BLUE LAKE, CALIF.: Dell’Arte International, the California–based center for theatre training and research, has announced its acceptance of $660,000 in support from the James Irvine Foundation‘s New California Arts Fund (NCAF). The grant, to be delivered over the course of three years, is intended to aid Dell’Arte’s efforts to engage diverse and low-income communities in rural Northwest California.

“Dell’Arte is tremendously excited and grateful to the James Irvine Foundation for this opportunity,” said producing artistic director Michael Fields in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with our community and will have project announcements soon as the work begins on this unique initiative.”

This summer, Dell’Arte International celebrated the 25th anniversary of its annual Mad River Festival, a five-week celebration of local and international theatre. Among the featured artists were were Japan’s Osugi Musical Theatre, the Minneapolis-based Dangerous Productions, and performers from the Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre.

The James Irvine Foundation, a nonprofit grantmaking foundation, established the New California Arts Fund in 2012 with the aim of strengthening the capacity of local arts organizations to engage with their surrounding communities. Other recipients of 2015 NCAF grants include The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, and Shakespeare San Francisco.