The Rockford Area Arts Council will receive a grant for ArtsPlace from the National Endowment for the Arts. “In the arts administrative world, this is like getting a standing ovation” stated Sharon Nesbit-Davis, Education/Outreach Director of the Arts Council. "For many grants you have to make the case for why the arts are important. The National Endowment for the Arts knows the arts are important. For them you have to prove you have a high quality program." With this additional funding, more youth will be able to participate in the program this year. The deadline to apply for ArtsPlace has been extended to Friday, May 8.

 

ArtsPlace is an arts apprenticeship program for youth ages 14-18, living in Winnebago and Boone Counties. Youth work in teams directed by professional artists to create art to sell or perform for the public. In the process the youth learn valued work skills. Youth are selected for the program based on their interest in the arts, demonstration of emerging talent and enthusiasm to learn. ArtsPlace runs Monday through Thursday, June 15 through August 6. Teaching Artists for this years’ program are: Bruce McDonald (printmaking), Tamara Newquist (drama), Geri Carter (theater-music-poetry), Katherine Martin (sculpture-ceramics), and Corey Hagberg (painting).