Monthly Archive for December, 2008

Knight Foundation contest winners to help transform arts scene and touch people across age, race and class

MIAMI – Thirty-one ideas to help transform the South Florida arts scene were awarded $8 million today from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The first-year winners of the Knight Arts Partnership include sculptors, musicians, prominent institutions and recently formed galleries – all of whom will raise the standards for arts in South Florida and bring together the region’s diverse population through their work.

“Nothing defines us more - or better - than our diversity. But the challenge of that diversity is to build a sense of community that is inclusive based on experiences and values we share. The arts in South Florida have the power to fuse culture, raise standards and enrich our collective life,” Alberto Ibargüen, president and CEO of Knight Foundation, said. “These 31 winners represent a creative energy that can transform the local landscape.”

The winners include projects to:

• Create a two-year, fellow residency program for up-and-coming artists to be taught by prominent international artists. Run by the University of Miami in partnership with developer Craig Robins, it will be headquartered in Miami’s Design District;
• Advance Miami’s film industry by forming a non-profit institute to fund and advise local filmmakers;
• Support Conductor James Judd in bringing classical music to Miami-Dade’s public schools in an intensive way, together with an annual festival featuring student and professional work.

Continue reading 'South Florida arts projects Get $8 million boost'