shifting sands initiative

sponsored by the Ford Foundation

Thanks to a planning grant from the Ford Foundation, in 2007 ISDA will begin participating in the Foundation's Shifting Sands Initiative.

The purpose of the Initiative is to assist communities that are experiencing significant demographic and economic change-such as Ajo-to explore how arts and culture can be pivotal in preserving cultural identities at risk of being lost.

During the planning grant period, ISDA will sponsor dialogues in Ajo to explore the use of public art installations and community festivals that would bring Ajo's rich multicultural heritage to the forefront.

In its first year, our initiative will focus on Ajo's Native American cultural heritage.