Grant is one of 895 awarded by National Endowment for the Arts Art Works nationwide.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has recommended MacDowell for a $30,000 grant to support first-time residencies for ten artists in 2014. Acting NEA Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced the award last month among 895 grants to nonprofit organizations through the NEA Art Works program.
The MacDowell Colony, the nation’s first artist residency program, will fulfill the goal by providing ten first-time residencies to artists from many different backgrounds. The NEA’s support of residencies continues to help MacDowell diversify its artist community, with more than two-thirds of accepted artists coming to the Colony for the first time. In 2013, MacDowell Fellows came from 32 states and 15 countries, with more than 28% representing cultural and ethnic diversity.
Last year’s Art Works grant also supported first-time residencies at The MacDowell Colony, resulting in the creation of at least 14 new works of art.
“I loved meeting and socializing with artists of other varied disciplines and discussing their process, work, and sharing my experiences. It was actually helpful to my creative process to hear the struggles of other artists in other disciplines,” said Asha Srinivasan, a composer and one of last year’s NEA fellowship recipients. While in residency, Srinivasan began two compositions, one for flute ensemble and one for flute and wind ensemble concerto.
Another of last year’s recipients, interdisciplinary artist Wendy Richmond, embarked on a new series of short, humorous videos exploring nature, technology, frustration and joy during her residency. "My creative process has never been so well nurtured and understood as during my residency at The MacDowell Colony, where I learned that all of my ideas are worthy of being made visible," she said.
”Bringing talented artists together from all over the country to work in New Hampshire is a simple idea that requires a lot of resources. The outcomes are well worth it and far reaching: not only is it a chance to make new work, but it also builds ties with artists of different disciplines, enlivens the community and strengthens an artist’s career. The NEA’s support has been integral,” MacDowell Executive Director Cheryl Young stated. “We’re thrilled to renew this partnership in 2014.”
Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support these exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States. Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement, or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable experiences for the public to engage with the arts."
Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence: public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancing the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,528 eligible Art Works applications, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, grants were awarded for a total of $ 23.4 million.
