FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grants Awarded to Support the Work of Artists in a Five-County Triad Region
Counties include Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, and Randolph
Winston-Salem, N.C. (December 13, 2023) Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (The ACGG) are proud to announce the 2024 Artist Support Grant awards totaling $62,000. Grants were awarded to 45 artists in Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, and Randolph counties to support professional and artistic development. The grants are funded annually by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, as part of a statewide initiative to support artists.
“Once again, Arts Council was able to work closely with The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro to support individual artists through the administration of Artist Support Grants,” said Chase Law, President and CEO of Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. “This year, we were able to support a diverse range of projects including Film, Styrofoam Sculpture, Dance, and more thanks to the generosity of the North Carolina Arts Council.”
“The ACGG, along with our partners, The NCAC and Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, is invested in helping artists be successful in their creative practice and professional small businesses, says Laura Way, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. “Artist Support Grants provide meaningful resources to assist artists in the next stage of their career, whatever that may be.”
More than 98 applications were received, with awards ranging from $1,150 to $1,670 in the following disciplines: visual arts and crafts, literature, film, dance, music, performing arts, and spoken word.
Grantees E’laina Barron and Jiwon Ha shared their thoughts on this award.
“Writing, designing and self-publishing a book requires commitment and a lot of work with many moving pieces,” says E’laina Barron, 2024 Artist Support Grantee of Forsyth County. “Opportunities such as the Artist Support Grant provide artists with that much needed help, that whisper that our art matters and that our art is supported can quickly grow into a resounding assurance that we are valued. Thanks to this grant, I will be releasing “Ely B(e) Speakin’” in the Spring of 2024! I will always be grateful for the support that Arts Council has given to me and countless others.”
"I am thrilled to be selected for the Artist Support Grant,” says Jiwon Ha, 2024 Artist Support Grantee of Guildford County.” This support goes beyond funding. It's a recognition of the artistry in dance and cultural expression. I look forward to diving into my Korean dance projects, sharing joy and fostering connection in our wonderful community."
The lead arts councils, Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County and The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, administered the grant process and conducted a review panel to determine awardees.
2024 Artist Support Grant Awardees Include:
Forsyth County:
R.V. Kuser
Amy Daluz
E’laina Barron
Matelyn Johnson
Trevor Gabriel
Michael Rothkopf
Sheena Ramirez
Derrick Monk
Cheryl Lipstreu
Gabriela Costas
Amy Cruz
Wendell Myers
Tegan Short
True Whiting
Yosimar Alvarez
Phoebe Roberts
Melody H Kpangbai
Sujata Aher
Davidson County:
Dylan Jaymes
Hernan Mena Arana
Jeff Beck
Kendra Jones
Randolph County:
Ian Thomsen
Guilford County:
Alexander Day
Alexei Mejouev
Andy Eversole
Audrey Smith
Christina Hare
Cortni Witherspoon
George Frederick Hal II
Jade Donnell
Jennida Chase
Jiwon Ha
Joanna Blitch
Joanne Rich
John York and Rachel York
Kylah Guion
Maggie Murphy
Michael Clapp
Mike Valle
Rachael Keplin
Sabrina Tillman
Sam Wade
Steve Mitchell
Taylor Williams
***
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the chief advocate of the arts and cultural sector in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Arts Council’s goal is to serve as a leader in lifting up, creating awareness, and providing support to grow and sustain the arts and cultural offerings throughout our region, ultimately bringing our community together and making it a great place to live, work, and play. www.IntoTheArts.org.
The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro is dedicated to fostering creativity and enriching the cultural lives of all residents. The ACGG strives to support, promote, and elevate local arts and cultural organizations, making a lasting impact in the community. www.TheACGG.org
The North Carolina Arts Council is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. It builds on North Carolina’s long-standing love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The N.C. Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.23 billion in annual direct economic activity. It sustains diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative approaches to art-making. The N.C. Arts Council has proven to be a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through arts education. www.NCArts.org
(END)
For additional information, please contact:
Katie Hall, Chief Marketing Officer and VP, Development
336-747-1427