Pearl Arts is proud to announce a transformative, three-year grant from the Don Wood Foundation to support the Pearl Arts Innovation Institute.
News release from Pearl Arts:
Pearl Arts Receives $475,000 Grant from Don Wood Foundation to Launch Innovation Institute in Partnership with Fort Wayne Community Schools
Fort Wayne, Indiana (August 13, 2025) — Pearl Arts is proud to announce a transformative, three-year grant from the Don Wood Foundation to support the Pearl Arts Innovation Institute, a groundbreaking educational initiative in partnership with Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS). This visionary program will expand access to arts education, foster creative development, and empower the next generation of artists and innovators in Northeast Indiana. This three-year grant will be used to support the educational activities, programming, and events surrounding the Innovation Institute, in addition, the grant will provide the opportunity to attract visiting artists and hands-on instruction from professional musicians and technicians in the music industry.
The Pearl Arts Innovation Institute serves as a dynamic learning hub where students engage in intensive, real-life educational experiences in music production, sound technology, and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on instruction and mentorship from industry professionals, students learn the principles of entrepreneurship, new venture development, and business operations, equipping them with the skills to turn creative ideas into viable enterprises. The Institute blends artistic exploration with practical business acumen, preparing students to thrive in both creative and commercial arenas. Students in the Innovation Institute also can earn dual credit which provides a critical pathway into the university experience.
“This generous support from the Don Wood Foundation is a game-changer for Pearl Arts, FWCS, and the Fort Wayne community,” said Dr. Angie Fincannon, CEO and Executive Director of Pearl Arts. “It allows us to deepen our commitment to providing exposure and opportunity in the arts so that young people can explore their talents surrounding music and sound technology, connect with mentors, and envision bold futures.”
According to Riley Johnson, Principal of Amp Lab, “We are excited to create opportunities to foster the talent entering Fort Wayne’s music economy. Partnering with our local universities and their music and entrepreneurship programs solidifies this immersive program envisioned by Pearl Arts.”
“Don Wood was a risk-taker and innovative businessman,” said Laura Macknick, president and CEO, Don Wood Foundation. “Developing noncognitive skills and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset can help students grow and thrive in business pursuits and beyond. We are excited about the Pearl Arts Innovation Institute, a program designed to serve as an incubator for students interested in learning the critical skills needed for success.”
The Innovation Institute began classes at Pearl Arts on Thursday, August 7th with a morning and afternoon session for Amp Lab students.
About the Don Wood Foundation
The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., that serves and supports leadership development, an entrepreneurial mindset, and skilled workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The Foundation provides investments to grant partners from nonprofits and educational institutions, in addition to offering guidance through community research and intentional convenings. This guidance fosters a diverse workforce through exposure, education, training, and the development of strong communities that promote the advancement of the manufacturing sector. Visit the website donwoodfoundation.org for more information.
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