Light Work Receives 2015 NEA Art Works Grant
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu announced today that Light Work is one of 919 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. The grant will support Light Work’s Artist-in-Residence Program and the production of Contact Sheet: The Light Work Annual.
Every year Light Work invites between twelve and fifteen artists to come to Syracuse to devote one month to creative projects. Over 360 artists have participated in Light Work’s Artist-in-Residence Program, and many of them have gone on to achieve international acclaim. The residency includes a $5,000 stipend, a furnished artist apartment, 24-hour access to our state-of-the-art facilities, and generous staff support. Work by each Artist-in-Residence is published in a special edition of Contact Sheet: The Light Work Annual along with an essay commissioned by Light Work.
NEA Chairman Jane Chu said, “I’m pleased to be able to share the news of our support through Art Works including the award to Light Work. The arts foster value, connection, creativity and innovation for the American people and these recommended grants demonstrate those attributes and affirm that the arts are part of our everyday lives.”
Light Work’s director Shane Lavalette commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the third highest grant in the visual arts category, a testament to the importance of Light Work’s mission in supporting artists working in photography. We’re honored, and look forward to a great year ahead.”
Art Works grants support the creation of art, public engagement with art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancement of the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,474 eligible applications under the Art Works category, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, 919 are recommended for grants for a total of $26.6 million. For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov. Follow the conversation about this and other NEA-funded projects on Twitter at #NEAFall2014.
To learn more about the 2015 Artists-in-Residence, read our announcement on the Light Work Blog.
To become a supporter of Light Work yourself, consider making a contribution by beginning or renewing your subscription. We encourage you to help us achieve our goal of matching the NEA’s generous support. Contribute today and get something back in return.
Great Art. Great Cause. Browse limited-edition prints, signed books, and Contact Sheet at www.lightwork.org/shop
All subscriptions will assure that you receive the NEA-supported issue of Contact Sheet: The Light Work Annual 2015 next summer. Preview spreads from Contact Sheet 177: Light Work Annual 2014 online here.
