Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton’ funds give Puerto Rico’s art organizations hope

Many arts organizations are constantly defunded or neglected, but in Puerto Rico, many have been given the opportunity to continue their work since Hurricane Maria hit the island.

Before Hamilton’s historic run on the island, the Flamboyan Foundation created the Flamboyan Arts Fund to help revitalize the arts. It was launched by playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, his family and Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller to give organizations financial aid and help them build connections within the industry. Andanza, a contemporary dance company and school, is one of the five initial grantees.

“It’s the first time that we have funds guaranteed for the beginning of the year so it’s been very important,” said Lolita Villanúa, executive director of Andanza, a contemporary dance company and dance school.

After Hurricane Maria, the Flamboyan Foundation raised nearly $15 million from ticket sales and contributions after Hamilton’s 17-day run in Puerto Rico. Miranda wanted to bring attention to the island’s needs.

The third group of organizations receiving funding raised from Hamilton will be announced later this summer and will join the existing 12 grantees.

The fund aimed to help a number of different types of organizations, said Carlos J. Rodriguez Silvestre, executive director of Flamboyan Foundation. “It’s not just museums or visual arts. It’s a fund for both large and small organizations.”

Y No Había Luz, a theatre company managed by seven local artists, has also received funds to continue its work with communities throughout the island.

Before Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria hit the island in 2017, artists struggled financially because of the lack of support by the government, said Yari Helfeld, creative co-director of Y No Había Luz. The major worry artists had was their ability to keep working.

“After Maria, so many doors opened for collaboration [and] visibility of what we are doing,” said Helfeld. “After the storm comes the calm, [and] for us artists, it’s been that way.”

The funding from Hamilton is providing more than monetary resources for the third round of grantee organizations. It’s providing the current grantees the opportunity to build relationships. For example, Ben Stiller visited the theatre company Y No Había Luz, and Andanza has received more press.

After the hurricane, Y No Había Luz worried about paying the studio’s rent. “[The fund was] the most joyful thing [Lin-Manuel] gave us because for three years I can plan and create a healthier structure for my team,” Helfeld said. “I can make dreams more long-term.”

Original article can be found here.