Project Advisor: Gail Prensky, Creator, Executive Producer, and Director
PPF Project Since: January 13, 2022
Website: judischekulturbund.com
The Jüdische Kulturbund Project is a global arts and education initiative that explores how creativity can be a powerful tool of resistance in the face of persecution. Inspired by the true story of Jewish artists in Nazi Germany who formed their own cultural institution after being expelled from mainstream society in 1933, the project connects past and present by uplifting stories of resilience through music, theater, film, and digital storytelling. Led by Gail Prensky, The JK Project has grown into a dynamic platform that empowers communities worldwide—from Germany to South Sudan—to confront oppression, preserve cultural identity, and inspire change through the arts.
The project was inspired by the story of Jewish artists in Nazi Germany who, after being dismissed from their posts in 1933, formed their own cultural institution to perform for Jewish audiences. Through courage and resilience, they used art as a form of resistance, which left a lasting impression on founder Gail Prensky, highlighting the enduring power of creative expression in the face of oppression.
The JK Project encourages connection through shared experiences and promotes freedom of expression in response to persecution. By fostering creativity in the face of adversity, it empowers individuals and communities to resist oppression through culture, storytelling, and the arts.
The journey began with historical research and interviews with surviving members and descendants of the original Kulturbund. The team then expanded its scope to include contemporary artists who share similar struggles, linking past and present through powerful storytelling.
EARLY CHALLENGES
AASR is committed to transforming how schools and other systems of care respond to behavioral concerns, particularly for neurodivergent and disabled students. Their mission is to inform changes in policy and practice to reduce and eliminate the use of punitive discipline and outdated behavioral management approaches and end the school-to-prison pipeline. AASR’s vision is a future in which all children are educated in safe, inclusive, and equitable environments – where diversity is celebrated, behavioral challenges are met with understanding, and interventions are rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice. They believe that by shifting mindsets, updating policies, and equipping educators with the right tools, lasting systemic change can be achieved to protect and uplift the most vulnerable students.
The JK Project found a true partner in PPF. After transitioning from their previous fiscal sponsor, the International Documentary Association, PPF embraced their vision and provided crucial support.
“PPF was warm, professional, and consistently responsive to our needs. Their belief in us made all the difference.”
PPF’S KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
Smooth fiscal sponsorship transition Administrative and fiduciary support Freedom to focus on creative output and program development
The JK Project has made a global impact, delivering digital storytelling training and arts programming in:
SIGNATURE OUTCOMES
The “Bullets to Books” initiative in Juba, South Sudan helped raise funds to build permanent school structures and tripled student enrollment—an example of storytelling driving real-world change.
The JK Project found a true partner in PPF. After transitioning from their previous fiscal sponsor, the International Documentary Association, PPF embraced their vision and provided crucial support.
“PPF was warm, professional, and consistently responsive to our needs. Their belief in us made all the difference.”
PPF’S KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
Smooth fiscal sponsorship transition Administrative and fiduciary support Freedom to focus on creative output and program development
What began as a vision for a single documentary has evolved into a multi- faceted international movement.
Today, the JK Project produces:
Gail no longer knocks on doors. Instead, collaborators come to her.
Gail envisions a continued partnership with PPF that builds on their strong administrative and fiduciary foundation. As The JK Project grows, she hopes PPF will not only maintain their reliable back-end support but also expand their role by helping facilitate fundraising opportunities. Additionally, she suggests PPF consider hosting collaborative events that bring together sponsored projects—creating space for networking, resource sharing, and discovering new ways to collaborate across missions.
ADVICE FOR CHANGEMAKERS
“Hold on to your vision. Let PPF provide the administrative and financial support, and nurture your relationship with PPF.”
Join the growing community of mission-driven projects that trust PPF to handle the administrative details while they focus on making an impact.
