“The beautiful free chamber concerts ‘In The Stacks’ bring much joy and peace to soothe the soul. Thank you for sharing the world-renowned, top-notch musicians who bring their talent to those of us who deeply appreciate it!” -Linda Sweet CARMEL DANCE FESTIVAL Year Founded: 2021 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 15 volunteers Budget: $450,000 (310) 923-2766 carmeldancefestival.org BIG IDEA: Terpsichore is the Greek muse of dance, and the namesake of Carmel Dance Festival’s Big Idea. Donations support its Terpsichore Project, full scholarships for diverse, young dancers who wish to serve their community. Dancers receive technique training and mentorship and share their artistry at hospitals, senior care facilities and other community spaces throughout the county. MCGives! proceeds will also support the Festival, an annual week-long, multi-venue celebration of dance. “Being part of Carmel Dance Festival’s Terpsichore Project has been life-changing for me. There’s no better feeling than taking everything we’ve worked on in the studio and sharing it with our community. Connecting with people through performance is exactly why I love what I do.” -Jojo Knipp, 15 CARMEL GUITAR SOCIETY Year Founded: 1961 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 8 volunteers Budget: $46,000 (831) 316-3230 carmelguitarsociety.org BIG IDEA: Now in its 65th year, Carmel Guitar Society shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, this Big Idea will launch the nonprofit from a primarily Pacific Grove-based experience to a countywide classical guitar powerhouse. Donors will support the costs associated with expanding live guitar performances to venues in Monterey, Salinas and Carmel, like venue rental, artist fees and increased access to concerts and master classes for guitar students from underserved communities across Monterey County. “Through my participation in the Carmel Guitar Society, I’ve experienced tremendous personal growth—not only as a guitarist, but as a person. I’ve gained confidence, developed new skills, and learned that progress comes through patience, practice and the support of others. Every rehearsal, performance and gathering has offered an opportunity to learn something new and to appreciate the joy that music brings.” -James Calusdia CARMEL MUSIC SOCIETY Year Founded: 1927 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 7 volunteers Budget: $183,679 (831) 625-9938 carmelmusic.org BIG IDEA: Carmel Music Society wants to celebrate a big milestone in 2027 with some Big Ideas. This nonprofit marks 100 years next year and has plans for celebrations all year long. In addition to its concert tradition, Carmel Music Society will expand its Second Stage series of intimate performances and conversations with artists. Master classes and educational programming will provide more opportunities for inspiration and interaction. Finally, a Centennial Gala will bring together artists and supporters in celebration of our rich cultural heritage. “Carmel Music Society concerts are always a source of inspiration for me—being able to listen to world-class musicians in person, see their technique and even sometimes talk to them afterward is a great experience. I often leave with new ideas that I can apply to my own playing, as well as increased motivation as I am reminded of what is possible in the world of music.” -Amelia Forstell, 15 CARMEL PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION Year Founded: 1990 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 17 volunteers Budget: $743,795 (831) 624-2811 carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org BIG IDEA: Materials in the Carmel Public Library 30 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “It’s really fun getting creative.” -Beautiful, 8, Marina Youth Arts CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC ART Year Founded: 1988 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 4 paid, 52 volunteers Budget: $523,430 (831) 625-5181 photography.org BIG IDEA: The Center for Photographic Art currently awards artist grants to help photographers produce and share their art. This year’s Big Idea would expand this program while honoring CPA’s legacy. Did you know CPA was founded by visionary artists like Ansel Adams? Donations will help establish a dedicated environmental and conservation photography grant. This grant would prioritize visual storytelling that highlights restoration or habitat protection in California and examines how communities and threatened ecosystems intersect. “The Center for Photographic Art is a hidden gem in Carmel. This small nonprofit gallery stands where Ansel Adams once stood. CPA shares the legacy of those famous photographers who laid the foundation for the black-and-white print as well as the developing concepts and explorations of all that is possible using photographic processes. History, diversity and the power of the photograph are made evident through the Center for Photographic Art; I’m honored to have been a member for so many years.” -Nancy Sevier SPOTLIGHT
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