While away dealing with personal matters, an important announcement came January 31st from the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission. The commission issued awards to local arts groups.
The commission says the $50,750 in grants concentrated on nonprofits and other groups “that uplift the arts community within Fishers.”
The money provided to the commission is part of the city’s annual budget. Individual organizations could receive up to $7,500 in this cycle, up from $5,000 the previous cycle.
“This is our third year of providing grant funds to the Fishers community, and it is rewarding to see our community come together to support these projects” said Katie Haigh, chair of the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission, in a city news release. “From mental health awareness with the traveling Forgiving Sea Project to dance battles hosted by 31Svn Dance Academy, 2023 will be a year packed full of meaningful cultural experiences around Fishers.”
Here are the recipients of the 2023 Fishers Arts & Culture Commission Grant Program, as provided by the city:
- Emerging Pearls Foundation ($7,500) to host an inaugural event at Hub & Spoke showcasing various forms of artistry, including music, spoken word, dance, sculpture, painting, pastry arts, casting, photography, live performances, and black hair as an artform, with over 30 artists expected to participate. Emerging Pearls Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that supports initiatives regarding education, family advocacy, the arts, social justice, health and wellness, and economic stability.
- Fishers Arts Council ($7,500) to host monthly Second Friday gallery receptions at the FAC Gallery at the Hub located at the Hamilton County Community Foundation, along with musical groups at the Spark!Fishers Art & Car Show in June and Harvest Fest in September. Fishers Arts Council is a nonprofit whose mission is to support, advocate, and cultivate visual and performing arts.
- The Forgiving Sea Project ($7,500) to provide an interactive art installation and four public events during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The art installation takes an innovative approach to healing. The Forgiving Sea Project is a nonprofit multi-media collaboration from Indianapolis artist Carolyn Springer and composer Joseph Lamm.
- St. George Middle Eastern Festival ($6,500) to bring an authentic Middle Eastern band and dance troupe to their 26th annual St. George Middle Eastern Festival. The annual, multi-day festival is hosted by St. George Orthodox Christian Church every September.
- Shelley Feeney, Artist and Art Educator ($5,750) to host pop-up printshops showcasing unique patterns found around Fishers, and to educate the public and students on silk-screening, concluding with a public showcase. Shelley Feeney is a passionate artist and art educator within HSE Schools.
- 31Svn Dance Academy ($4,000) to host a multi-part dance battle event that combines art, education, and friendly competition, concluding with a championship battle. 31Svn (3-1-7) Street Dance Academy offers multiple classes and believes in empowering students with the art of street dance and hip-hop culture.
- Fishers Music Works ($4,000) to aid in the creation of a traveling public art sculpture featuring reclaimed musical instruments to honor the lives of Fishers residents Grant and Ashley Lansdell, who were tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident last year. Fishers Music Works is a not-for-profit whose mission is to foster the enjoyment and appreciation of music within Fishers.
- Resounding Joy ($4,000) to bring their Shine & Sing pediatric music therapy program to Fishers, including multiple sessions for children up to 10-years-old, along with caregiver classes. Resounding Joy Indiana is a nonprofit that provides music therapy.
- Shaunt’e Lewis Art LLC ($4,000) to provide art programming for students as part of the Juneteenth Jubilee celebration. Shaunt’e Lewis is a nationally recognized award-winning artist currently featured in Meijer® stores with the 2023 Black History Month collection.