Harney County Arts in Education Foundation

Our mission is to promote, maintain, and enhance the opportunities for growth and achievement within the areas of Music Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Theater Arts in the schools and communities of Harney County.

We strongly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to expand their horizons from the exposure to, appreciation and performance of music and the arts. There is no question that this type of education benefits at-risk kids, opens doors of opportunity to dedicated students and increases academic ability for all.

Our Programs

We support a variety of programs and initiatives — everything from art supplies and musical instruments to funding teaching positions to bringing world-class performances to Harney County.

Please consider making a donation to support the arts in Harney County.

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Our History

Harney County Arts in Education Foundation (HCAEF) officially became a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2009. It was founded after millions of dollars in budget cuts were made to the local school districts, with devastating results. Music and art classes ended at Burns High School, Hines Middle School, Slater Elementary, Crane Elementary, and Crane High School.

The dedicated volunteers that stepped forward to make a difference for our youth have kept our mission. In the six years after its founding, HCAEF raised over $55,000 to support the music and arts programs in Harney County. The band program instructor was fully funded; art programs at Burns High School and Crane High School were restored, and funding helped assist programs at rural schools (Diamond, Frenchglen, and Double O). Artists-in-Residence programs were established at the schools.

18

student scholarships sponsored
$280k

endowed to art/music programs
1,100

current students served

Highlights

Music in the Community

HCAEF funds one of several scholarships given to local students each year by the Chamber Music Society. These scholarships allow students to receive private music lessons or go to a music camp.