Oberlin Center for the Arts

Area Arts Groups Among Those Receiving Grants

Posted July 25, 2019 in Articles

Author: Laina Yost, The Chronicle-Telegram

The Ohio Arts Council distributed more than $14.7 million in grants statewide, including 16 to Lorain County organizations.

The Oberlin Center for the Arts received three grants for its newer organization, which will go toward arts education, arts and wellness outreach and expanding access to the arts.

Darren Hamm, executive director of the organization, said it’s exciting to receive the grants as the center establishes a rapport with the community.

More than $9,000 will go to its arts education program, which partners with several local school districts including Elyria, Lorain and Oberlin.

The program works to help art teachers with professional development. Hamm said it’s difficult for one organization to reach out to every student, so it works with teachers and other organizations to reach more students.

A grant of more than $10,000 will go to an in-school residency program, after-school arts academies and arts workshops. Hamm said the agency wants to develop programming where there are needs in the community.

The third grant of just more than $2,000 will go to the center’s music program. The organization partners with students from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music to bring music to Mercy Allen Hospital and Welcome Nursing Home.

Hamm said music has an opportunity to heal people and provide them with comfort. He said the students develop one-to-one connections in nursing homes.

The Oberlin Center for the Arts was formed by a three-year seed grant from the Nord Family Foundation. Hamm said the creators want to design a place where people can be comfortable in the arts.

The Firelands Association for the Visual Arts also received a grant in the amount of more than $12,000.

Kathleen Jackson, executive director of the organization, said the money will allow FAVA to keep its programs going. It offers 20 classes per quarter, summer camps and a gallery program that is free and open to the public.

Jackson said the money also will help with its 2020 quilt makers show, which is the second-oldest quilt show in the state.

Other organizations also received grants:

  • Spark Theatre Company Inc.: $3,171
  • Music on a Mission Inc.: $4,000
  • Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra: $13,904
  • FireFish Arts Inc.: $5,393
  • Oberlin Choristers: $9,252
  • Oberlin College: $9,705
  • Campana Center for Ideation and Invention at Lorain County Community College: $28,990
  • Slowik Music Institute: $14,668
  • Midview High School: $36,000
  • Stevan Dohanos Elementary School (Lorain Schools): $36,000

Original Article: http://www.chroniclet.com/Local-News/2019/07/25/Area-arts-groups-among-those-receiving-grants.html