The Arts Council of the Valley its selections for Advancing the Arts grants awarded to local artists and educators for projects taking place between April and October 2016.
Devon Ortt was awarded $1,000 for “Guitars for Students.” This program will provide guitars for middle school students to participate in the Guitar Club, an after-school enrichment program.
Ashley Sauder Miller was awarded $526 for “In Residence.” This grant will allow Ashley to pursue and create a new body of work in her personal studio.
Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative was awarded $1,000 for “Un(Moved).” This project will help fund the fourth live dance performance featuring original choreography from Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative members.
Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir was awarded $1,000 for “Folk Instruments Bring Enrichment to Shenandoah Valley Folks.” The project aims to enrich the lives of children as they gain a greater understanding of Virginia’s musical heritage.
Joey Bell and Marley McDonald were awarded $1,000 to fund an untitled musician healthcare documentary. The purpose of this project is to bring to light the struggles of being a musician without access to insurance or affordable healthcare.
Jon Henry was awarded $1,000 to fund “10 Fruits”, a project that plans on planting 10 Osage orange trees throughout Harrisonburg.
OASIS Fine Arts and Crafts was awarded $412 to assist in funding a summer arts program. The program will take place everyTuesday, and spans for 8 weeks. Students will leave the class with a piece of handmade art that they created with the help of OASIS artists.
Nathan Horst was awarded $750 to fund his project, “SYMBOWLIZE”. This project aims to create a set of artistic bowls to be exhibited in galleries throughout the area.
The Inside Out Playback Theater, located at Eastern Mennonite University, was awarded $1,000 to help fund a number of performances to take place in their venue.
ACV’s Advancing the Arts Grant Program supports Harrisonburg and Rockingham artists and educators that work to promote the arts as fundamental to our community and those that advocate for life-long learning in the arts. Since 2002, the Arts Council has provided artists and art educators with over $325,000.
ACV offers two grant application opportunities each year, in October and March, to allow for the funding of grant ideas or needs that arise throughout in the year. Grant information and guidelines can be found online at valleyarts.org.