Lancaster Public Art Receives Our Town Grant

National Endowment for the Arts Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter announced 57 awards totaling $4.1 million supporting projects across the nation through the Arts Endowment’s Our Town program. Lancaster Public Art, in partnership with the Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College, is one of the recommended organizations for a grant of $75,000 for the PACE (Public Art Community Engagement) Boosting Communities program.

“These awards made to organizations across the United States are a testament to the artistic richness and diversity in our country,” said Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “Organizations such as Lancaster Public Art and the Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College are giving people in their community the opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired.”

PACE Boosting Communities is a partnership between the City of Lancaster and the Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College to support more art-based community development in neighborhoods by building the capacity of local artists and community organizations.

“We’re thrilled that Lancaster’s long-term investment in public art continues with this program, which will work with artists in our neighborhoods and continue to tell our diverse stories through the arts,” said Mayor Danene Sorace.

A cohort of six Lancaster-based artists will work in their own neighborhood to create and produce small public art projects over the course of two years. At the culmination of the two-year period, there will be a larger scale temporary public art installation and the Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College will present hold an exhibition showcasing the artists’ efforts.

“This collaboration highlights the mission of the Phillips Museum’s efforts as both a teaching museum and a supporter of local artists,” comments Amy Moorefield, museum director.

PACE Boosting Communities will augment current efforts of neighborhood partners, in southwest and southeast Lancaster, in empowering residents to take part in revitalization efforts by increasing accessibility to individuals who may face barriers, such as time or language, to attending public meetings.

“At Franklin & Marshall College, we are enthusiastic about bringing our people and programs into partnership with the city to build strong communities,” Franklin & Marshall College President Barbara K. Altmann said. “The NEA ‘Our Town’ grant gives the College and the City yet another opportunity to work together for the arts, artists and the community.”

The grant requires a 1:1 match. Locally, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, the S. Dale High Family Foundation, and the Mayor J. Richard and Gail Gray Fund have contributed to that match.

For more information about the Our Town grant, please visit the NEA web site at arts.gov.