THE WOODLANDS, TX—(September 16, 2024) In 2023 The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) received a call from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. They learned about the impact The Council was making with microgrants and wondered if they could take part in funding some performing arts projects. With demand for funds growing this proposed partnership enabled TWAC to double the program's impact last year.
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion awarded 10 performing arts grants for a total of $42,655 in funding. This freed The Woodlands Arts Council Because Art Matters committee to fund 15 Dr. David Gottlieb Education & Artist grants to the tune of $41,533. Combined these local non-profits put $84,188 to work in Montgomery County.
On a September morning staff & board members from The Woodlands Arts Council and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion arrived at Wilkerson Intermediate to meet with two teachers who received grant monies from both non-profits. Karen Etue received a Dr. David Gottlieb Education grant for $880 to facilitate a climate change sea glass project and Maggie McInnis received a Performing Arts Microgrant in partnership with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for $3,900 to purchase Ukuleles for the music program.
“Part of The Pavilion’s mission is to provide support to those with a passion for the fine arts in and around our community and are excited to continue this partnership with The Woodlands Arts Council to expand grant initiatives,” said Jeff Young, President and CEO of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. “Funding these ukuleles and being able to witness firsthand the impact on students as they learned to play really empowered us and we look forward to providing more opportunities that ensure all students have the opportunity to experience the power of the arts.”
The Woodlands Arts Council Microgrant Program application is open from September 5 - October 4, 2024. You can learn more about eligibility and submission requirements here:
https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/programs...“The Wilkerson Intermediate Ukuleles project, in partnership with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, gave students the chance to experience the joy of playing a string instrument, learning chords, and creating music. Similarly, the Climate Change Sea Glass art project allowed students to explore various mediums and create a beautiful, unique piece of art.” said Nancy Charbonneau, TWAC Board Secretary and Chair of the Because Art Matters Committee. “Meeting the educators and seeing how these microgrants bring the arts to life in our schools was truly inspiring, and a great reminder of how impactful this program is.”
Explore all the ways The Woodlands Arts Council is making art matter in Montgomery County:
https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/programs# # #
About The Woodlands Arts Council
The Woodlands Arts Council provides regional, cultural, and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support, and promote the visual and performing arts in our community. From the award-winning Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival to public art installations and the year-round community and educational outreach programs of Because Art Matters, the council has one primary goal…making art matter in our community!
About The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Opened in 1990, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is part of The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides diverse, high-quality performing arts events for the entertainment and enrichment of a broad regional audience. Through numerous educational and community outreach programs, The Pavilion is a catalyst for attracting new audiences to the performing arts and building strong ties between the arts and educational institutions.