Grant Application for
Crooked Tree Arts Center
Mission Statement:
To create ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts.
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
23-7187264
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Angela
Morris
Address:
461 E Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI 49770
Email:
Phone Number:
231-347-1236
Website:
Project Name:
Dance Legends: Little Traverse Bay Celebrates Graham100
Project start and end dates:
May 1, 2026
October 31, 2026
Amount Requested:
$
3000
Project Description:
Crooked Tree Arts Center will present a multidisciplinary program celebrating the centennial of Martha Graham while expanding access to high-quality dance in Northern Michigan. The project includes reconstruction and performance of Appalachian Spring and Lamentation by students and alumni under professional direction; a gallery exhibition featuring photographs by Barbara Morgan alongside a juried movement-based exhibit; and lecture-demonstrations in schools and community settings.
The program also includes the creation of Our Own American Document, a new, community-informed dance work inspired by Graham’s original, developed with input from local historians and diverse regional voices. Through performances, education, and community collaboration, the project connects local stories to broader cultural history while increasing access to professional repertory, deepening arts education, and fostering inclusive participation.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
3000
What percentage are female?
55
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
While CTAC programs serve all genders, Hestia funds will primarily support opportunities for women and girls, who make up the vast majority of participants. The Crooked Tree School of Ballet is overwhelmingly female, with girls ages 4–18 leading most performances and creative work.
This project centers female artistic legacy and participation. Students will study and perform works by Martha Graham, one of the most influential female choreographers in history, while a concurrent exhibition highlights Barbara Morgan, whose photography helped define and elevate Graham’s work. Together, these components provide young women with visible role models in both dance and visual art.
In addition, female students will take on prominent performance roles and engage deeply with historically significant repertory, building confidence, artistic voice, and a stronger sense of belonging within the field.
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Dancers and performers are selected by the founder of the School of Ballet in consultation with artistic leadership, based on technical ability, commitment, and readiness to engage with historically significant repertory. This ensures participants are prepared for the rigor of performing works by Martha Graham.
For public components—including performances, lecture-demonstrations, and the exhibition featuring Barbara Morgan—participation is open to all, with intentional efforts to remove barriers through free or low-cost access.
Financial need is a key consideration in ensuring equitable participation. CTAC provides substantial tuition assistance, with up to 95% support available, and approximately 40% of dance students receiving aid. Scholarships are both need- and merit-based, and financial assistance is available to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation for dancers or audiences.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
Through this project, CTAC will expand access to high-quality arts experiences while elevating the confidence, visibility, and leadership of women and girls in the performing arts. By engaging primarily female students in the study and performance of works by Martha Graham, participants gain exposure to a pioneering artist whose legacy reshaped the field. A concurrent exhibition featuring Barbara Morgan further highlights the impact of women across artistic disciplines.
Participants will perform and interpret historically significant work, building confidence, creative voice, and a sense of belonging in a field where women are often underrepresented in leadership roles. The project also benefits the broader community by increasing awareness of women’s cultural contributions.
This work aligns with Hestia’s mission by supporting programs that empower women and girls, foster creative development, and expand opportunities for leadership, expression, and visibility.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
CTAC will measure impact by evaluating access, education, and community engagement. We will track participation across performances, lecture-demonstrations, exhibitions, and number of dancers and partners engaged, as well as free or reduced-cost tickets distributed. Educational impact will be assessed through participant feedback to measure growth in dance knowledge, artistic confidence, and understanding of Martha Graham’s legacy. Community impact will be evaluated through audience surveys, talkbacks, and testimonials to assess connection, representation, and civic reflection. Success will be defined by strong participation, demonstrated learning, and increased community connection.
Grant Project Budget Form
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