Arts organizations throughout the Bay Area have been experiencing a particularly difficult time. Cuts in federal funding and the lingering effects of the pandemic have thrust organizations back into grave uncertainty. As the holiday season of giving and celebration approaches, we want to highlight several grantees who, through their hard work and creative philanthropic partnerships, are devising new ways to attract and engage Bay Area residents.

The San Francisco Opera is basking in the recent success of the world premiere of “The Monkey King.” This innovative production is the third in a multicultural series supported by Koret, intended to bring the opera experience to broader audiences. We spoke with General Director Matthew Shilvock, who explained how valuable philanthropic partnerships are in bolstering the opera in all aspects, from commissioning a new work, to creating sets, to ensuring ticket prices are affordable for new opera-goers.

We also showcase Bay Area Jewish Community Centers, where rotating art exhibits enhance visitors’ experiences, whether they attend a seminar with a visiting artist or just enjoy a brighter, more welcoming space. JCC staff members’ thoughtful curation and inventive programming around the exhibits serve to deepen visitors’ understanding of Jewish peoplehood and identity.

Additionally, we note the successful run of the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival, as well as exciting updates to the main galleries at the POLIN Museum in Warsaw.

Art in all its diverse forms is immensely enriching—at the JCC, at the opera, in a museum, in a movie theater. During this season, we hope you will find a moment to appreciate the creativity and beauty all around us. Here at Koret, we honor the immense efforts of our grantees to continue to provide impactful arts experiences for our community.

Happy Hanukkah and happy holidays to all who celebrate,

Jeffrey Farber
CEO