Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story

When it comes to excellence in the arts - few can compare to the incomparable Liza!

Woven throughout this new documentary from American Masters is an ode to the mentors and influences that helped develop one of the most enigmatic talents of our time. Watching Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story you're reminded just how special she is and how deeply imprinted she's been on our culture.

Watch the documentary here:

https://www.thirteen.org/programs/american-masters/liza-a-truly-terrific-absolutely-true-story-jmqhn5/ 

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for a new work. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

Applications Available for Masterwork's 2025-2026 Community Arts Grants

4 Community Arts Grants Available!

Applicants must submit their entries to masterworkarts@gmail.com by midnight Friday, June 6 to be considered for the 2025-2026 grant season.

 

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation is pleased to offer a number of community grants to organizations or individuals striving for excellence in the arts. 

For the 2025-2026 community grant season, we’ll be giving out four grants. One grant will be given at the $1,000 level. Three additional grants will be issued at the $500 level. The Masterwork Board encourages individual aspiring artists and arts organizations located in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut to apply. 

 

Here are more specifics on our grant criteria: 

• We’re looking for the best proposals for arts projects that encompasses fine and performing arts - including music, dance, the visual arts, and nonprofit theatrical productions that engage the community. 
• Volunteer involvement is an important factor. Please explain how volunteers will be engaged for your submission.
• Individual aspiring artists and arts organizations in New Jersey and New York are encouraged to apply.
• Works that illustrate a commitment to excellence in the arts -- either through theme or by design will receive greater consideration.
• Note that this award is not intended to cover operating expenses or support for a fundraising initiative.
• 2024-2025 Community Grant Awardees should not apply. 
• Applicants will need to email masterworkarts@gmail.com for an official form and then submit the completed form to masterworkarts@gmail.com by midnight Friday, June 6, 2025. 
• Applicants should identify how The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation will be recognized in relation to the work. 

Awardees agree to be featured in Masterwork Arts promotional materials and promote Masterwork Arts offerings.

 Awardees will be notified the week of June 30, 2025. 

How to apply:

 

Email masterworkarts@gmail.com for your application. Fill it out and email it back to masterworkarts@gmail.com  before midnight Friday, June 6, 2025. 

 

For questions about the above contact masterworkarts@gmail.com

 

About Masterwork Arts  

 

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for a new work. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

 

The Stephen Petronio Dance Company's Final Season

The Stephen Petronio Dance Company, a Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation Community Arts Grant Awardee, announced their final season.

After 40 years, numerous awards and an impressive catalogue of work, the Stephen Petronio Dance Company is presenting their final season at Jacob's Pillow from July 23-27. Here's a glimpse of what the final season will showcase: 

To get tickets to what's sure to be an unforgettable show, visit the Jacob's Pillow web site.

Included here is a timeline of the Company's events and activities:

Spring - Summer 2025 - New York Intensive - legacy research and rehearsal, free classes and open rehearsals.

Spring 2025 - Final season of Petronio Education Program in Greene County, NY Public School System led by Marcus McGregor.

July 23-27, 2025 - Final performances at Jacob's PillowDance Festival

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 - Creation of the Petronio Digital Archive

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 - Establish Reserve Fund for Blookdlines (futuer) Award. The fund is restricted for early career dancemakers working in experimental movement

Beloved and admired across the dance community and beyond, Stephen Petronio is a giant of Modern Dance. 

From Wikipedia: 

Petronio has been commissioned to create new works for numerous companies, including National Dance Company Wales, Ballet de Lorraine, William Forsythe's Ballett Frankfurt (1987), the Tulsa Opera (1990), the Deutsche Opera Berlin (1992), the Lyon Opera Ballet (1994), the Maggio Danza Florence (1996), and the Ricochet Dance Company of London (1998)

Stephen Petronio received a 1999 Foundation for Contemporary Arts Grants to Artists Award. Petronio received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1988, fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts in 1985 and 2004, the first of the American Choreographer Awards in 1987, and a New York Dance & Performance Award (Bessie) in 1986. He has been awarded choreography fellowships from the NEA from 1985 to 1988, and company grants from the NEA, like the Advancement Program Grant in 1994. He also received the New York State Council on the Arts consecutively since 1988. In 2007 Petronio was inducted into the Nutley, New Jersey Hall of Fame.

We wish Stephen and his company all the best and encourage all to celebrate his work by purchasing a ticket to their run at Jacob's Pillow or by making a tax-deductible donation. 

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for a new work. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

#Dance #StephenPetronio #MasterworkArts 

It's a Busy Spring for Camille A. Brown and Dancers!

We're thrilled to share that Masterwork's Premier Awardee continues to make headlines after the exuberant run of I AM at The Joyce in February. 

Here are some highlights from her very busy schedule: 

• Camille will be featured on PBS this Spring

Camille is featured in the PBS American Masters series In the Making. Here’s more on the segment:

Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps
Directed by Shellée Haynesworth and Michelle Parkerson

Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps follows the rising choreographer, director, and educator as she elevates the possible with bold explorations of everyday movement and African Diasporic dance. The film foregrounds her visionary talent—affirming urban youth, Black female identity, and community power—from her Queens, New York, neighborhood to the Broadway stage, television and movie screens, and schools around the world.

For more on the series, See: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/season-3-in-the-making/35096/ 

• Camille A. Brown and Dancers will kick off the McCarter Theatre Center's dance program with I AM!

McCarter Theatre Center Announces 2025-2026 Season

See: https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2025/04/02/mccarter-theatre-center-announces-its-2025-2026-theater-classical-music-and-dance-season/ 

• Camille was profiled in Broadway media twice

Camille A. Brown Shares the Advice that Changed Everything

See: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Interview-Camille-A-Brown-Shares-the-Advice-That-Changed-Everything-20250303 

Black History Month Spotlight: Gypsy and Hell’s Kitchen Choreographer Camille A. Brown

See: https://www.broadway.com/buzz/205237/black-history-month-spotlight-gypsy-and-hells-kitchen-choreographer-camille-a-brown/ 

• The Camille A. Brown and Dancers Company releases applications for free arts program

Camille A. Brown and Dancers is offering a free arts program for high school and college aged students: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn7kwbYs9cgHVsK6k6s74RMTg5WvLBTEy3at-YLg0GI_6BhA/viewform  

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for a new work. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

Camille A. Brown at The Joyce!

 Masterwork Premier Awardee, Camille A. Brown and Dancers, will have the New York City premier of the work I AM at The Joyce this February!

 

 On of the busiest and most talented choreographers working today will be premiering I AM at the Joyce from Wednesday, February 5th through the Sunday, February 9th. Don't miss this exhuberant work that "explores Black Joy." 

For tickets, visit The Joyce Theater.

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for a new work. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

 

Support an Emerging Artist

             Masterwork's Emerging Artist Grant offers donors input on the awardee process!

 

 

 

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation is launching a new grant for en emerging artist with the intention of helping artists with a cash award when they need it most - at the beginning of their careers. With this award, Masterwork is opening up the review process to donors to help determine who should receive the award.  Anyone who makes a contribution at www.masterworkarts.org of any size will be able to weigh in on how the gift is awarded.

 

100% of all donations to Masterwork go to benefit an artist or arts organization, which provides maximum value for your contribution. 

 

For more about the Emerging Artist Grant,  visit www.masterworkarts.org or follow us on Facebook. 

 

 The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for a new work. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Double your impact with a gift to Masterwork on Giving Tuesday!

 This annual day of giving consider donating to the Masterwork Music and Art Foundation, where 100% of your gift goes to supporting art and artists. 

And today, thanks to a generous donor, your gift will be doubled! 

Double the impact of your support by making a donation today at www.masterworkarts.org !

#MasterworkArts #LovetheArtist #LovetheArts

Join us for a Life in the Arts Interview with David Edwards, Artistic Director of the Out of the Box Theatre

The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation (www.masterworkarts.org) is pleased to announce the launch of our next series of A Life in the Arts interview series with multi-hyphenate thespian, David Edwards, who's also the Artist Director of the Out of the Box Theatre. 

 Find out more about the Out of the Box Theatre (www.outoftheboxtheatre.com) and David (www.davidedwardsonline.com), who's had a storied career from Broadway and beyond, tonight, 7/29/24 at 7pm ET. 

Here's are the Zoom details: 

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. 

When: Jul 29, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: A Life in the Arts - David Edwards and Out of the Box 

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81338920119?pwd=ZaS27793S1HKZYk_Ckm6v6OyKEeTCA.SgwOcz6CcNIJMVolPasscode: 259618 

 For questions, contact masterworkarts@gmail.com.

 The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for an emerging artist. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

July Facebook Fundraiser Challenge for Masterwork

 Winner to receive 2 tickets to the Camille A. Brown & Dancers Premier of 'I AM'

The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation is offering two tickets to this special premier performance at the renowned Jacob's Pillow Festival to the top Facebook Fundraiser for Masterwork during the month of July.

 Never set up a Facebook Fundraiser before, no worries - follow these simple steps from your Facebook account: 

1. Click Fundraisers in the left menu of your News Feed
2. Click Raise Money
3. Select Nonprofit/Charity
   
4. Select Masterwork Music and Art Foundation, choose a cover photo and fill in the fundraiser details
5. Click Create 
6. Invite friends and family to donate to your fundraiser

100% of what you raise for Masterwork will go toward support art and artists through our grant programs.

For more about Camille A. Brown, visit: www.camilleabrown.org/

For more about the performance, see:

For questions, contact masterworkarts@gmail.com

 

Announcing our 2024 Community Arts Grant Awardees

 Announcing The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation 2024 Community Arts Grant Awardees

June 2024 

 

Our Community Grant Awards are designed to support organizations and people that encourage excellence in the arts at the community level. For the 2024-2025 community grant season, four grants were offered —  one at the $1,000 level and three at the $500 level.  Artists and arts organizations  in the tri-state area were encouraged to apply. 

Special thanks to Masterwork’s Program Committee - Joseph White, Eric Hafen, Eileen White, Tony Javed and Alice Glock for their work identifying award criteria and evaluating applicants.

We’re pleased to announce the following awardees:

 

 

·      Our $1,000 award goes to the Out of the Box Theatre.

 

Serving the New York community for over eighteen years, the mission of the Out of the Box Theater Company is three-fold – to provide opportunities for working professionals in their prime,most over the age of 50, to work outside the restrictions of age, race, sex, and disability,to make quality theatrical programming available to seniors and to present new interpretations of period plays.

For more about the Out of the Box Theatre Company, visit: https://www.outoftheboxtheatre.com/

 

 

·      Our three $500 awards go to  the Athens Cultural Center, The Friends of Beattie-Powers and the Stephen Petronio Dance Company respectively

 

·  1.  Athens Cultural Center  

 

The Athens Cultural Center's mission is to encourage an understanding and appreciation of arts and culture, to uplift creative voices within our community, and to create a welcoming atmosphere for all. ACC has been serving the upstate New York community for twenty years, offering a rich variety of exhibitions, events, and classes for art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.

 

For more about the ACC, visit: https://athensculturalcenter.org/

 

 

2. The Friends of Beattie-Powers

 

Serving the community of Catskill, NY for over twenty years, The Friends of Beattie-Powers are dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty and historic integrity of the Beattie-Powers grounds and circa 1840s house, while making it accessible to the public for programming “for all.”

 

For more about The Friends of Beattie-Powers, visit: https://www.beattiepowers.org/

 

3. The Stephen Petronio Dance Company

 

Founded in 1984, the mission of Stephen Petronio Company (SPC) is to support the vision of choreographer Stephen Petronio, which includes the creation and presentation of his existing and new works, alongside legacy initiatives meant to preserve the history of postmodern dance lineage, while also advancing its future through new works that honor and extend the history and offer a platform for a greater inclusivity of artistic voices.

The Stephen Petronio Dance Company also offers dance classes for youth through the Petronio Education Program (PEP) in Columbia and Greene counties, New York, which this award supports. 

For more about the Stephen Petronio Dance Company, visit: https://petron.io/  

 

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation has been supporting excellence in the arts for over 60 years. 100 percent of your donation funds art and artists through community grants, competitive awards, and a premier award for an emerging artist. Find out more at www.masterworkarts.org.

 

   #MasterworkArts

   #CommunityArts

   #LovetheArtist

   #LovetheArts

The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation’s 2024-2025 Community Arts Grants Applications Now Available

March 30, 2024

 

For the 2024-2025 award season, The Masterwork Music and Arts Foundation will issue  four community arts grants to organizations or individuals striving for excellence in the arts in the tri-state area. One grant will be given at the $1,000 level. Three additional grants will be issued at the $500 level. Individual aspiring artists and arts organizations located in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut are encouraged to apply.

 

Interested parties are encouraged to contact masterworkarts@gmail.com to receive an application and submit the completed form by midnight Wednesday, May 1 to be considered for the 2024-2025 grant season.

 

Here are more specifics on our grant criteria:

 

·      We’re looking for the best proposals for arts projects that encompass fine and performing arts - including music, dance, visual art, and nonprofit theatre productions that engage the community.

·      Volunteer involvement is an important factor. Please explain how volunteers will be engaged for your submission.

·      Applications that illustrate a commitment to excellence in the arts through theme and/or design will receive greater consideration.

·      Applications that illustrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through reach, theme and/or by design are encouraged to apply.

·      Note that this award is not intended to cover operating expenses or support for a fundraising initiative.

·      2023-2024 Community Grant Awardees should not apply.

·      Community Grant Awardees prior to 2023-2024 are encouraged to apply.

·      Applicants should identify how The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation will be recognized in relation to the work.

 

Awardees agree to be featured in Masterwork Arts promotional materials and promote Masterwork Arts offerings.

 

Awardees will be notified the week of June 16, 2024.

 

How to apply:

 

Email masterworkarts@gmail.com for your application. Fill it out and email it back to masterworkarts@gmail.com  before midnight Wednesday, May 1, 2023.

 

Questions? Contact masterworkarts@gmail.com.

 

About Masterwork Arts 

Masterwork Music & Art Foundation was founded more than 60 years ago in Morristown, New Jersey. The Founders, Shirley May and David Randolph, were passionate about the arts and understood the importance of nurturing developing artists and making the arts available to a broad audience. Generations of artists were influenced by the years of concerts, theatrical events and fine arts projects Masterwork Arts funded and produced. Today, Masterwork Arts supports excellence in the arts through a variety of grant offerings and awards, a virtual series “A Life in the Arts and virtual classes that are open to all.