$10,000 awarded to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017.  Included in this announcement is an Art Works award of $10,000 to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to support the creation and implementation of the exhibition Augusta Savage: Artist-Community-Activist, to be on view in 2018.  The grant also funds the publication and programming associated with the exhibition.  The NEA received 1,728 Art Works applications and will make 1,029 grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

“The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as the Cummer Museum, in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences.”

Augusta Savage: Artist-Community-Activist, organized by the Cummer Museum, will focus on Augusta Savage’s lasting legacy as a Harlem Renaissance leader, her art, and her influence on her students.  A gifted sculptor, Savage (1892-1962) became an important teacher, leader, and catalyst for change.  Through this exhibition, the Museum seeks to highlight the artistic, social, and historic impact of Savage who, despite her influential career, is largely under-recognized today. Once the exhibition closes at the Museum, it will travel to four other museums.

“For the past decade, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has passionately championed the legacy of Augusta Savage throughout the state of Florida,” states Cummer Museum Chief Operating Officer & Chief Curator Holly Keris. “Even though her career led her north, Savage was born in relative proximity to our Museum and her passion for sculpture developed in our region.  The Cummer Museum feels this connection deeply, and we are delighted have received this grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Support of this level adds to the credibility of our institution and the legitimacy to this project.”

To join the Twitter conversation about this announcement, please use #NEASpring17.  For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, go to arts.gov

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
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