Artists Strengthen Practice While Social Distancing

Public Art Learning Fund Makes 20 Awards

Jun 18, 2020

Public Art Learning Fund grantee Pamela Moulton's "Lilies Floating in the Sky" (pink textile lilies at Hewnoaks Artist Colony), courtesy of Pamela Moulton's CreativeGround profile.

(Boston, MA) The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) is pleased to announce the latest Public Art Learning Fund recipients. The grants support professional development opportunities for New England artists to strengthen their public art practices.

“Artists know their own needs best, and this grant is an opportunity for artists to add a new tool to their tool kit. This round of awards included artists attending an online course about contracts, attending virtual conferences, training on a new digital tool, and coaching,” said program director Kim Szeto. “These uncertain times call for flexible arts funding, and the Public Art Learning Fund offers artists the opportunity to determine what they need to reimagine how their public art practice can contribute to more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces in their communities.”

The Public Art Learning Fund focuses on professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and trainings, that build necessary skills, resources, connections to strengthen artists’ public art practices and the public art field at large. Tran Vu, an inaugural PALF grant recipient, reflects on her grant, sharing that, “The (MASS MoCA Financial Wellness) Residency has helped to expand my understanding and ability both as a practicing artist but also as a growing arts entrepreneur in terms cultivating a sustainable business."

This second round awarded a total of $31,500 through 20 grants ranging from $1,000-$2,000.

The recipients are:

Adelka Polak, Bethel, CT
Althea Rao, New Haven, CT
ANSON RAPS, Boston, MA
Art At Work (Marty Pottenger), South Portland, ME
Chris Battaglia, Swanville, ME
Claudia Flynn, South Kingston, RI
Elizabeth Billings, Tunbridge, VT
Eric Cruze + Tomo Sakai, Worcester, MA
Erika Senft Miller, Colchester, VT
JC Wayne, Shelburne, VT
Jesse Aron Green, Waltham, MA
Kara Fili, Medford, MA
Karen Krolak, Malden, MA
Liz LaManche, Westford, MA
Maria Finkelmeier, Boston, MA
Melissa Richmond, Claremont, NH
Nimble Arts (Elsie and Serenity Smith), West Brattleboro, VT
Pamela Moulton, South Portland, ME
Shey Rivera, Providence, RI
Tori Lawrence + Co. (Tori Lawrence), Shoreham, VT

Visit NEFA’s grantee directory to learn more about each award. NEFA’s public art program is made possible by funding from the Barr Foundation and the Fund for the Arts, an endowed fund at NEFA.

The Public Art Learning Fund has two annual deadlines; the next deadline to apply is November 9, 2020.

About NEFA

The New England Foundation for the Arts invests in artists and communities and fosters equitable access to the arts, enriching the cultural landscape in New England and the nation. NEFA accomplishes this by granting funds to artists and cultural organizations; connecting them to each other and their audiences; and analyzing their economic contributions. NEFA serves as a regional partner for the National Endowment for the Arts, New England’s state arts agencies, and private foundations. Learn more at www.nefa.org.