Art has the capacity to transform society, and a vibrant cultural landscape enriches our community immeasurably. The Koret Foundation’s commitment to the arts has been a cornerstone of our work over the past nearly 50 years.

At its best, art is intersectional, allowing people to experience content across disciplines.It is a common language that brings people together to learn new skills or simply view the world in a different way. The SF Symphony’s Music and Mentors program has partnered with San Francisco schools for over twenty years to bring professional musicians into classrooms to train small groups or individual students. In the music ensembles, students develop not only their musical aptitude but also confidence, collaboration and communication skills.  

The USC Shoah Foundation has just published “Art in My Heart,” a digital book that uses vibrant illustrations to weave together the stories of three refugee survivors from South Sudan, Armenia, and Austria. Projects like this represent the next phase of Holocaust education, one that is more global, more interactive, and more technologically-integrated. This new approach uses history to help young people build empathy and address contemporary forms of antisemitism and discrimination. 

This newsletter also highlights several Koret grantees ensuring public access to meaningful art. The JCCSF premiered a poignant and powerful interactive Passover art installation, the Israel Museum celebrated their 60 year anniversary, and Music@Menlo is preparing to start its 23rd season of concerts, lectures, and training for aspiring musicians. 

Art is a uniting force for good. We hope you enjoy reading about the ways in which these projects open minds to new perspectives and contribute to a better understanding of the issues of our time. 

Jeffrey Farber
CEO

Danielle Foreman
Chief Program Officer

SF Symphony’s Music and Mentors Program: Explanding the bandwidth

SF Symphony’s Music and Mentor’s program provides San Francisco students access to small group or individual instruction with professional musicians. Teachers rave about the program’s ability to foster a love of music in young people and bring their musicianship to the next level. Read the full story here.

USC Shoah Foundation: A global approach to Holocaust education

The USC Shoah Foundation published “Art in My Heart,” a digital book for young readers. The book uses the stories of three individuals who fled their homes as a way to teach valuable lessons about standing up against antisemitism and discrimination Read the full story here.

Koret Grantees in the News

The Magnes Collection hosts a succssful BookFest Berkeley’s Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life hosted authors and artists to speak about their work to over 300 attendees. Read more.	The San Francisco YMCA opens new Dogpatch location The YMCA celebrated the opening of its first new location in 30 years with a joyful block party. Read more.	“Among Neighbors” shows in Israeli theaters Screenings of “Among Neighbors” were so popular in Israel that its limited run was extended so more viewers could see this important film. Read more.