Richard and Mica Hadar Foundation provides college scholarships and support programs for students who demonstrate financial need as well as exceptional talent and commitment to the visual, written or performing arts. At the heart of their program are their dedicated mentors. This past year, the following mentors planned Hadar events: Holly Posner and Pamela Hart of the Writing Council; Enid and Jack Benezra, Andres Andrade and Karen Lindquist of the Music Council; David Miller of the Theatre Council; Bill Beirne, Erin Donnelly, Mark Hess, Beth Rosenberg and Howard Wallach of the Visual Arts Council.

The director, Ela Bittencourt, recently recapped their busy calendar: Summer events included a Surrealist Workshop run by guest-artist Jill Magi, a second edition of Hadar art and literary journal LINE and our first art contest, a visit to P.S. 1 Contemporary Arts Center and meeting with curator Eugenie Tsai, a trip to the studio of renowned illustrator Mark Hess, and an actor's workshop at Roundabout Theatre, followed by the show "The Old Acquaintance." The winter events included the show at the renowned Deitch Projects which engaged 20 Hadar artists in various media, the annual celebration showcasing Hadar performing artists, a visit to the artist studios of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and a private tour of the Metropolitan Museum's music rooms.

Marina Kharkover, a young illustrator and Hadar scholar, described one of the events: "It gave me an idea of what to expect in the industry after graduation and what kind of qualities in myself and in my work I should strive for to make it as an illustrator." Another scholar, art designer Svetlana Yachnaya, added, "A close talk with an experienced artist is the most helpful and direct way to learn business approaches and receive general life advice."

Richard Hadar stated, "There is obviously a lot more to the Richard and Mica Hadar Foundation than awarding scholarships and stipends. Our mentoring program, run by a group of professional artists who generously volunteer their time and effort, creates a unique environment. It instills Hadar scholars with the confidence and experience necessary in their careers. The events stimulate the creative imagination and enable our scholars to showcase their work and perform in public. It's a great opportunity to share ideas and interact with other scholars and professional artists."

Artist Jill Magi summed up her experience with Richard and Mica Hadar Foundation by saying, "I appreciated having the chance to talk to young artists. It was really a privilege. It's very impressive, the tone you've set at the foundation and it's reassuring to know that great organizations and people like you exist."