FEATURED FUND: ASOCIACION DE ARTES DEL MAR DE CORTEZ FUND

In the Spring of 2002 the Asociación de Artes del Mar de Cortez Fund at ICF was established at the International Community Foundation by Carlos José Van Wormer-Ruíz to provide general charitable support to Asociación de Artes del Mar de Cortez, A.C.

In 1999 residents from Los Barriles, in the East Cape area of Baja California Sur came together to form the Asociación de Artes del Mar de Cortez, A.C. The objective of this non-profit organization is to encourage the appreciation of all forms of artistic expression by sponsoring multicultural arts festival and promote local and regional artisans.
By promoting local artisians and their crafts, the Asociación, is helping to stimulate micro-enterprises that not only promote local economic development but help many rural and economically marginalized families to preserve their traditional ways of life.

The Asociación activities include raising monies for the purchase of supplemental art supplies and equipment to arts programs in schools in the East Cape area; as well as to support the development of a multicultural Community Center for the Arts in Los Barriles. The planned Multicultural Community Center will provide a variety of art classes, exhibits, performances and educational programs for the benefit of Mexican and foreign residents as well as visitors. The Center, is named after “Profesora” Rosa González de Ruíz, a dedicated East Cape teacher. The Asociación has accepted the generous offer of the old Ruíz property with gratitude. The buildings will be restored and an artist’s consignment shop will be opened. Future plans call for renovation of buildings to become classrooms, an outdoor theater, a library, a computer area and a community garden, to name a few.

Most recently the Asociación de Artes del Mar de Cortez, A.C. received a donation of US$16,265 from the sponsor of the Lynn Rose East Cape Fishing Tournament. This sum is to be matched over the next year by the Van Wormer Ruiz Family, owners of Hotel Palmas de Cortez in los Barriles. Current Asociación sponsored art classes feature drawing and mask making. Also, a volunteer plans to teach local women the art of weaving. Other activities are being planned for the near future.

The Board of Directors of the Asociación has initiated a major fund raising campaign. Plans call for home tours; as well as events to be held at the Center in the community and at the annual Festival de Artes to be held April 6, 2003 at the Hotel Palmas de Cortez.

If you would like contribute to the Asociación the Artes del Mar de Cortez Fund, please contact Richard Kiy at 619.235.2300.