San Jose Taiko

San Jose Taiko is one of the oldest and most artistically significant taiko ensembles in the United States. Each year it provides a range of performances, youth and adult educational opportunities, and professional training programs for local, domestic, and international audiences. In the Bay Area, San Jose Taiko anchors several cultural festivals as part of San Jose’s Japantown community, using the taiko art form to transcend barriers and promote tolerance and diversity. Support for San Jose Taiko advances the Performing Arts Program’s Communities strategy.

San Jose Taiko is one of the oldest and most artistically significant taiko ensembles in the United States. Each year it reaches more than 50,000 people through a range of performances; youth and adult educational opportunities; and professional training programs for local, national, and international audiences. Its school outreach and other youth programs provide hands-on instruction for more than 18,000 young people each year. In addition, San Jose Taiko provides community classes and workshops focused on physical and mental health, and cultural pluralism. Support for San Jose Taiko advances the Performing Arts Program’s Communities strategy.

San Jose Taiko is one of the oldest taiko ensembles in the country and the recipient of a number of artistic awards. In addition to an active domestic and international performing schedule, the organization maintains a training program for young players and conducts educational sessions at Bay Area schools and community centers, reaching a very diverse audience of more than 80,000 people. During 2011, San Jose Taiko faced a major transition as its founding members retired, leaving the organization in the capable hands of two artistic members who have been working on the administrative side of the house for several years. This grant will support a facilitated operational assessment to help set the course for a sustainable future at a critical point in San Jose Taiko’s long history.