FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arts Council of Rockland
(845) 937-3660
Cheryl Baun, Executive Director
Beth E. Brown, Membership Coordinator
www.artscouncilofrockland.org
Arts Council of Rockland and the Rockland Community Foundation
Announce 2020 Artist’s Support Fund Recipients
(Garnerville, NY, May 27, 2020) The Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR) and the Rockland Community Foundation announced today the recipients for the 2020 ARTIST’S SUPPORT FUND, a new initiative that provides grants directly to practicing artists in need of funds to support their on-going work. The recipients include local artists Bill Baston, Shirley Crabbe, Adam Falcon, Samuel Harps and Conor MacFinn.
“On behalf of the Arts Council of Rockland, I am thrilled to announce this year’s first round of recipients of the Artist’s Support Fund,” said Cheryl Baun, Executive Director.
“This fund was established as a way to support artists’ ongoing practice. We realize that sometimes even just a small infusion of monetary support can be the one thing that can bring work from concept to execution. These funds will help to support our local artists whose invaluable works enhance our lives and our communities.”
Bill Batson is an art activist, writer and publisher of the Nyack Sketch Log Vols 1 & 2, a compilation of short essays and sketches that chronicle a diverse Hudson River Valley community. He is also co-publisher, columnist and illustrator for Nyack News and Views.
Shirley Crabbe is an award-winning, jazz vocalist, voice-over artist, and educator who is also a veteran music teacher with over 30 years of experience as a choral conductor, NYSSMA adjudicator and private voice instructor.
Adam Falcon is an accomplished guitarist, singer/songwriter and educator, whose music is rooted in the blues and early soul. A teacher at the Rockland Conservancy of Music, Adam has resided in Rockland County for over 40 years.
Samuel Harps is an award-winning playwright, and the Founder and Artist Director of Shades Repertory Theater, located in West Haverstraw, a multicultural professional theater company serving North Rockland for over 20 years.
Conor MacFinn is a Nyack-based animator, filmmaker, and performer of Americana music. Conor’s music has been particularly influenced by his heritage from Appalachia, Scotland and Ireland.
Under the ARTIST’S SUPPORT FUND, grants are dispersed twice a year, (August 1st and January 1st) through a review process. Individual artists are invited to apply if they are Rockland County residents and members of ACOR with an ongoing practice in any discipline, including music, dance, visual art, film/media, creative writing, poetry, theater/performance.
The fund supports artists in a variety of areas, including studio rental or workshop space, supplies, equipment or instrument purchase or rental, fees for professional development workshops, website development and associated fees, transportation costs, costumes, emergencies related to artistic practice, and other needs determined by artists. Selected artists are eligible to reapply after two years. Deadlines for applications are May 1st and November 1st.
For more information, including application information and/or to make a donation to the ARTIST’S SUPPORT FUND, please visit www.artscouncilofrockland.org.
The Arts Council of Rockland is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the arts, culture and the role of artists in our community.
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