Arts And Education Council Awards $40,000 In 2018-2019 PNC Program Grants

The Arts and Education Council (A&E) has awarded $40,000 in 2018-2019 PNC Program Grants to 11 organizations in the bi-state region for arts and arts education programs to address the community's needs. The grants, which range from $2,500 to $5,000 per organization, are generously underwritten by the PNC Foundation.

"The Arts and Education Council - in partnership with PNC - is proud to fund these organization's programs that align with our goal to promote the elements of a vibrant community," said Cynthia A. Prost, A&E president and CEO. "These grants will make possible art and art education programs that create a ripple effect across our region by sparking innovation, energizing communities, inspiring children, building bridges between cultures and enriching lives."

Since 2012, 185 grants totaling more than $270,000 have been awarded to organizations for programs serving 41 Missouri communities and 6 Illinois communities.

"At PNC, we recognize the important role that the arts play in the success, stability and growth of our local community," said Michael Scully, PNC regional president for St. Louis. "We are looking forward to seeing how this programming will inspire people of all ages to experience and interact with the arts."

The organizations and programs (in alphabetical order) that have been awarded 2018-2019 PNC Program Grants are:

• ArtScope Camp Create Mural Program is a one-week program in which campers work with established artists to create public art in the Tower Grove Community.
• Bach Society of Saint Louis St. Louis Bach Festival 2019 will include concerts, collaborations and several education and outreach opportunities celebrating the breadth of Bach's work across the St. Louis area.
• Gateway Men's Chorus 2018-2019 Concert Season includes a multi- faith holiday concert (Dec 2018); a concert featuring LGBTQIA composers (Mar 2019); and a late spring concert looking back at the Stonewall Riots (June 2019).
• International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum Lecture and Workshop Series shares the world of photography with art lovers and photographers of all ages and abilities.
• MindsEye Radio Audio Description provides live description of visual elements to individuals with visual disability at artistic and cultural events.
• Pianos For People Turn Up Your Talent-From Passion to Performance Summer Music Camp provides students an opportunity to conceive, write and produce a live musical production featuring original music, dance, spoken word and more.
• Prison Performing Arts Learning Through the Arts offers year-round performing arts classes to young people, ages 12-24, who are currently in prison or detention facilities.
• Rise Community Development The Rise Up Festival a one-day (Aug. 18), free street festival in downtown St. Louis celebrating revitalization in the city, featuring music, performances, an art show and competition and local artisan vendors.
• Show-Me Sound Organization 'Beating' Challenges is an after-school percussive arts education project at the Normandy Schools Collaborative 7th and 8th Grade Center.
• Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis's May 2019 festival will highlight a major work of Williams as well as lesser known works.
• That Uppity Theatre Company The Playback Now! St. Louis Family Series will offer playback performances geared toward families of all ages throughout the metro area.

Grant applications were reviewed based on mission, community need, potential impact, artistic quality and fiscal responsibility by a volunteer panel of the Grant Committee from A&E's Board of Directors and representatives of the PNC Foundation.

For more information about these organizations and A&E's grant programs, visit KeepArtHappening.org.

Photo: Rise Community Development's Rise Up Festival, funded with a PNC Program Grant from the Arts and Education Council, returns to downtown St. Louis Aug. 18. Photo courtesy Lifetime Media.