Here at the Chatham County Arts Council, we partner with the Durham Arts Council on their groundbreaking Emerging Artist Program. This year, we're thrilled to announce that four Chatham County residents have been awarded the Emerging Artist Program grant! What the heck does that mean? This: The Emerging Artist Program provides financial support to developing or established professionals by funding a project pivotal to the advancement of their careers as artists. Very cool.
Our awesome local Emerging Artist Grantees are crafts-person Ann Corley Silverman, sculptor Darren Kendrick Powers (his artwork is pictured left), photographer Michael Lento, and musician John Westmoreland. Each applicant's project underwent a strict review process to verify the excellence of their artwork, the professional commitment to their art, the opportunity for professional development, and the feasibility of the project.
The Emerging Artists Program is funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, The Ella Fountain Pratt Fund, Carver Fund, the Durham Arts Council Annual Arts Fund, and individual contributions.