Artspace to Receive an Art Works Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

New Haven —National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $25 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2018.  Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $ 20,000 to Artspace for City-Wide Open Studios 2018. The Art Works category is the NEA’s largest funding category and supports projects that focus on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and/or the strengthening of communities through the arts.

“It is energizing to see the impact that the arts are making throughout the United States. These NEA-supported projects, such as this one to Artspace are good examples of how the arts build stronger and more vibrant communities, improve well-being, prepare our children to succeed, and increase the quality of our lives,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “At the National Endowment for the Arts, we believe that all people should have access to the joy, opportunities and connections the arts bring.”

“Artspace is thrilled to receive an Art Works grant from the NEA. This funding will be used to support Artspace’s 2018 City-Wide Open Studios. Our open studios event is very much in line with the grant’s focus on public engagement and strengthening communities through the arts,“ said Artspace Board Chair Matt Maleska. “This year, Artspace is teaming up Yale School of Nursing to address the theme of ‘Wellbeing’. We are thankful for the NEA’s funding as it will help Artspace create a one-of-a-kind forum for individuals and organizations to use the arts to reconsider the health and wellness of their community.”

One of the largest events of its kind, Artspace’s City-Wide Open Studios is in its 21st year. Artists from across Connecticut are invited to open their doors and exhibit their work in their own studios, or at the creative complex Erector Square in Fair Haven, or at the Alternative Space.  Thousands of visitors and over 350+ artists participate each year in this exhibition the size of a city. Artspace is currently accepting proposals for funded projects that address the theme of “Wellbeing” to be presented during City-Wide Open Studios 2018. Learn more.

For more information on all the projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.