For local musicians looking to develop their skills, a new fund entrusted to the Squamish Community Foundation will be music to their ears.
The Music Making Squamish Fund will award grants to local charities that support music education and expression, such as by providing lessons and instruments to people who could not otherwise afford them, or by funding amateur performing artists.
Revenue earned on the endowed fund will support participation in the arts for all ages and abilities, help practicing musicians further develop their skills and education, support community activities and events, and aims to promote diversity of musical expression in Squamish.
Registered charities can apply for up to $2,000 in grants this year.
Long-time community member, and former District of Squamish municipal councillor Meg Fellowes, established the fund when she recently downsized from a house to an apartment. Music has always been important to her.
“My real joy in high school was singing in the choir,” she said. “That is what made me want to go to school.”
Now that she’s retired, Fellowes is using her free time to rediscover her love of music by taking guitar, voice and piano lessons, and songwriting and music theory classes. She established the fund in hopes she can help others do the same by making music accessible to more people.
“I think it’s a wonderful way to keep your brain going, meet people and just have a lot of fun,” she said. “We think of ourselves as an outdoor recreation community, which we are and that’s great, but I would like to see more emphasis on music and everybody’s ability to make it and participate in it, not just listen to it.”
Fellowes hopes the fund can support merit-based scholarships for those wishing to pursue further education in music, and provide financial assistance to people with autism, Alzheimer’s, and developmental disabilities seeking access to music therapy. Charities that support these types of programs, or that provide instruments and lessons to people who cannot afford them will be prioritized.
This is the first Squamish Community Foundation fund that supports access to music, something foundation manager Ashley Oakes says will be a benefit to residents.
“Although we’re an athletic community, there is a need as well for youth and adults to access arts,” she says. “As the community grows, that need will also grow. I think this helps balance out the athletic efforts of the community while helping the artistic endeavours as well.”
Although Fellowes may have started the fund, she and the Squamish Community Foundation are inviting other donors interested in supporting local musicians and music education to contribute.
The endowment fund will grow over time, and the interest earned will be used to provide grants to the community in perpetuity. Squamish registered charities are welcome to apply. The fund is expected to provide at least $2,000 of annual funding.
Applications will be open from May 1 to May 30. For more information about the Music Making Squamish Fund and other grants, and to apply, visit www.squamishfoundation.com.
