Interprogram Program

Interprogram grants explore the connections that tie together the Foundation's four program areas: arts, health, environment, and Jewish Life; and they encourage collaboration among program directors and cross-fertilization of ideas. These grants touch on two or more of our program areas and reflect the basic themes that carry through all of our programs, such as concern for future generations. In 1992, we made grants to groups working on environmental health, particularly groups providing technical assistance to grassroots organizations fighting toxic waste and dumping. We funded the work of artlsts who give new expression and interpretation to environmental issues, media productions that address women and AIDS and teenage health issues, and also efforts to support the emerging environmental movement in Israel.

Several of our grantees are described in detail below.

CENTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD'S CENTER FOR SAFETY IN THE ARTS
NewYork, NewYork $50,000

Artists, art teachers, hobbyists, and children are exposed to a wide variety of hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately artists often use these chemicals without taking adequate precautions, and often without knowledge that they are hazardous. Examples of occupational diseases from exposure to art materials include lead poisoning in stained glass artists, respiratory problems in photographers, and neuropathy in silk screen artists. The Center for Safety in the Arts is a national clearinghouse for research and education on health and safety hazards in the visual and performing arts, museums, and arts programs in schools. Their programs, which serve a national constituency, include an Arts Hazards Information Center and phone bank, the Arts Hazards newsletter, educational programs, consultative programs, and an on-line information service and database. The grant was to enable CSA to design a long range plan to solidify support for the organization.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COALITION
San Diego, California $35,000

The Environmental Health Coalition works to protect low income communities from the effects of toxic pollution in the San Diego area. This grant was to support three major efforts: the Toxic-Free Neighborhoods Camp aign, the San Diego/Tijuana Border Project, and Community Assistance program. Each of these efforts employ a variety of tactical strategies including public education campaigns in the affected neighborhood; emphasis on the recruitment, training, and involvement of local citizens; technical assistance; cooperative efforts with Mexican groups in Tijuana to protect watersheds that cross the border; community surveys and presentations; information and factgathering; and policy development and advocacy. ance program. Each of these efforts employ a variety of tactical strategies including public education campaigns in the affected neighborhood; emphasis on the recruitment, training, and involvement of local citizens; technical assistance; cooperative efforts with Mexican groups in Tijuana to protect watersheds that cross the border; community surveys and presentations; information and factgathering; and policy development and advocacy.