The International House of Blues Foundation is a
public charity (50(c)(3)) gunded by HOB Entertainment, Inc. and by
corporate and private donations. Decicated to promoting racial harmony
and multi-cultural awareness in primary and secondary school students.,
it is an independent entity that shares the House of Blues celebration
of the Blues and southern culture. The primary goal of the Foundation
is to join with other socially conscious groups in the vital effort to
put art and music back into publis schools. The Foundation was was
created in January 1993 when an assembly of Boston-area public school
and university educators, civic leaders, and House of Blues
representatives travelled to Oxford. Mississippi's Center For the
Study of Southern Culture. Under the guidance of the Center's
director, Professor William Ferris, discussions were held to determine
what sorts of educational outreach programs would be effective and
appropriate to further the goals outlined above. Several short,
medium, and long range program objectives were established, and a Board
of Directors were established, and a Board of Directors formed to guide
these efforts.
The Foundation aims to provide a deep and lasting impact. As students
explore the history of Blues music and the African-American experience
that created it, they learn of the roots and progression of a rich
culture and gain understanding of how it began and why it continues to
flourish. From this, they develop a greater awareness and respect for
all diverse cultures that make up the fabric of American life.
HOUSE OF BLUES SCHOOL ROOM
Three days a week, the House of Blues becomes a
classroom from 9 a.m. until mid-day. A unique curriculum, designed by
the Foundation staff of educators, uses American music history as a
"time-line" to provide an interactive educational experience. The
program incorporates our folk art collection and live music to teach
history, sociology,. and civil rights. The program has been enormously
successful with over 5,000 students (grades 5-12) participating in our
first year.
RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM
Taking the tours to the schools, the Foundation
organizes and funds visits to schools by musicians, artists, and race
relations expert. Planned variations of this program include master
classes given to music students by professional musicians, travelling
art exhibits, as well as forums and workshops aimed at raising
consciousness through exposure to the rich cultural heritage of the
Blues.
BLUES AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Every year in every House of Blues location, the
Foundation funds four one-thousand dollar college scholarships
(renewable for four years). Recipients are high school seniors
pursuing college studies in music, the arts, or human relations. The
program is in its second year in the Boston, Massachusetts area, and
was initiated in New Orleans during Spring graduation 1994.
Scholarships will be awarded in Los Angeles at the end of the summer to
students beginning college this coming Fall.
Other House of Blues Foundation programs include the creation of
teacher resource packages, resource centers, and the development of a
public school curriculum and educational support products.
IUMA / House of Blues Foundation
