Creators of the newly launched MaddBear Arts Foundation say they are dedicated to bringing the Northwest suburbs to life through the power of performance and expression. Henry Beardsley, Karuna Maddava and Joe Crimmins, all share a passion for the arts, especially at the local level.
Karuna Maddava and Henry Beardsley with local musician David Hayes, recipient of their first Director’s Grant.
“Our goal is to invest in the creative heartbeat of our community,” says Beardsley, Executive Director of the MaddBear Arts Foundation. “We believe the arts and artists make our lives better and bring people together.”
They foundation awarded its first Inspiration Grant to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre this month, with the goal of helping the theater expand opportunities for artists, students and audiences across the community.
“We’re honored to award our first Inspiration Grant to an organization that already has such a strong and meaningful influence locally.” Beardsley says.
Officials at Metropolis have brought live theater to the Northwest suburbs for 26 years and are driven by the same passion for the arts as the MaddBear Arts Foundation.
Tiffany Gates, Executive Director of Metropolis, says the support comes at a meaningful time for the arts and arts organizations.
Henry Beardsley helped produce the Women’s Jazz Festival at Hey Nonny.
“The Inspiration Grant allows us to expand our reach and invest more deeply in the artists and students we serve,” Gates says. “We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership and the shared belief in the power of the arts to connect and uplift our community.”
Currently, Gates and Metropolis are gearing up for the opening of their next show, the Wedding Singer, on April 29, before bringing to the stage, The Wizard of Oz in July.
Maddava describes starting MaddBear Arts Foundation as a dream come true for the couple and their creative partner, Crimmins.
“When Henry retired two years ago, he dreamed of starting a nonprofit to support all forms of art in our local community,” Maddava says. “After 16 months of work, MaddBear Arts Foundation has finally launched.
“Our plan is to provide grants,” she adds,”create partnerships with local artists and arts organizations, as well as produce events.”
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