The Arts Council of Fairfax County recently announced recipients of its 2007-2008
grants for local arts organizations. These grants are awarded annually through
a competitive panel review process, in which organizations are evaluated for their
effective management, artistic quality and service to the community. Creative Cauldron
was one of two organizations to be awarded grants in all three eligible categories: 
general operating, project and organizational development, for a total award of  $16,958.

Creative Cauldron is a not-for-profit learning-in-the-arts organization operating in the greater
Falls Church/Eastern Fairfax County area since 2002.  It currently offers workshops,
summer camps and educational arts programs for children, teens and adults. 
Creative Cauldron places a high value on inclusiveness and programs that emphasize the
development of original work. The “cauldron” serves as a metaphor for collaboration,
experimentation and community.  Panelists who reviewed the grant applications lauded
Creative Cauldron for a “very creative and very impressive program, the outstanding
qualifications of staff and a willingness to actively solicit involvement from all community levels.”

The Arts Council awarded a project grant to Creative Cauldron in support of Kidsplay, an after
school arts enrichment program currently offered at Baileys Elementary for the Arts and
Sciences, Sleepy Hollow and Fairhill Elementary Schools.  Kidsplay is an innovative creative
arts workshop for students in grades K through 5 that offers theater, music, dance, and visual
art in one integrated program.  The grant will make this 20-hour workshop available to 40 children
who qualify for needs-based scholarships.

Creative Cauldron also received an organizational development grant for professional
consulting services related to the Pearson Square arts space project in Falls Church. 
Creative Cauldron and Falls Church Arts are scheduled to take up occupancy in a 3,000 square
foot space in the mixed-use development later this year.  When fully operational, the space will
provide a home base for Creative Cauldron’s educational programs including an intergenerational
theater company.  It will also serve as an arts incubator in the community, providing an affordable
100-seat venue for other performing artists and organizations.  Falls Church Arts will maintain a
visual arts gallery with rotating exhibits on-site.            
 
Target Stores Sponsors Arts Adventure Camp

For the fourth year in a row, Creative Cauldron also received a grant from the Target Stores in
support of its Arts Adventure Camp program.  Arts Adventure Camp is a signature day camp
that combines the performing and visual arts with an exploration of nature.  Grant monies will be
used to expand scholarship opportunities.