Grand Vision Foundation (GVF) is thrilled to receive a generous grant from the Perenchio Foundation, a private foundation established by the late A. Jerrold “Jerry” Perenchio. The Perenchio Foundation shares GVF’s belief that arts play an essential role in building more equitable, culturally vibrant, and inclusive communities, and are guided by a commitment to creating a positive, lasting impact in the Los Angeles region through the arts. Their Capital Improvements Grants support arts organizations with short-term funding for facilities improvements, equipment, and technology needs. These funds are intended to increase the functionality of workspaces, foster improved communication and collaboration, and help organizations lay the groundwork for a long-term future.
This Capital Improvements Grant will enhance GVF’s programming by providing funding for state-of-the-art, energy-efficient lighting equipment to transform the Grand Annex Music Hall, GVF’s primary venue. The Grand Annex is a premiere independent listening room presenting a diverse line-up of high-quality concerts in downtown San Pedro, a developing arts and cultural district in the city of Los Angeles.
Currently, the venue’s sound system stands strong, thanks to past investments, but the outdated lighting system is in need of a professional makeover. With the new lighting system in place, GVF expects to expand its base of recurring patrons and improve the overall experience for artists and audiences.
“The organizations selected for this grant are vital to unleashing creativity in our region, and they play a key role in their communities,” says Perenchio Foundation Executive Director Stephania Ramirez. “Funding for these indispensable organizations to make improvements to their facilities, equipment, and technology is deeply needed and yet often difficult to obtain. Our hope is that this support will bolster them in both the immediate and long-term future.”
Grand Vision is consulting with David Zahacewski (of Cewski Designs) to design the new lighting system for the Grand Annex stage and room. Zahacewski is a professional lighting designer and educator who has worked in the theater industry since 2012. His work has taken him to theaters across the country in Colorado, Connecticut and locally at the Long Beach Playhouse, The Armstrong Theatre, The Theatre of Arts in Hollywood, the Warner Grand Theatre, the Grand Annex and Little Fish Theatre.
The lighting installation is scheduled for December, just in time for the Grand Annex’s 15th birthday celebration in 2024. This new lighting array will strengthen the audience experience and increase the venue’s reputation as a leading cultural hub in Los Angeles.
Grand Vision Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Perenchio Foundation. With their visionary support, the power of the arts will shine brighter at the Grand Annex Music Hall.
