The board of the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust voted to award $10,185 to individuals and arts organizations at its Oct. 8 board meeting.
“The Gardner Humanities Trust received nine grant applications requesting almost $12,000 and the board was pleased to be able to approve all of the applications that qualified,” stated Peter Schamber, executive director for the Trust. “The board had extra funds due to some returned grant funds, which the board applied to this grant round. As a result, we were able to fund an operating support grant for the first time in several years. Operating support grants a not generally a priority for the Trust, and the board only funds them if there are unused funds in the grant round.”
Individual artist grants and youth grants are awarded for unique, short-term opportunities that will impact an artist’s career or provide a unique educational experience.
• Abby Dare was awarded $575 to develop and teach a watercolor class series in Ely.
• Jane Dandron-Holtz was awarded $310 to create a large puppet for the community’s use in public parades.
• Amelia Strom was awarded $750 to pursue voice lessons.
The Trust’s grant programs support activities in the fine arts and are intended to make possible art activities, presentations, and productions. Project grants were awarded this year to the following organizations:
• Tofte Lake Center was awarded $1,550 to grow their Day at the Lake event next summer.
• Boundary Water Choral Arts was awarded $2,000 for their annual winter performance.
• Mesabi Symphony Orchestra was awarded $1,000 to support their annual New Year’s Eve concert.
• Ely’s Historic State Theater was awarded $2,000 as an operating support grant.
The Trust has allocated $3,000 for use by the Ely Public Library this year.
Any questions about the grant programs, the Trust, or ways to support the arts in Ely can be directed to Peter Schamber, Executive Director at 218-365-2639 or at [email protected].
The purpose of the Trust is for the enhancement, growth and improvement of:
1. The Ely Public Library
2. The arts and artisans of Ely and surrounding area, to include the performing arts, the visual arts and literature.
3. The creating and funding of scholarships, educational and artistic grants.
4. The cultural and aesthetic environment of the City of Ely and its surrounding area.
