The San Diego for Commission for Arts and Culture has awarded Camarada this grant for the past 27 years. These operating funds help us fulfill our mission to partner with local and visiting guest artists, museums, galleries and performing arts centers to create musical experiences that uplift audiences and provide our region with cultural energy vital to a healthy and vibrant community. Thank you to the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture for its incredible support of the arts and culture in San Diego!

We are honored to be selected as a grantee in the second year of the The Conrad Prebys Foundation grant program. The Visual & Performing Arts’ funds awarded to us make it possible for Camarada to achieve our goal of presenting concerts ranging from duets to a ten-person ensemble in the classical, tango & jazz styles, across a wide variety of non-profit venues, to impact a large and diverse audience. Thank you to The Conrad Prebys Foundation your commitment to improving the lives of and providing opportunities for all San Diegans!

Thank you so much for your interest and support of Camarada Cabernet Concert Series. On behalf of all of the Camarada artists and board members we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your generous donation supports us in bringing the joy of chamber music to the San Diego community. Our mission is to continue performing unique and inspiring concerts of musical masterworks in intimate settings.

The San Diego Foundation and its former director of arts and culture, Felicia Shaw, came up with the novel idea of funding artists directly. The result was the Creative Catalyst program, which has had an effect well beyond the approximately $485,000 it provided artists in 2012 and in 2014.

The 25 artists — 15 the first year and 10 the second — who partnered with a sponsoring nonprofit cultural institution ranged from pipa player Wu Man to artist Margaret Noble, from puppeteer Iain Gunn to the pop musician Joel P. West, and almost without exception, they continue to be a vital force in the community.

“Artists are obviously a really important engine for the local economy,” said Emily Young, the foundation’s vice president for community impact. “Investing in these artists and their development really helps to fuel San Diego’s creative economy for the future.”

The 10 Creative Catalyst program recipients for 2015 are a diverse group that includes filmmakers, writers, musicians and playwrights. Each will receive $20,000 to work on a project that goes beyond just being a work of art.

“The common denominator between all of them is enthusiasm and a deep understanding and desire to learn more about their art form, collaborate with others, and give back to their community,” said Jill Hill, who has been a key panel member with the program since its inception.

“At this point, we’re not just looking at a great art project, but what it will do to make San Diego better.”

This is Camarada’s 16th year to receive the County of San Diego Community Enhancement Grant. These funds will support our collaboration with Bread & Salt, The Athenaeum & Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan. See our calendar for performance dates and details. Thank you to Supervisor Nora Vargas for the continued support of Camarada’s presence in San Diego!

2015, 2017 & 2018 – The City of Encinitas has awarded Camarada funding for the Cabaret Concert Series to be presented at the Encinitas Public Library. Thank you to the City of Encinitas for making it possible to bring Ann Chase’s eclectic series to the people of Encinitas and San Diego!