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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Supports after-school literacy interventions, leader coaching, teacher planning and family engagement for one OUSD school and two charter schools in the Sobrante Park neighborhood.

Abstract or Project Description

This project will work with leaders and members of the Black community in the Bay Area to shine a light on the troubling reality of police interactions. Through community workshops and performances in neighborhood-specific locations, this piece will blend improv techniques and real-life stories to educate and foster conversation around this critical topic in the Black community.

Abstract or Project Description

For general support as Artist Space Trust develops and launches the Acquisition and Renovation Impact Investment Fund.

Abstract or Project Description

Funds a percentage of educator and tutor training and coaching, tutor wages and central leadership across four schools.

Abstract or Project Description

Created in response to the California wildfires of 2020, “BURNING WILD” is a devised performance incorporating physical theatre, song, dance, documentary video and puppetry to tell a collaged docu-myth. Born out of a call for growth and transformation, “BURNING WILD” re-envisions the intersection of ensemble theater and radical community care, using arts and wellness as cultural liberation practice.

Abstract or Project Description

A dance work that redefines ability and embodiment by using robotics technologies to assist disabled dancers, exploring new movement potential and the use of apparatuses for “superhuman” movement.

Abstract or Project Description

Azora Therapeutics is developing a novel small molecule, AT177, for the treatment of refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that affects over 1 million individuals in the United States and is associated with poor quality of life. Efficacy of currently available therapy is suboptimal, and most patients cannot sustain long-term remission, with 14% ultimately requiring colectomy surgery. AT177 is a potential first-in-class oral small molecule aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist. AhR has been shown to play an important in regulating healthy immune and barrier function in the colon. The aim of this project is to conduct preclinical studies to support advancement to clinical studies in humans.

Abstract or Project Description

For the MediaMaker Fellowship program and general support.

Abstract or Project Description

A Filipino Futurism Punk Rock Sci-Fi Music Play set in a diasporic, dystopian future where creativity is outlawed. “DarkHeart” immerses the audience in speculative futures, Filipino Futurism (influenced from Afrofuturism), explorations of Filipino diaspora and liberation, indigenous sciences and decolonization movements.

Abstract or Project Description

Boon Tutorial Intervention Program will pilot its interventions with twelve Oakland students. Notably, its first national pilot corroborated the impact proven by the intervention program it utilizes.

Abstract or Project Description

Inappropriate and chronic inflammatory responses underly the development of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. This process is an intertwined, inter-cellular cascade among diverse immune cells and tissue stroma. The interactions between immune and stromal cells not only propagate inflammatory responses but also regulate resolution of inflammation. Yet, we do not understand how immune cells interact with tissue stroma when intestinal inflammation occurs and resolve. We propose to first develop cutting-edge technologies that discover interacting partners of immune cells in vivo in a high-throughput and unbiased manner. We will then apply these new tools to identify the interactomes of immune cells over the course of intestinal inflammation. Funding from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation will support our program to map out the path of immune-stromal interactions from a healthy intestine to an inflamed tissue to recovery and repair. Targeting immune-stromal interactions that cause inflammatory propagation as well as the resolution will establish a new strategy to alleviate inflammation. Our long-term goal is to leverage this knowledge to switch “inflammatory interactions” to “resolving interactions” in order to restore intestinal homeostasis, which will ultimately curtail IBD and its devastating health implications.

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To lead advocacy to improve conditions for artists and arts organizations while building public support for the arts.

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To support the Center for Cultural InnovationÕs AmbitioUS initiative to identify innovative and alternative models that center equity to advance equitable outcomes for artists and the field, including new and sustainable frameworks such as cooperative platforms that pool risk and rewards.Ê

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To support the Center for Cultural InnovationÕs Sol Center for Liberated Work policy and advocacy program for artists.

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A reexamination of the Middle Eastern epic story rumored to have inspired Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Torange Yeghiazarian’s adaptation will experiment with Iranian performance traditions, music and movement in an ensemble-driven creative process. Unlike traditional tellings, this adaptation will center the female character, Leyli, directly challenging the erasure of women’s experience in historic literary works.

Abstract or Project Description

The epithelial cells lining the intestine control responses to gut bacteria, limiting intestinal damage in Crohn’s disease. A critical gene in this pathway is DUOX2, which is up-regulated in response to bacteria, and helps maintain intestinal health.  We discovered that Crohn’s disease patients who carry genetic variants in DUOX2 are more likely to progress to fibrotic disease complications requiring surgery. We tested an intestinal gene signature for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease in a database containing 2000 small molecules, identifying 140 which might be more effective therapies. Our studies will now utilize a novel Human Intestinal Organoid, or “mini-gut” model system for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease that we have developed informed by genetic factors like DUOX2. We have prepared stem cells from pediatric Crohn’s disease patients who did or did not have DUOX2 genetic variants, and will differentiate them into white blood cells and human intestinal organoids. This novel model system will be used to test ways to modulate pathways linked to fibrosis in patients, by screening the top small molecules which we have identified as potentially beneficial. Our studies will advance precision medicine, by developing a platform to screen new therapies in patient-derived intestinal organoids with clinically important genetic variants.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the filmmaker hub formerly known as Oakland Film Center.

Abstract or Project Description

A dance-based work of performance grappling with multi-racial collaboration, anti-racist art, queer eroticism and femme power. Using the radical concept of “failure” as a form of protest of purity and perfection, the piece will challenge rigid success notions and create space to reimagine alternatives.

Abstract or Project Description

This award supported the Color of Gastrointestinal Illness (COGI)’s participation in Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week (CCAW) to elevate the impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) on BIPOC communities. CCAW aims to educate people about the symptoms, causes and ways to manage Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The week recognizes and supports IBD patients and appreciates the family members, caregivers, healthcare providers and researchers who help them battle their disease. This project is in collaboration with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists.