Granting individuals who work towards a progressive democracy, Puffin Foundation West has awarded $500 to Aberfan (7 pianos, percussion, voice and tools of rescue) for its recording.

Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. seeks to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to artist activists and arts organizations often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to race, gender, or social philosophy. Artists are able to reach across the borders of our imagination and in doing so often peaceably transform our society’s ideas about social justice issues.  Creative expression and innovation have always helped move society towards a more progressive democracy and allow us to recognize our universal humanity. Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. is committed to supporting such grass-roots artists and organizations.

Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. (PFW) believes artists have the unique ability to peacefully challenge those who seek to limit our expression. By sharing creative talents artists can speak out loud to and for all of humanity.

Here is a cautionary excerpt from their mission statement about these beautiful little birds:

Puffins once prospered off the coast of New England but were hunted almost to extinction for their feathers and for stew. In the late 1970’s a small group of volunteers worked to reintroduce Puffins back to these islands.  Owing to these constructive efforts these birds did make a comeback.  Sadly, Puffins as well as many other species are now threatened, this time by global warming and the encroachment of civilization on so many creatures’ habitat and corporate contamination of the natural world.