraising Chair is Isabella Cunningham, who's married to UT Chancellor William Cunningham. For more info about ATY, call 459-7144.

Women & Their Work has been given $30,000 from the Meadows Foundation to replenish its operating cash reserve. In the fall W&TW newsletter, Board President Connie Arismendi is quoted as saying, "Support from private foundations like the Meadows, corporations, and individuals is essential to the survival of nonprofit art organizations because of the drastic cuts in federal and state support for art," after which the uncredited author of the item reminds us that Texas, despite being the second largest state and having the third largest population of artists in the Union, ranks 53rd among the U.S. states and protectorates in per capita funding for the arts. That's after Guam and the Marianas Islands. Ouch! Like we needed reminding! Somebody call the Lege! For more info on W&TW, call 477-1064.

Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklórico de Texas has an official sponsor for its 1996 Winter Tour. Southwestern Bell is providing support for the 13-year-old dance troupe as it performs four dates around town this month and next month. Two performances have already taken place, but fans can still see the annual Children's Recital December 7, 3pm, at Bowie High and the performance at the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park December 13, 7pm. For more info, call 928-1111.

Sharing the Opera Gospel

Austin Lyric Opera wants everyone to enjoy their chosen artform. They've formed a new social group, La Noche de Opera, to help share the joy of opera with more folks in the Hispanic community. Before every Saturday performance in the season, the group gathers for a reception where they can meet ALO General Director Joseph McClain and singers from the operas. ALO is also having one show in each season production audio-described by Austin Access Arts, an organization providing narrated descriptions to audience members with visual impairments. For The Magic Flute, AAA will provide audio descriptions Monday, November 25, 7pm. For more opera info, call 472-5927; for AAA info, call 499-0255.

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Send literary, performing, and visual arts news to: "Articulations," PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765 or onstage@auschron.com