Lin-Manuel Miranda Creates Arts Fund for Puerto Rico After Hurricane Destruction
The smash hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” will tour Puerto Rico next year, but creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will also be bringing a multi-million arts fund to help rebuild the island’s arts and cultural scene.
The island is still recovering from Hurricane Maria, which caused mass destruction back in September and left thousands dead.
There are still ongoing reports disclosing the lack of preparation from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.
Cultural and artistic communities in Puerto Rico have been hit especially hard by the Category four storm, losing government and nonprofit support amid an 11-year recession.
During a visit to the island on Sunday, Miranda said that he hoped the new fund would grow to $15 million in upcoming years. All funds from the upcoming “Hamilton” show performing in early 2019 in Puerto Rico will be donated to the fund as well.
“As someone whose life has been transformed by the power of the arts, and who has witnessed the incredible healing, growth, stability and well-being that cultural institutions can bring to local communities, I cannot stand idly by and watch Puerto Rico’s arts and culture scene suffer,” said Lin-Manuel Miranda. “And that is exactly why we have created the Flamboyan Arts Fund.”
The fund will seek to support various institutions and arts groups as well as independent artists, musicians, and galleries. At least five recipients have been announced, including a dance school and a theater company.
“Amidst all these essential [hurricane relief] efforts, our arts and culture cannot be forgotten,” Miranda tweeted on Sunday. “Artists entertain, inspire, heal, gives voice to the voiceless, call out injustice, and keep us in touch with our humanity. So we’re [going to] have their backs.”
“Hamilton” will be performed at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, in January 2019.
Nearly 1,000 More People Died in Puerto Rico After Hurricane María
Thank you for sharing thus post with us
Great idea
???