In late October, PACA sent its first-ever grant funds to six arts and cultural organizations or local artists. The funding, which was the result of the successful 2023 Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala, totaled over $25,000. PACA’s Executive Director, Daryl Ward, acknowledges this grant program is something that’s been in the works for a while. “Our members have consistently asked for help securing direct funding for their projects, so this initial grant program is a step in that direction,” Ward said.
The grant projects range from marketing support for a mobile African-American history museum to support for an online art show for a local arts organization. Tiffany Van Wieren, the Arts in Medicine Coordinator for Watson Clinic Foundation, was excited about the funding her program received. “The grant from the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance fuels our mission to create a sanctuary of healing through art within our community,” she said. The Arts in Medicine program received funding for two grants to further expand their programming. “With the support of these grants, we are creating a framework where art and health intersect in meaningful ways, from the deeply personal stories share in LegacyLane to the city-wide engagement of Arts and Health Week,” Van Wieren added.
The following organizations received funding in this inaugural grant program: The Luster African American Heritage Museum, The J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts, Mary Correa Studios, The Lakeland Arts Association, The Ridge Art Association, and The Watson Clinic Arts in Medicine Program. The Luster African American Heritage Museum was especially grateful for the funding. “The Mobile Education Museum brings the museum experience to K-12 schools located in Polk County,” a museum spokesperson said. “This allows students to have access to our museum’s artifacts and exhibits while learning about African American culture and history,” they added.
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